> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.emsigner.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.emsigner.com/user-dashboard-and-docstore/docstore/scan-documents.md).

# Scan Documents

How do I scan and store the documents?

emSigner allows users to **scan physical documents directly and store them in their emSigner account**. Scanned documents can later be reviewed, stored, or initiated for signing based on the document format and workflow configuration.

To access this feature, log in to emSigner and navigate to **Doc Store → Scan Document**.

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#### Step 1: Install Dynamsoft Service (One-Time Setup)

When you click **Scan Document** for the first time, emSigner prompts you to install the **Dynamsoft Service**.

* **Dynamsoft Service** acts as a bridge between the emSigner web application and the scanner connected to your system.
* This installation is a **one-time activity**.
* Once installed, emSigner automatically detects available scanner drivers on subsequent uses.

> After installation, available scanner sources will be displayed automatically when you open the Scan Document screen.

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#### Step 2: Select Workflow Category

After the scanner drivers are detected:

1. Click **Scan Document** from the Document Store.
2. Click **Browse Category** to select a category.

* All workflows configured in the account are listed.
* Selecting a category determines **where the scanned document will reside** and **which workflow rules apply**.
* A prerequisite for this step is that the required workflow must already be created in the system.

***

#### Step 3: Select Scanner Source and Scan

1. Click **Select Source** to choose the appropriate scanner connected to your system.
2. Click **Scan** to begin scanning.

* The scanned document is uploaded immediately.
* A **preview** of the scanned content is displayed on the screen.

***

#### Step 4: Scan and Save Documents

Once the scan is complete, the user can configure scan settings based on organizational policies.

Key capabilities include:

* Scanning **multiple pages** using the *Multi-Page PDF/TIFF* option.
* Reviewing the scanned preview before saving.

**Important behavior to note:**

* If the document is saved in **PDF format**, it appears in **Dashboard → Drafts** and can be initiated for signing.
* If saved in **image formats** (PNG, JPEG), the document is stored in **Doc Store only** and does not appear in Drafts.

Click **Save** to upload the scanned document.

After saving, users can:

* Click **Scan New Document** to scan another document, or
* Click **Go to Doc Store** to view the saved document in the repository.

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#### Step 5: View Scanned Document in Doc Store

The scanned document is now available in the **Document Store**, where users can:

* View document details
* Manage the document based on its format and status

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#### Step 6: Initiate Signing&#x20;

If the scanned document was saved as a **PDF**:

1. Navigate to **Dashboard → Drafts**.
2. Locate the scanned document.
3. Click **Initiate** to begin the signing workflow.

From here, the document follows the standard initiation and signing process.