How to Scan to PDF from an HP Printer: 3 Easy Ways

How to Scan to PDF from an HP Printer: 3 Easy Ways

You've bought a multifunction printer, and now you need to send a signed form or an ID card as a PDF. The good news is that scanning is simple once you know which app to use. The one thing that trips most people up is getting many pages into one PDF instead of a pile of separate files.

This guide shows three easy ways to scan to PDF, how to combine pages, and what to do if the scan won't start.

The short answer

  • On a Windows computer: use the HP Smart app. It scans from the glass or the document feeder and can combine pages into one PDF.
  • On your phone: use the HP Smart app to scan with the printer, or use your phone's camera.
  • From the printer itself: many models can start a scan from the control panel, though options vary by model.

Before you start

  1. Check your printer scans. Only multifunction printers have a scanner. A print-only printer cannot scan.
  2. Check the connection. The printer must be on and connected to your computer (by cable or Wi-Fi), and your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  3. Clean the glass. Marks on the scanner glass show up as lines or spots on your scan. Wipe it with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  4. Know your model. Some printers have a flatbed only (you scan one page at a time on the glass). Others have a document feeder that takes a stack of pages. Our multifunction printer guide explains the difference.

Method 1: Scan from Windows with the HP Smart app

  1. Open the HP Smart app. If you don't have it, install it from the Microsoft Store.
  2. Select your printer.
  3. Click Scan.
  4. Choose the scan source: Scanner (the printer) and, if your printer has both, Flatbed (the glass) or Document Feeder.
  5. Pick Document as the scan type, and choose PDF as the file type.
  6. Place your page on the glass (face down, lined up with the corner marking) or load your pages in the feeder.
  7. Click Scan and check the preview.
  8. Click Save, choose a name and a folder, and you're done.

Windows also has its own built-in Scan app, but it saves one page at a time and doesn't combine pages into a single PDF. For multi-page PDFs, use HP Smart.

Method 2: Scan with your phone using HP Smart

  1. Install the HP Smart app from Google Play or the App Store, and sign in or follow the setup.
  2. Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, then select your printer in the app.
  3. Tap Scan.
  4. Choose Scanner to use the printer's scanner, or Camera to photograph the page with your phone.
  5. Place your page on the glass or in the feeder (for Scanner), or hold your phone steady over the page in good light (for Camera).
  6. Tap Scan or the capture button, and adjust the edges if the app asks.
  7. Choose PDF as the format, then tap Save or Share.

You can then send the PDF by email or a messaging app straight from your phone.

Method 3: Scan from the printer's control panel

Many multifunction printers can start a scan from their own buttons or touchscreen.

  1. Place the document on the glass or in the feeder.
  2. On the printer, choose Scan.
  3. Pick where to send it. Options depend on the model and can include your computer, a USB drive, or a shared folder. Some models can also send to email.
  4. Start the scan.

Simple control panels have fewer options. If your printer has only a few buttons, it's usually easier to start the scan from the HP Smart app.

Each model is different, so check your printer's manual to see which options yours has.

How to scan many pages into one PDF

With a document feeder:

  1. Load all the pages in the feeder, face up or as the printer's diagram shows.
  2. In HP Smart, choose Scan, set the source to Document Feeder, and set the type to Document and the file type to PDF.
  3. Click Scan. The pages are scanned one after another.
  4. Click Save. All pages save in one PDF.

Without a feeder (flatbed only):

  1. Scan the first page on the glass.
  2. Click Add or the + icon to add another page.
  3. Place the next page on the glass and click Scan again.
  4. Repeat until every page is scanned, then click Save and choose PDF.

If every page saves as a separate file, check that you chose PDF as the file type, not JPEG, and that you used Add rather than starting a new scan.

How to scan an ID card or both sides of a page

  1. Place the card on the glass, near the corner marking.
  2. Scan the front.
  3. Click Add, turn the card over, and scan the back.
  4. Save the result as one PDF.

Some models with a feeder can scan both sides of a page in one pass. Check your manual to see if yours can.

How to get a good scan

  • Choose the right resolution. Around 200 to 300 DPI is enough for most documents. Higher settings make larger files and take longer, and HP notes that multi-page scans may need 300 DPI or lower.
  • Use black-and-white for text pages to keep file sizes small, and colour for photos or stamps.
  • Keep pages flat and straight on the glass.
  • Remove staples and clips before using the feeder, and don't load torn or damp pages.
  • Check the preview before you save.

If the scan won't start

  1. Check that the printer is on and connected, and that your computer or phone is on the same network.
  2. Restart the printer and your device.
  3. Update the HP Smart app.
  4. Remove the printer and add it again in HP Smart.
  5. Check for a paper jam or an error on the printer screen.

Our guide to fixing a printer that won't print covers connection and driver problems in more detail.

Which of our printers scan?

Browse all our multifunction printers. If you use an HP Smart Tank, our guide on how to refill it is a useful companion.

Keep your scans organised and private

  • Name files clearly, for example with the date and document type.
  • Keep scans in one folder so you can find them later.
  • Delete scans of ID cards and bank documents from shared computers and phones when you're done.
  • Be careful when emailing sensitive documents. Send them only to the right person, and don't leave copies in shared inboxes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I scan to PDF on an HP printer?
Open the HP Smart app, select your printer, choose Scan, set the file type to PDF, scan your page and click Save.

How do I scan multiple pages into one PDF?
Use a document feeder and scan the whole stack, or use the Add or + button in HP Smart to add each page, then save as PDF.

Can I scan from my phone?
Yes. Use the HP Smart app on your phone, on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, or use the phone's camera.

Can I scan directly to email?
Some models can. If yours can't, save the PDF and attach it to an email.

Why do my scans have lines or spots?
Usually dirt on the scanner glass. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth.

Are the printers on WERY genuine?
Yes. WERY sells 100% genuine products with official brand warranty.

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