How to Scan with Canon Pixma MG3620: The Ultimate Guide

Quick summary

Whether you’re a seasoned scanner pro or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to make the most of your device.
Your printer might prompt you to choose a software program to use for the scan.
You can choose to scan only a portion of the document or photo.

If you’re the proud owner of a Canon PIXMA MG3620, you’ve got a versatile all-in-one printer, copier, and scanner at your fingertips. But have you ever wondered how to harness the power of its scanning capabilities? This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of scanning with your Canon PIXMA MG3620, from basic document scans to more advanced techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned scanner pro or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to make the most of your device.

Getting Started: The Basics of Scanning

Before you dive into the world of scanning, let’s start with the essentials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing a basic scan using your Canon PIXMA MG3620:
1. Power Up and Load: Make sure your printer is turned on and ready to go. Place the document you want to scan face down on the scanner glass. Ensure the document is flat and aligned within the scan area.
2. The Scan Button: Locate the “Scan” button on your printer’s control panel. It’s usually a dedicated button with a picture of a scanner. Press this button to initiate the scan process.
3. Software Selection: Your printer might prompt you to choose a software program to use for the scan. You can select from options like Canon’s “My Image Garden” or “Scan Utility” or even your computer’s built-in scanner app.
4. Scan Settings: Depending on your chosen software, you’ll have the option to adjust various scan settings. These include:

Scan Type: Choose “Document” for text-based documents or “Photo” for images.
Resolution: Higher resolution means more detail and larger file sizes. Choose a resolution appropriate for your needs.
File Format: Select the desired file format for your scan. Common options include PDF, JPEG, and TIFF.
Color Mode: Choose “Color” for full-color scans, “Grayscale” for black and white, or “Black and White” for pure black and white.

5. Start Scanning: Once you’ve adjusted the settings, click “Start” or “Scan” to begin the scanning process.
6. Save Your Scan: After the scan is complete, you’ll be prompted to save the file on your computer. Choose a location and file name, and you’re done!

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Scanning Techniques

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore some more advanced scanning techniques that can unlock the full potential of your Canon PIXMA MG3620:

1. Scanning Multiple Pages:

For multi-page documents, your Canon PIXMA MG3620 makes it easy to scan multiple pages at once. Depending on your printer model, you might have an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can handle multiple sheets. If not, you can scan pages individually and then combine them into a single file using your chosen software.

2. Scanning Photos:

Whether you’re digitizing old family photos or preserving precious memories, your Canon PIXMA MG3620 can handle various photo types. Use the “Photo” scan setting for optimal results. You can also experiment with different resolution settings to achieve the desired level of detail.

3. Scanning to Email:

Need to send a scanned document directly to someone’s email address? Many printers, including the Canon PIXMA MG3620, offer this convenient feature. Simply select the “Scan to Email” option in your printer’s software, enter the recipient’s email address, and send your scan.

4. Scanning to Cloud Storage:

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive have become increasingly popular. Some printers, including the Canon PIXMA MG3620, allow you to scan directly to your preferred cloud storage service. This eliminates the need to save the scan locally and then upload it manually.

5. Using the Canon “My Image Garden” Software:

Canon’s “My Image Garden” software offers a comprehensive suite of features for scanning, editing, and printing photos. It allows you to perform advanced scans, including:

Scanning with automatic image correction: “My Image Garden” can automatically correct color balance, brightness, and other image imperfections.
Scanning with specific areas of interest: You can choose to scan only a portion of the document or photo.
Creating custom scan profiles: Save your preferred scan settings as a profile for easy access in the future.

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

Even with the best technology, occasional issues can arise. Here are some common scanning problems and their potential solutions:

The scanner won’t recognize the document: Ensure the document is placed flat on the scanner glass, and the lid is closed securely. Try restarting your printer and computer.
The scan is blurry or distorted: Check the document for any wrinkles or creases. Ensure the scanner glass is clean and free of debris. Try adjusting the resolution settings for a sharper scan.
The scan is too dark or too light: Adjust the brightness and contrast settings in your scanner software. You might need to experiment with different settings to achieve the desired result.
The scan is not saving properly: Ensure you have sufficient disk space on your computer. Check your file permissions to ensure the software has access to the desired save location.

Beyond the Scan: Enhancing Your Scans

Once you’ve successfully scanned your document or photo, you can further enhance it using various tools and techniques:

Image Editing Software: Software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or even free online editors can help you crop, resize, adjust colors, and apply special effects to your scans.
OCR Software: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software can convert scanned text documents into editable text files. This allows you to search, edit, and copy the text from your scans.
Document Management Software: For organizing and managing your scans, consider using a dedicated document management software program. These programs offer features like file indexing, keyword tagging, and search functionality.

Embracing the Versatility of Your Canon PIXMA MG3620

With its powerful scanning capabilities, your Canon PIXMA MG3620 can become a valuable tool for both personal and professional tasks. From digitizing old documents to creating high-quality images for your website or social media, the possibilities are endless. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you can unlock the full potential of your printer and take your scanning experience to the next level.