5 Tips for Perfect Document Scans Every Time

DocuMaster's AI-powered scanner makes document scanning easier than ever, but a few simple techniques can take your scans from good to professional. Here are five tips for perfect results every time.

1. Lighting is Everything

Good lighting is the foundation of a great scan. Here's what works best:

• Natural light: Position near a window for soft, even illumination
• Avoid direct sunlight: It creates harsh shadows and blown-out areas
• Multiple light sources: Reduce shadows by lighting from different angles
• No flash: DocuMaster works best without your phone's flash

DocuMaster's auto-enhancement helps correct lighting issues, but starting with good light gives you the best foundation.

2. Position Your Document Flat

A flat document is crucial for clear, distortion-free scans:

• Use a hard, flat surface (desk, table, book)
• Smooth out any wrinkles or folds
• For bound documents, press gently to flatten the page
• Use a small weight on corners if needed

DocuMaster's edge detection works best when the document lies completely flat.

3. Choose the Right Background

The background behind your document matters more than you'd think:

• High contrast: Dark background for white paper, or vice versa
• Solid colors: Avoid patterned surfaces that confuse edge detection
• Clean surface: Remove any objects near the document edges

A dark desk or black notebook under white paper creates the perfect contrast for DocuMaster's AI to detect edges accurately.

4. Hold Steady and Shoot Straight

Camera position affects both clarity and perspective:

• Directly above: Position your phone parallel to the document
• Steady hands: Use both hands and brace your elbows if needed
• Full frame: Make sure all corners are visible with some margin
• Clean lens: Wipe your camera lens before scanning

DocuMaster can correct minor perspective issues, but starting straight gives the best results.

5. Use the Right Enhancement Mode

DocuMaster offers multiple enhancement modes for different document types:

Auto Mode

Best for most documents. The AI analyzes content and applies optimal settings.

B&W Mode

Perfect for text documents, contracts, and forms. Creates crisp, high-contrast results.

Grayscale Mode

Good for documents with photos or illustrations where you want to preserve detail without color.

Enhanced Color Mode

Best for color documents, marketing materials, or anything where color accuracy matters.

Bonus Tip: Batch Scanning

When scanning multiple pages, use DocuMaster's batch mode:

• Capture all pages in sequence
• Review and reorder before saving
• Create a single multi-page PDF
• Consistent settings across all pages