WhatsApp has incorporated a feature that many have been asking for: now it is possible scan documents with your mobile camera and send them as PDFs directly from a conversation, without using external applications.
The novelty is already being activated in iOS and Android progressively. To see it appear, it is advisable keep the app updated; it is especially useful for sharing receipts, notes or invoices from the chat itself, with a simple and fast flow.
How to scan documents and send them as PDFs from WhatsApp
Access is direct from any conversation: tap the clip icon on Android or the + symbol on iPhone, choose "Document" and at the bottom of the list appears "Scan document". This is how you open the camera in scanner mode without leaving the chat.
When scanning is activated, you can choose between the mode automatic (detects paper with a frame and captures when the frame is stable) or the manual, which allows you to shoot whenever you prefer, ideal if the document is complex.
If you need to include multiple sheets, add pages one after the other and WhatsApp will gather them into one single multi-page PDF, ready to share with a couple of taps.
After each capture, an editable preview is shown to adjust edges, crop precisely, rotate the image, and apply filters that improve text readability.
When everything is to your liking, confirm with "OK" and, before sending, you can add a comment to the file to provide context (for example, the subject of the document or the invoice number).
Capture modes, tricks and editing
Mode Automatic speeds up the process for well-framed papers, while the Manual mode offers complete control when there are brightness, shadows or unusual formats.
For best results, ensure even lighting, place the document on a contrasting background and hold the phone parallel to the paper; these little tricks reduce reflections and perspective distortions.
If a page is not clear, repeat the capture until it is. readable; the interface makes it easy to redo the photo and fine-tune the crop.
Filters (e.g., black and white or contrast enhancement) can help make faint text appear clearer, which is useful in receipts or printed forms.
Sending, formatting and managing the file
Once the edition is confirmed, the app automatically converts Scan to a PDF. If you added multiple pages, they'll be packaged into a single document for easy review.
The generated file can forward to other contacts, download to your mobile, save to the cloud or insert into your Mac from the WhatsApp viewer itself, without additional steps or application changes.
Additionally, the comment you add to the document helps identify its content in the chat, which is handy when sharing. formalities or work materials.
- Open the chat and press Attach (clip or +).
- Choose "Document" and then "Scan document".
- Capture in automatic or manual mode, as you prefer.
- Adjust edges, rotate and apply filters if needed.
- Add more pages to create a Multi-page PDF.
- Confirm with "OK", add a comment and send.
Availability, privacy and requirements
The feature is coming in recent versions WhatsApp for iOS and Android is gradually being rolled out. If it doesn't appear yet, update the app from the official app store and check back later.
Like all other messages, PDFs travel protected by end-to-end encryption, so only the sender and receiver can access its content.
Still, it is advisable to verify the recipient and review sensitive data before sending IDs, contracts or receipts of payment.
With this integrated scanner, messaging covers a common need: digitize and share documents in seconds and without relying on third-party apps, simplifying everyday tasks in studies, work, and personal management.
The addition of scanning and sending PDF documents within the chat consolidates WhatsApp as a practical tool for everyday use: quick access from Attach → Document → "Scan document", two capture modes, basic edition in preview and send securely with encryption, all within the same application.
