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Apple Notes scans paper into a PDF inside a note and can add a saved signature. ScanLens combines document capture with PDF tools and a document library. Compare the workflow you need, then check the file you actually export.
We publish ScanLens. This is a feature comparison based on published product information and Apple documentation checked on October 7, 2026; it is not an independent speed, accuracy or privacy benchmark. No device export test is reported here.
Apple's scan and sign guide confirms saved signatures. Its Notes search guide includes text in scanned documents. Neither establishes the portable text layer in every exported scan. iOS version, device, language and export route can affect the result.
Open a note, tap the Attachment button and choose Scan Documents. Capture the pages, adjust the crop if needed, then tap Done. The scan is saved as a PDF in the note; use Share to send a copy or save it to Files. See Apple's document scanning instructions.
To sign, open the scan, tap Markup, then Add → Signature. Choose a saved signature or create one, adjust its position and tap Done. Both Notes and ScanLens support saved signatures; inspect the signed copy before sending it.
Capabilities are described without a quality ranking. Check the final PDF rather than assuming that search inside an app guarantees search in the exported file.
| Feature | ScanLens | Apple Notes Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to download, premium optional | Free, built into iOS |
| Document capture | Automatic edges, perspective correction and filters | Automatic or manual capture; a multi-page PDF attached to a note |
| Text recognition | On-device OCR in 14 languages; handwriting coverage and results vary | Search includes scanned text; Live Text availability depends on language and device |
| Searchable PDF export | OCR text-layer export; check recognition in the saved copy | Test the exported copy; search inside Notes does not prove portable PDF text |
| PDF tools | Merge, split, export quality, passwords and text watermarks | Scan and Markup in Notes; other file operations may use Files, Preview or another tool |
| Saved signatures | Save and place a signature on a PDF | Markup can add a saved signature or create a new one |
| ID and passport workflow | Dedicated ID and passport capture modes | General document scanning; capture required sides or pages manually |
| Organization | Document library with folders, tags and favorites | Notes folders, tags and search; scans remain attachments to notes |
| Cloud and file sharing | Optional cloud destinations and PDF export | Optional iCloud Notes sync; exported copies can be shared or saved through Files |
| Data handling | Scan/OCR processing is on-device. Other app data and optional cloud services: Privacy Policy | Storage depends on the Notes account and iCloud settings; sharing creates a separate copy |
Notes already supports folders and tags. If you cannot locate a scan, first distinguish its original note from a copy saved in Files; the guide to finding scanned documents covers both locations.
In an open note, choose Attachment → Scan Documents, capture the pages and tap Done. Share the scanned PDF when you need a separate file.
Check the exported file in a PDF reader. Notes search and Live Text are not evidence that every export contains portable PDF text; a reader may also perform its own OCR.
Yes. The Scan Documents feature is part of iOS and iPadOS at no cost. Any iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or later has it. No subscription, no in-app purchase. If you need PDF editing, password protection, or a free PDF scanner for iPhone that also handles searchable PDFs, ScanLens is free to download with no account required.
Live Text recognizes text in an image. A searchable PDF stores recognized text inside the file. Check the saved PDF when text must remain available outside the original app.
Yes, as a general document scan. Capture every side or page the recipient requests and check legibility. A scanner does not determine whether the recipient accepts the copy.
A note lock does not establish that an exported PDF is encrypted. If a file password is required, use a PDF password tool and verify the saved copy before sharing.
Availability depends on the iOS version, device and recognition feature. Check Apple's current language support rather than relying on a fixed count; test a sample in your document's language.
Notes is primarily a note and capture workflow. For operations on exported PDFs, check the tools available in Files, Preview or a PDF app; ScanLens combines merge, split and export-quality controls.
Yes. Open the scan in Markup, choose Add → Signature, then use a saved signature or create one. Check the exported file for correct placement.
Free to download, no ads, no account required. On-device OCR in 14 languages, searchable PDFs, merge / split / annotate, export quality control, password protection, saved-signature e-signatures, and dedicated ID and passport modes. Works offline.
