Ever wished you could easily capture your documents and hand-written notes digitally without the hassle of scanning them one by one? Have you thought about using an iPad as a document camera? In this article, we will be sharing some methods to help you use your iPad as a document camera, which can help you digitize your handwritten content, wherever you are.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Turn iPad into Document Camera
Capturing your handwritten notes digitally can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of pages that need to be scanned. With the help of an iPad and some apps, you can turn your iPad into a document camera. This will help you capture your handwritten notes and content during lectures without the need for any additional hardware.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we start exploring different methods of turning your iPad into a document camera, here are some things you will need:
- An iPad running on iOS 12 or later
- Some apps that allow you to use your iPad as a document camera
- A stable stand to hold your iPad in place
- A good lighting source
Method 1: Using Zoom App
Zoom is a free video conferencing app that’s widely used among educators and has a feature to use your iPad as a document camera. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download Zoom on your iPad and sign in, if you don’t have an account with Zoom, you can create one for free.
Step 2: Start a new meeting in Zoom, you don’t need any participants to join the meeting.
Step 3: Place your iPad on a stable stand, make sure that your iPad camera is facing the paper you want to show on the Zoom call.
Step 4: Now tap on the Share content icon at the bottom center of your screen.
Step 5: Select the Screen option from the list.
Step 6: Then select your iPad screen from the list of available screens.
Step 7: Now, you can switch the camera to your iPad’s rear camera to show the document you want to capture by tapping on the Camera option at the bottom left of your screen.
Pros:
- Easy to use as the Zoom app is free and widely used across many platforms.
- The Zoom app has a feature to annotate the document on the shared screen.
Cons:
- You will need a stable internet connection to use the Zoom app.
- You will also need a stand to hold your iPad in place.
- The quality of the document capture may depend on your iPad camera quality.
Method 2: Using Quicktime Player on Mac
If you have a Mac, you can use Quicktime Player to record your iPad screen, which can act as a document camera. Here’s how:
Step 1: Connect your iPad to your Mac.
Step 2: Open QuickTime Player on your Mac.
Step 3: Click File in the Menu Bar and select New Movie Recording.
Step 4: In the new window, if needed, switch the camera to the iPad by clicking on the dropdown next to the record button.
Step 5: You can now place your iPad on a steady stand and ensure it shows your document.
Step 6: Press the record button in the Quicktime window.
Step 7: Stop the recording once you’ve captured what you need and save the video to your desired location.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to set up if you have a Mac.
- You can record the document and save it to your device for future reference.
Cons:
- You must have a Mac to execute this method.
- You will need a steady stand to hold the iPad in place.
Method 3: Using the Camera App and Apple TV
If you have an Apple TV, this method can be useful to connect your iPad camera to a larger screen. Here’s how:
Step 1: Connect your iPad and Apple TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Open the Camera app on your iPad.
Step 3: On your Apple TV, open the Control Center and tap on AirPlay.
Step 4: Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
Step 5: Your iPad screen will appear on your Apple TV screen and show the Camera app.
Step 6: Ensure that your iPad camera is pointing to the document you want to show.
Pros:
- You can use a large screen to view your document for better clarity.
- You can also zoom in using the Camera app on your iPad for better capture.
Cons:
- You will need an Apple TV, which may be an additional cost.
- You will need a stable internet connection for the AirPlay to work effectively.
Method 4: Using CamScanner App
CamScanner is a popular app that you can use to capture documents using your iPad camera, here’s how:
Step 1: Download and install the CamScanner app from the App store and open it on your iPad.
Step 2: Click on the Camera icon.
Step 3: Ensure that your iPad camera is pointing to the document you want to capture, hold your iPad steady.
Step 4: Once you are satisfied with the positioning of the document, click on the capture button.
Step 5: The app will then automatically crop and adjust the document to look like a professional scan.
Pros:
- The CamScanner app is easy to use.
- You can store captured documents in the app or share them with others.
Cons:
- The CamScanner app may have in-app purchases.
Why Can’t I Capture My Handwriting Digitally?
There could be several reasons why you are unable to capture your handwriting digitally. Here are some issues, and their fixes:
1. You don’t have a scanner: If you don’t have access to a scanner, you can try using your smartphone or iPad as a scanner by installing scanning apps.
2. Difficulty in capturing the entire page: You could face issues of capturing the whole page while capturing a handwritten page. Try using a stable stand to hold the device in place, which can increase your chances of capturing the whole page.
3. Poor lighting: Poor lighting conditions can make it difficult to capture your handwriting. Make sure that you are in a well-lit area or use an external lighting source to help enhance the quality of the document captured.
Additional Tips
1. Use a soft reset: If your iPad starts acting up, try a soft reset by holding down the power button and home button until the screen goes black, then press the power button to restart the iPad again.
2. Turn off notifications: Turn off notifications from your iPad while recording the document to avoid any distractions.
3. Use a timer: Use a timer to record the document for a specific period and avoid longer recording times that may take up a lot of storage space.
5 FAQs about Turning iPad into Document Camera
Q1: Can I use my iPhone as a document camera instead of an iPad?
A: Yes, you can use your iPhone as a document camera by following the same method.
Q2: What kind of stand should I use for my iPad?
A: You can use any stable stand for your iPad, like a camera tripod, phone holder, or a bookstand.
Q3: How can I ensure that my document is not blurry?
A: Make sure that your iPad is held steady and secure to avoid shaking the camera while capturing a document.
Q4: What is the best lighting to use when capturing a document?
A: Good quality lighting can go a long way to enhance the visibility of your document. A well-lit area or an external light source can help.
Q5: Is there a time limit on how long I can use my iPad as a document camera?
A: There is no specific time limit on how long you can use your iPad as a document camera, however, it’s advisable to use a timer to avoid prolonged recording times that may take up a lot of storage space.
In Conclusion
Capturing your handwritten notes and documents digitally has never been easier with the iPad. By using the methods given in this article, you can capture your handwritten content from anywhere you are, eliminating the need for additional hardware costs. Choose the method that works best for you based on the materials you have available, and start digitizing your notes today.