You can scan paper documents directly into PDF format using built-in tools on your device or free apps. Below are step-by-step instructions for each platform.

Windows

1. Connect your scanner to your computer via USB or Wi‑Fi.

2. Place your document in the scanner (face down for flatbed, face up for feeder).

3. Open Start, type Windows Fax and Scan, and select it.

4. Click New Scan in the toolbar.

5. Select your scanner, choose PDF as the file type, and adjust settings.

6. Click Preview to check alignment, then click Scan.

7. Go to File > Save As, choose location, name the file, and save as PDF.

Mac

1. Connect your scanner via USB or Wi‑Fi.

2. Place the document in the scanner.

3. Click the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).

4. Select Printers & Scanners, choose your scanner, and click Open Scanner.

5. Click Show Details, set Format to PDF, and choose save location.

6. If scanning multiple pages, check Combine into single document.

7. Click Scan for each page; the PDF will save to your chosen location.