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Scanning Documents with Brother Printer: Simple Steps to Follow

Dial 1-888-966-6097 Brother printers are well-known for their reliability, multifunction capabilities, and user-friendly features. One of the most commonly used functions is scanning documents — whether you're digitizing paperwork, emailing signed forms, or backing up files. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to scan documents with a Brother printer, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

📋 What You Need Before You Start

Before scanning, ensure the following:
  • Your Brother printer has scanning capability (check if it’s a MFC or DCP model).
  • The printer is connected to your computer via USB or the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Brother’s scanning software is installed on your PC or Mac.
  • Windows: Brother ControlCenter4
  • macOS: Brother iPrint&Scan or Image Capture
  • The document is ready to be scanned (loaded in the scanner glass or ADF tray).

✅ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Scan with Brother Printer

🔹 Method 1: Scan Using ControlCenter4 (Windows)

  1. Install Drivers
  2. Visit the Brother Support Site and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
  3. Launch ControlCenter4
  • Go to Start > Brother > ControlCenter4
  • Select Advanced Mode for full functionality.
  1. Load the Document
  • Place it face-down on the scanner glass
  • Or, load it in the ADF tray for multi-page scans.
  1. Select Scan Type
  2. Choose one of the following:
  • Scan to Image (JPEG/PNG)
  • Scan to File (PDF, TIFF)
  • Scan to OCR (Editable text)
  • Scan to Email
  1. Customize Settings
  • Choose resolution, color, file format, and destination folder.
  1. Click “Scan”
  • The file will be saved to the specified folder.

🔹 Method 2: Scan From the Brother Printer Control Panel

  1. Press “Scan” Button on the Printer
  2. Choose Scan to PC
  3. Select the scan type (File, Image, Email, OCR)
  4. Choose your computer from the device list
  5. Press Start to begin scanning
📝 Note: Make sure your computer is powered on and the scanning software is running.

🔹 Method 3: Use iPrint&Scan (Windows/macOS)

  1. Download Brother iPrint&Scan
  2. Get it from the Brother website or Mac App Store.
  3. Open the App & Choose Your Printer
  4. Place the Document on the Scanner
  5. Click Scan, adjust preferences, and then click Start Scan
  6. Save the scanned document on your PC or Mac

🔹 Method 4: Scan Using macOS Image Capture

  1. Open Image Capture (built-in Mac app)
  2. Select your Brother printer
  3. Load your document
  4. Choose output settings (resolution, format)
  5. Click Scan

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Scan Issues

ProblemSolutionPrinter not detectedReinstall drivers, check USB/Wi-Fi connectionScan button not respondingRestart printer and computer, update firmwareScans are blurryClean scanner glass, check paper alignmentCannot scan wirelesslyEnsure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi networkFile not savingCheck destination folder settings in scanning software

📂 Scan File Formats

  • PDF: Ideal for multi-page documents
  • JPEG/PNG: For high-quality images
  • TIFF: For archiving or publishing
  • OCR (Text): Converts scanned image to editable text

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I scan wirelessly from my Brother printer to my computer?

Yes, as long as both the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and Brother software is installed.

Q2. Do I need internet to scan a document?

No, scanning only requires a local connection via USB or Wi-Fi.

Q3. Where are my scanned files saved?

By default:
  • In ControlCenter4, they’re saved in “My Documents > Scanned Documents.”
  • You can customize the destination folder in the software settings.

Q4. What if my printer doesn’t show the “Scan to PC” option?

Ensure that:
  • Your computer is on.
  • ControlCenter4 or iPrint&Scan is running in the background.
  • The driver is properly installed.

Q5. Can I scan multiple pages into a single PDF file?

Yes. Use the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) and select PDF as the file type. Make sure the “Combine pages” option is enabled.

Q6. Is scanning with the Brother app available for smartphones?

Yes, download the Brother iPrint&Scan app on iOS or Android to scan documents directly to your phone.

🖨️ Final Thoughts

Scanning documents with a Brother printer is straightforward once everything is set up. Whether you're scanning for business, school, or personal use, Brother’s software and intuitive controls make the process quick and hassle-free. By following these simple steps and using the right software, you’ll have your documents digitized and organized in no time.

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