Why VisionKit Makes a Difference
Taking a standard photo of a piece of paper often produces curved lines, uneven shadows, angled perspectives, and oversized image files. Apple's VisionKit framework solves these issues through real-time computer vision:
- Real-Time Edge Detection: Automatically identifies the four corners of a page on a desk.
- Perspective Correction: Straightens angled shots so the document appears flat and square.
- Automatic Shutter: Snaps each page automatically as soon as it detects stable framing.
- Document Filters: Cleans up shadows and boosts text contrast so small fonts stay legible.
Step-by-Step: Scanning Documents with img2pdf
- Open img2pdf and tap Scan on the home grid.
- Place your document on a flat surface with contrasting background (such as a dark desk for white paper).
- Hold your iPhone over the page. The scanner will highlight the page in blue and automatically take the scan. Continue to turn pages for multi-page documents.
- When finished, tap Save in the bottom right corner of the scanner.
- Inspect & Organize: In img2pdf, your scanned pages appear in a clean grid. Drag thumbnails to reorder pages if needed.
- Edit & Enhance: Tap any page to open the editor. Adjust crop handles, rotate orientation, or choose a visual look such as B&W or Color Document.
- Export: Tap Save PDF. Select your preferred layout (US Letter or A4) and preset (Small, Standard, or Best) to create a clean, shareable PDF.
Scanning Both Sides of an ID Card: Tap Add > ID card scan to capture the front and back of a driver's license or identification card into a single aligned page.
Built-in Redaction for Sensitive Paperwork
When scanning tax forms, mortgage applications, or medical receipts, you often need to share the document while protecting specific sensitive numbers. In img2pdf:
- Tap the page thumbnail in the grid.
- Tap More in the bottom bar and select Redact.
- Draw a black privacy block directly over Social Security numbers, bank account figures, or private phone numbers.
- The opaque redaction is permanently embedded into the output PDF during export, preventing anyone from inspecting the underlying text or image data.
Best Practices for Clean Document Scans
- Good Lighting: Diffuse overhead light prevents harsh shadows across the text. Avoid standing directly between the light source and the document.
- Contrasting Surface: Scanning white sheets against a dark desk or table helps the edge detection locate boundaries instantly.
- Choose the Right Preset: For text documents and forms, the Small preset (150 DPI B&W) delivers ultra-sharp text at a fraction of the file size, making it effortless to email or upload to government and school portals.