Scanning and saving a document

If you have a paper copy of the document you want to upload to a website, you will need to scan it first. The scanner will convert your document into a PDF file that you can save to your computer or to the Cloud.

Some printers come with a scanner. If yours has a scanner, make sure it is connected to your device. You may need to go to your device settings and select ‘Printers and Scanners’. If you have issues with your specific scanner, you could download a digital manual from the manufacturer’s website or look for an online tutorial (see Lesson 2 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] ).

If you do not have a scanner, you can try your local library, community centre or stationery store. They may email the scanned document to you as a file attachment or save it on a USB/flash drive. Once you access the document from the email attachment or flash drive, you can save it to your computer using the steps above.

It is also possible to scan your document using your mobile phone or other device with a camera. You can take a photo of the document and upload it as an image. Microsoft Office has an app to save a scanned document as a Word document, PDF or image. GOV.UK has produced the following guide to uploading your document using your phone:

How to upload documents

The best way to get a paper document onto a device is to take a photo of it.

You can use anything that has a digital camera on it. For example, a mobile phone, tablet or digital camera.

Find your document and make sure it is laid out flat. You may need to unfold it.

  • Place the document on a flat surface.

  • Hold the camera 30 centimetres (1 foot) directly above the document.

  • Make sure you take a photo of the whole page.

Now check the photo.

  • Can you see the whole page?

  • Is everything in focus?

  • Can you read everything on the page?

Uploading the photo

If you took the photo on the same device you’re using for your application, you can return to your application now and upload it.

If you used a different device

You’ll need to transfer the photo to the device you’re using to make your application.

You can do this by:

  • Emailing it to yourself.

  • Sending it via Bluetooth.

  • Saving it to the Cloud.

  • Attaching a cable between the two devices.

(Source: https://apply-blue-badge.service.gov.uk/ uploading-the-photo)

Downloading a document

Uploading a document