- Files by Google now includes a document scanner for easy digitization.
- Enhanced privacy measures ensure scanned images remain secure.
- Streamlined scanning process with intuitive interface simplifies document management.
A much-awaited feature—an integrated document scanner—is being added to Google’s popular file management app, Files by Google. This new feature, which is presently in beta testing, intends to make the process of digitizing paper documents easier so that they can be stored, arranged, and accessed directly from mobile devices.
Files by Google Integrates Document Scanner
Users used to only be able to scan documents using the Google Drive app. On the other hand, Files by Google now has a dedicated scanning feature that can be accessed straight from the app’s home screen. This new feature ensures that users experience a recognizable and user-friendly interface by mirroring the current Google Drive scanner.
The process of using the scanner is simple. On the app’s home screen, there is a large “Scan” button that is represented by a floating action button (FAB). This button displays the camera viewfinder with “Manual” and “Auto capture” modes for users to choose from.
With this flexibility, users can select the capture method that best fits their needs, whether they want to manually start the scan or rely on it to happen automatically when the document lines up in the frame.
Apart from taking fresh pictures, Files by Google offers an easy-to-use file picker shortcut next to the capture button. This feature eliminates the need for repetitive photo-taking by allowing users to easily import previously taken document images that are stored on their devices.
Security and privacy concerns are crucial. In contrast to the Google Drive scanner, Files by Google places a strong emphasis on privacy by making it clear that the app will only be able to access the scanned images—not the original, unprocessed ones.
This openness demonstrates the app’s dedication to protecting user privacy. Additionally, the entire scanning process happens on the device, with Google Play services handling the scanning process on Files by Google’s behalf. To further protect user privacy, only the final scanned files are shared with the application.
Users are shown a preview screen similar to Google Drive’s after a scan is finished. This screen provides several editing options, such as cropping, rotating, applying clarity-improving filters, and retaking or erasing the scan.
After everything is finished, the scanned document is automatically saved as a PDF file in a special “Scanned” folder under the internal storage > Files by Google directory. The methodical approach streamlines the search and organization of scanned documents within the application.
Overall, the ability to scan documents is progressively being added to the most recent beta version of Files by Google (1.2729.x). This new feature is expected to greatly improve document management within the well-known file management app thanks to its user-friendly interface, powerful editing capabilities, and steadfast dedication to user privacy.
