How to Fix Adobe Acrobat Not Using HP ADF for Duplex Scanning
Question details
The user is unable to perform duplex scanning using the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) of an HP scanner in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC 2015, HP 6978 Scanner
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to scan both sides of a document automatically through a network-connected scanner's ADF into Adobe Acrobat.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat defaults to the flatbed scanner instead of using the automatic document feeder when duplex scanning is requested.
Ensure your HP scanner is turned on, properly connected to your network, and that the physical ADF tray is clear of any jams or debris before testing new scan configurations.
Use the Official HP Scanning Software
Bypass Acrobat's limited WIA interface by using the official HP scanning software, which natively supports duplex ADF scanning for your device.
Adobe Acrobat's reliance on basic Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) drivers can sometimes prevent it from recognizing advanced hardware features like the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Using the manufacturer's dedicated software ensures full hardware compatibility and allows you to easily save the output as a PDF.
Launch the HP Smart application or the HP Scan software installed on your Windows 10 computer from the Start menu.
In the scan settings menu, change the document source from 'Flatbed' or 'Glass' to 'Document Feeder' or 'ADF'.
Check the box or toggle the option for '2-sided' or 'Duplex' scanning. Initiate the scan and save the final document to your computer as a PDF file.
Select the TWAIN Driver in Adobe Acrobat
TWAIN drivers offer deeper hardware communication than WIA drivers, often allowing Acrobat to properly recognize and use the scanner's ADF.
Edit and Manage Your Scanned PDFs with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter driver conflicts or heavy software issues when working with PDFs, WPS Office offers a streamlined alternative. With its powerful built-in PDF editor, you can effortlessly view, edit, and merge standard PDF documents created by your HP scanner without dealing with bulky application overhead.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 2. Open Scanned PDFs: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select the PDF files generated by your HP scanner.
- 3. Edit and Combine: Use the PDF toolkit located in the top ribbon to merge multiple scans, add text, or highlight important sections seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat only use the flatbed scanner instead of the ADF?
This usually happens when Acrobat connects to the scanner using a WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) driver. WIA drivers are basic and may lack support for advanced hardware features like duplex ADF scanning. Switching to a TWAIN driver often resolves the issue.
What is the difference between WIA and TWAIN drivers for scanning?
WIA is a standard Microsoft driver that provides basic scanning functionality but sometimes fails to support complex features like duplexing. TWAIN is a more robust, industry-standard protocol that allows software to fully utilize the scanner's native capabilities, including the automatic document feeder.
Can I merge single-sided scans into a duplex PDF manually?
Yes. If your software or hardware cannot automatically scan both sides, you can scan the odd pages first, flip the stack, scan the even pages, and then use a PDF editor to merge and rearrange the pages into a single cohesive document.
How do I check if my HP scanner supports duplex ADF scanning?
You can verify this by looking for a duplex symbol on the physical ADF tray, reviewing your scanner's user manual, or opening the official HP Smart app to see if the '2-sided' scanning option is natively available for your model.
