Scanning large coloring book page spreads with iPhone

What is the easiest way to scan finished page spreads of a coloring book? It's too big for my scanner.


I've been using the Notes function to scan each page spread with my iPhone, but then getting the image out of the note file and saving it as a png on my Mac is a pain (or maybe I'm doing it wrong). Is there a better, easier way, maybe even with better image quality?


Right now I have a file folder full of the png files, but the aim is to combine them into, say, a pdf when I'm done.


Thank you!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]




MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 12:52 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 11:05 PM

Scanning Large Format Documents:


For optimal quality when scanning documents exceeding A4 size, consider these approaches:

  • Professional Scanning Services: Utilize dedicated A3/A0 scanners offered by professional service providers. This is particularly recommended for valuable or fragile documents.
  • Book Scanning Limitations: If the document is bound (e.g., a book), high-quality scanning may be challenging due to page curvature and shadows.


DIY Scanning for Loose Pages:

  1. Page Preparation:
    1. Ensure Flatness: Iron out any wrinkles or creases to prevent distortions.
    2. Consistent Placement: Use two perpendicular placeholders to maintain consistent page positioning for each scan.
  2. Equipment Setup: (The provided links serve as illustrative examples only and should not be interpreted as suggestions, recommendations, or endorsements.)
    1. Stable Phone Mount: Employ a phone holder with adjustable height, angle, and level to ensure consistent framing. https://amzn.in/d/epyNs70
    2. Lighting: Utilize ample natural or balanced artificial light (avoid fluorescent lighting).
    3. Remote Shutter: Use a Bluetooth remote to trigger the camera without disturbing the document. https://amzn.in/d/7PKHNAW
  3. Scanning Process:
    1. Position and Capture: Place each page on the placeholders, adjust phone height for complete image capture, and then take the photo.
  4. Image Stitching:
    1. Software: Use video editing software like iMovie to stitch the individual images into a single, seamless document.


Key Considerations:

  • Quality vs. Convenience: Professional scanning services offer superior quality but may be more expensive. DIY methods provide more control but require careful setup and execution.
  • Document Type: The best approach depends on the document's size, binding, and fragility.


Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 20, 2025 11:05 PM in response to JeanAnn7648

Scanning Large Format Documents:


For optimal quality when scanning documents exceeding A4 size, consider these approaches:

  • Professional Scanning Services: Utilize dedicated A3/A0 scanners offered by professional service providers. This is particularly recommended for valuable or fragile documents.
  • Book Scanning Limitations: If the document is bound (e.g., a book), high-quality scanning may be challenging due to page curvature and shadows.


DIY Scanning for Loose Pages:

  1. Page Preparation:
    1. Ensure Flatness: Iron out any wrinkles or creases to prevent distortions.
    2. Consistent Placement: Use two perpendicular placeholders to maintain consistent page positioning for each scan.
  2. Equipment Setup: (The provided links serve as illustrative examples only and should not be interpreted as suggestions, recommendations, or endorsements.)
    1. Stable Phone Mount: Employ a phone holder with adjustable height, angle, and level to ensure consistent framing. https://amzn.in/d/epyNs70
    2. Lighting: Utilize ample natural or balanced artificial light (avoid fluorescent lighting).
    3. Remote Shutter: Use a Bluetooth remote to trigger the camera without disturbing the document. https://amzn.in/d/7PKHNAW
  3. Scanning Process:
    1. Position and Capture: Place each page on the placeholders, adjust phone height for complete image capture, and then take the photo.
  4. Image Stitching:
    1. Software: Use video editing software like iMovie to stitch the individual images into a single, seamless document.


Key Considerations:

  • Quality vs. Convenience: Professional scanning services offer superior quality but may be more expensive. DIY methods provide more control but require careful setup and execution.
  • Document Type: The best approach depends on the document's size, binding, and fragility.


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Scanning large coloring book page spreads with iPhone

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