ADF Printers & Scanners: Uses & Benefits

We’ve all been there: every time you need a document, you must feed a piece of paper into the printer or scanner. It doesn’t have to be that way! When you’re shopping for your next printer, scanner or all-in-one device, look for the phrase “automatic document feeder.” An ADF may help take the headache out of your printing, scanning and copying needs, and help you create the documents you need, quickly and easily.

If you’re still wondering “what is ADF on a printer?” then read on. Today, many printers have the ADF capability, and that can be an enormous benefit to the user. Printers that have an automatic document feeder automatically feed each page of the document that you are scanning, copying or faxing (depending on the machine). This means that the user does not need to insert one page of the document at a time. Instead, the user can simply load a multi-page document into the feeder and the ADF feature takes over. The ADF automatically feeds each sheet of paper through the device, so that the user gets what they need, whether that’s a scanned document, a copied document or a faxed document. It’s a smooth and efficient process that can save time and tedium. Some ADF printers even have the capability to print and scan on two sides, automatically, as the documents feed through. To find a printer with this feature, look for words like “auto two-sided printing” and “one-pass two-sided scanning.”

If you’re in the market for an ADF printer, one impressive model to consider is the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw All-in-One Laser Printer by Canon. This wireless¹, four-in-one printer prints, scans, copies and faxes. It’s speedy, printing up to 22 letter-size pages per minute² (black and white as well as color), and comes with a 50-sheet automatic document feeder and a 250-sheet cassette for plain, letter-size paper. It’s able to automatically print on two sides, and scan on two sides with just one pass. So you can save time, even when you’re scanning or printing a high volume of pages.

An ADF printer is incredibly useful to anyone scanning, copying or faxing multiple pages. Imagine you have a print job that requires you to produce a 42-page report. If you’re using a printer that comes equipped with ADF capabilities, such as the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw Wireless Color Multifunction Printer, it automatically scans pages into the printer from its 50-sheet ADF, so you don’t have to stand by and watch over it, feeding pages one by one. When using an ADF printer, just remember to load the document properly, so it fits against the guides and feeds through smoothly, helping to avoid any potential jams. Also, follow the product specifications and avoid overloading the tray. 

If you just need to print one- or two-page documents on occasion, you may not feel like you need a printer with an ADF. However, for document management and high-volume scanning, copying or faxing, an ADF printer can be extremely valuable for today’s business and home printing needs. Plus, because an ADF is a common feature on many all-in-one printers, it makes sense to include that on your spec list if you’re in the market for a new device. As mentioned, it can save you time and handle the most basic task, allowing you to turn your attention elsewhere.

An ADF scanner is a standalone device that does not include a printer, copier or fax machine. It allows you to quickly and easily convert multiple pages of paper documents into digital documents. It automatically feeds the pages in, so you don’t have to stand at the scanner and manually scan and flip each page, as you would have to do when using a flatbed scanner. Rather, with an ADF scanner, you can place a stack of documents (including contracts, business cards and more) and with the touch of a single button, it can scan your documents and upload them to the cloud³ or to your device, where they are converted to easily searchable files. Loaded with features and software, an ADF scanner can help bring speed, efficiency and organization to your home or workplace.

A standalone ADF scanner is helpful with just about any scanning job you might need to do. Whether you’re scanning information to distribute electronically, or you’re scanning physical documents to create a cache of searchable, digital files, an ADF scanner can be invaluable. While there are many different ADF scanners to consider, one Canon ADF scanner that stands out is the Canon imageFORMULA R40 Office Document Scanner. This ADF scanner can handle a variety of documents, including receipts, business cards, reports and other leaflets, which can be scanned individually or in batches, to the tune of 40 pages per minute⁴. You can then save documents to your computer or directly to the cloud³. Note: When using an ADF scanner, be sure that you’ve removed staples and clips from any documents you’re feeding through and straighten/smooth the edges for an easy flow.

ADF scanning gives the user added support and efficiency, whether you’re handling tasks at home or at the office. Plus, ADF scanners are available to suit different demands. If you’re frequently traveling, or you’re simply on the go a lot of the time, and find that you need to scan things like receipts, note cards, medical records, tax information and other documents, a portable ADF scanner allows you to scan materials immediately, whenever and almost wherever you need to. The Canon imageFORMULA R10 Personal Document Scanner is a popular portable option from Canon. This compact ADF scanner scans up to 12 letter-size documents per minute⁴, quickly converting paper documents to digital formats. It’s simple to set up, easy to use and you can store it in a purse or briefcase. Plus, it gets its power from your computer (thanks to the included USB cable), so you don’t have to juggle an additional clunky power cord or a battery.

Technology is at its best when it’s able to take over time-consuming, inconvenient tasks so that humans can be more productive. Now that you’ve answered the questions “what is an ADF printer” and “what is an ADF scanner,” you’ve also learned why ADF printers and ADF scanners are shining examples of tech innovations that people love so much. Those people probably couldn’t imagine printing and scanning without an ADF now.