How to Scan in DEVONthink To Go

In the past, we have covered how to scan to DEVONthink To Go using a third-party app and how to use your iPhone as a scanner for DEVONthink. But you can also use the built-in scan feature of DEVONthink To Go to scan directly into the current database, and even make searchable, multi-page documents.

First, set up OCR. Go into Settings > OCR and enable Make scans searchable, choose a language if needed, and adjust further options to suit your situation.

Now go into a database, tap the Add button (+) and choose Scan. The first time you do a scan, you’ll be prompted to allow use of the camera. Once the permission is granted, position the mobile device over a document. You’ll see a blue, dynamic polygon, moving as it tries to detect page edges. Once it determines where it thinks the page is, it will automatically capture the page and a thumbnail of the captured page appears at the lower left. To switch to manual capture instead, tap the Shutter button.

If one scan is all you need, tap the checkmark button and the document will be saved in the database, and OCR will make it searchable. If you are scanning a multi-page document, change the page and continue the process until finished. Then tap the checkmark button to save the scans into one document.

To quickly access the scanner from your home screen, long-press DEVONthink To Go’s application icon and choose New Scan. The app will open and you can follow the process described above.

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