What Finder is to macOS, Files is for iOS. The iOS stock file manager has slowly but steadily added a range of user-friendly features including the super handy folder-sharing, the ability to compress/extract ZIP files, and the built-in document scanner for efficient file management. Speaking of document management, you can scan documents directly to iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox or other cloud storage services using the Files app on your iPhone or iPad for enhanced security and universal accessibility. Let me help you get started with this neat file management feature!

iCloud Drive is deeply integrated with the Files app so that you can store all of your documents seamlessly. Besides, the stock file manager also supports other major cloud storage services. It even lets you keep your files and docs locally. So, depending on your needs, you can choose the desired storage location to save your scanned docs there.

  • Select Preferred Storage Location in Files App on iOS/iPadOS
  • Scan Directly to Your Desired Location in Files App on iOS/iPadOS

Select Preferred Storage Location in Files App on iOS/iPadOS

First off, we are going to select the desired location to save the scanned documents.

  • To get going, open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.

Scan Directly to Your Desired Location in Files App on iOS/iPadOS

After you have chosen the specific location, you can get started with the scanning as usual.

  1. Next, go ahead and scan the document as usual. Notably, there is also an option to use the auto-capture feature. To do so, bring your document into the viewfinder or use the shutter button to snap the scan. Besides, you can also drag the corners to make your scan look better.

That’s it! Your scanned document will be saved in your desired location.

So, that’s how you can directly scan to iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox or local storage on your iOS or iPadOS device. If you want to access your docs from any device and also offer it an extra layer of safeguard, go for the cloud storage option. However, if you wish to keep your docs locally, select the “On My iPhone/iPad” option.