Scan documents using a mobile device – Proof Help Center
The Proof Help Center explains how to scan physical documents directly from a mobile device's web browser without an app by aligning the document within a blue border on a contrasting background, holding the device steady and straight, capturing all pages via the camera with options to rotate or rescan, and addressing common errors like poor angle, distance, or lighting before uploading and previewing the scanned document.
The short answer: You can scan physical documents directly from a web browser on your mobile device — no app required.
Tips for Success
- Place the document on a contrasting background that is a solid color.
- Ensure the edges of the document are lined up with the blue border.
- Hold the device steady at a straight angle.
- If your document has content in the borders, try positioning the camera farther away so the scanner can focus on the entire page.
You can stop scanning at any point, but you'll lose all progress from previous scans.
1. Scan Documents on Your Phone
Upload the entire document, not just the signature page.
From the upload screen on your mobile device:
- 1.Open the upload page.
- 2.Select + Add document.
- 3.Select Scan with camera.
- 4.Select Allow to grant access to your camera.
- 5.Line up the blue scanner border with the outside of your document page.
- 6.Press the white circle at the bottom of the page to initiate the scan, if it doesn't scan automatically.
- If your document is scanned sideways, select Rotate or Rescan to fix it.
- 7.Add pages until you've scanned the entire document.
- If you have more than one page, select Add another page.
- 8.Select Upload scanned document when all pages have been scanned.
- 9.Preview your scanned documents.
- 10.Select Continue to move to the next step.
2. Common Errors with Mobile Scanning
You may see error messages as you attempt to scan, prompting you to rescan your document.
Error 1: Please hold the device over a document to start scanning
The scanner is not able to capture the document. Try stepping back and capturing the entire document.
Error 2: This is a bad camera angle. Hold the device straight over the document.
Error 3: The document is too small. Try moving closer.
Error 4: It is too dark. Try turning on a light.
Summary Checklist
- Place your document on a solid contrasting background and hold your device straight.
- Scan all pages of the document before selecting Upload scanned document.
- If you see an error, refer to the error table and adjust your angle, distance, or lighting.
Still unsure? Contact Proof Support for help.
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