Discover the Power of Your Brother Scanner DS-940DW: How to Use It for Stunning Results

The Brother DS-940DW is a powerful and versatile document scanner designed to streamline your workflow and increase productivity. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or simply someone who needs to digitize documents regularly, this scanner offers a range of features that can simplify your life. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps of using the Brother DS-940DW, from initial setup to advanced scanning techniques.

Getting Started: Unboxing and Setup

1. Unboxing: Carefully remove the scanner from its packaging, ensuring all components are present. This includes the scanner itself, power cord, USB cable, software CD, and user manual.
2. Connecting to Power: Plug the power cord into the scanner and then into a wall outlet. You’ll see the power indicator light turn on, signifying the scanner is receiving power.
3. Connecting to Your Computer: You have two options for connecting the scanner to your computer:

• USB Cable: Connect the USB cable to the scanner and your computer. The scanner will be automatically detected and installed by your computer’s operating system.
• Wireless Network: If your computer and scanner are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can connect them wirelessly. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on configuring wireless connectivity.

4. Installing Software: Insert the software CD into your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary drivers and software. Alternatively, you can download the latest software from Brother’s website.

Basic Scanning: Your First Scan

1. Open the Scanner Software: Once the software is installed, open the Brother ControlCenter2 application. This is your central hub for controlling the scanner and accessing its various features.
2. Load Your Document: Open the scanner lid and place your document face down on the scanning glass. Ensure the document is flat and properly aligned.
3. Select Scan Type: Choose the appropriate scan type from the software interface. Options include:

• Document: For scanning standard documents like letters, invoices, or reports.
• Photo: For scanning photographs or images.
• Business Card: For scanning business cards and capturing contact information.

4. Adjust Settings: Customize the scanning settings based on your needs, such as resolution, color mode, file format, and destination.
5. Start Scanning: Click the “Scan” button to initiate the scanning process. The scanner will automatically scan the document and save the digital copy to your chosen location.

Advanced Features: Exploring the DS-940DW’s Capabilities

The Brother DS-940DW offers a range of advanced features that can enhance your scanning experience:

1. Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

The ADF allows you to scan multiple documents without manually placing each one on the scanning glass. Simply stack the documents in the ADF, set the desired settings, and the scanner will automatically feed and scan each page.

2. Duplex Scanning

The DS-940DW has duplex scanning capabilities, meaning it can scan both sides of a document simultaneously. This saves time and effort, especially when dealing with two-sided documents like contracts or reports.

3. Scan to Cloud Services

The scanner allows you to directly scan documents to popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, and more. This enables seamless integration with your cloud storage solutions and facilitates easy sharing and access.

4. OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

The DS-940DW features OCR technology, which converts scanned documents into editable text. This allows you to search through scanned documents, copy and paste text, and even edit the content.

5. Mobile Scanning

The scanner can be used with mobile devices through a dedicated app. This enables you to scan documents on the go and send them to your computer or cloud storage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Brother DS-940DW is a reliable scanner, you may encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

1. Scanner Not Detected

• Check Connections: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the scanner and your computer.
• Driver Installation: Make sure the necessary drivers are installed correctly. Reinstall the drivers if needed.
• Restart Devices: Restart both your computer and the scanner.

2. Scanning Errors

• Document Alignment: Ensure the document is placed flat and properly aligned on the scanning glass or in the ADF.
• Paper Jam: If the scanner jams, carefully remove the jammed paper following the instructions in the user manual.
• Software Glitch: Try restarting the scanner software or reinstalling it if necessary.

3. Poor Scan Quality

• Resolution Settings: Adjust the resolution settings to a higher level for better image quality.
• Document Condition: Ensure the document is clean and free of wrinkles or folds.
• Lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial for optimal scan quality.

Optimizing Your Workflow: Tips and Tricks

• Use Preset Profiles: Create custom profiles for different scan types (e.g., documents, photos, business cards) to save time and ensure consistent results.
• Explore Advanced Settings: Experiment with the various settings available in the software to fine-tune the scanning process for specific needs.
• Utilize Shortcuts: Take advantage of keyboard shortcuts and toolbars for quick access to frequently used functions.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep the scanner clean and dust-free to ensure optimal performance.

Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your Scanning Abilities

The Brother DS-940DW can handle a wide range of scanning tasks, from simple document digitization to more complex projects. Here are some additional applications:

• Scanning Receipts and Invoices: Keep track of your expenses by scanning receipts and invoices for easy storage and retrieval.
• Creating Digital Archives: Organize and preserve important documents by scanning them and creating a digital archive.
• Scanning Photos and Artwork: Capture and share your memories by scanning photos, artwork, and other visual materials.
• Scanning Business Cards: Quickly capture contact information from business cards for easy storage and sharing.

The Final Word: Unleashing the Power of Your DS-940DW

The Brother DS-940DW is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. By following this guide and exploring its features, you can unlock its full potential and streamline your workflow. Embrace the convenience and versatility of this scanner and enjoy the benefits of a digital-first approach to document management.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. What is the maximum scan resolution of the Brother DS-940DW?
The maximum scan resolution is 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch).
2. Can I scan documents directly to a USB drive?
Yes, the DS-940DW supports scanning directly to a USB drive.
3. What types of file formats does the scanner support?
The DS-940DW supports various file formats, including PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG.
4. Can I use the scanner with a Mac computer?
Yes, the DS-940DW is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
5. How do I clean the scanner?
To clean the scanner, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the scanning glass and the ADF rollers. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.