How to Use a Camera As a Scanner

Turn your camera into a scanner.

Sometimes you might be at the library and need to make a copy of an article or legal document, but there's no scanner nearby. Well, with the right software you can easily turn your digital or cell phone camera into a scanner.

Instructions

1. Purchase a scanner software application that suits your needs. Available applications include Qipit, Scanr and Snapter. Prices as of 2010 range between $29.99 to $49.99.

2. Download and install the application to your computer or cell phone by double-clicking on the file and following directions.

3. Photograph the document or item you need to convert. Make sure you fill up the whole screen.

4. Open the application by going to "Menu, Applications, File" and "Import a Photo." Wait for the software to process the document into a PDF file. Create a name for the document and click "Save." You have successfully scanned your document.

References

• LifeHacker: Turn your digital camera into a scanner

Resources

• Scanr.com: Mobile phone camera software
• Snapter: Digital camera scanner software
• Qipit: Scanner software