How do I Scan a Document to Add to Email?

By Richard Schupp

Updated September 28, 2017

i Siri Stafford/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Scanning a document into your computer requires the use of a scanner. After scanning the document, it will be saved to your computer's hard drive as an image file. This image file can then be transferred to a number of different programs. It can also be sent to different people through email by adding it as an attachment in a message you are sending. Any email service can send an attachment along with your message. The process is as simple as logging into your email account.

Scanning the Document

Place the document with the side you wish to scan facing the glass. Make sure that the corners of the document are aligned with one of the corners of the scanner.

Close the lid to the scanner and press the “Scan” button. After the scan is complete, a preview of the scanned image will appear on your computer. Check the image and make any necessary edits.

Save the scanned file to a location on your computer. You can choose what file extension you wish the document to be saved as by clicking on the drop-down menu next to "Save as type" in the save window.

Attaching to an Email

Open you web browser and navigate to your email inbox.

Create a new email message. Place the email address of the person you wish to send the document to in the “To” line. Remember to add a subject.

Click on the button that allows you to attach a document to the message. This is usually a paperclip icon, or sometimes simply a button that reads “Attach.”

Click the “Browse” button and navigate to the location on your computer where you saved the file.

Click on the file to highlight it, and then click the “Open” button. When you see that your attachment is loaded to your message, you can add some text in the message portion of the email and click the “Send” button.

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