How to Scan from an Automatic Document Feeder in Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to know how to configure Adobe Acrobat to scan physical pages using a scanner's Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) instead of the flatbed glass.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Scanning multiple physical pages into a single digital PDF file using a scanner connected to a Windows 10 PC.
- Observed behavior
- The scanner defaults to the flatbed glass, and the user needs to locate the correct driver settings in Acrobat to prioritize the document feeder.
Ensure your scanner is properly connected to your Windows 10 computer, turned on, and that the latest WIA or TWAIN drivers provided by your scanner manufacturer (such as HP) are installed.
Select the Document Feeder via a WIA Scanner Driver
If Acrobat is using a WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) driver to communicate with your scanner, you must manually select the document feeder option within the scanning dialog box.
WIA drivers provide a standard Windows scanning interface. Because it is a basic interface, it does not always auto-detect where the paper is loaded. You will need to explicitly tell the software to pull from the feeder.
Launch Adobe Acrobat, go to 'File' > 'Create' > 'PDF from Scanner', and select your WIA scanner device.
In the scanner dialog box that appears, look for a drop-down menu or a dedicated tab on the upper-left side labeled 'Source' or 'Paper Source'.
Click the drop-down menu and change the selection from 'Flatbed' to 'Document Feeder', then proceed to scan your documents.
Utilize Automatic Detection with a TWAIN Scanner Driver
TWAIN drivers offer more advanced communication with scanners and can often automatically detect whether pages are loaded in the Automatic Document Feeder.
Scan Documents Directly to PDF with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a built-in, highly compatible PDF editor that seamlessly connects with your scanner. Whether you are using a flatbed or an Automatic Document Feeder, WPS makes it easy to scan multiple pages, edit text, and manage your digital documents in one lightweight application.
- 1. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the home screen to open the PDF workspace.
- 2. Select 'Create PDF from Scanner': Navigate to the 'Create' menu and select 'From Scanner' to initialize the connection with your device.
- 3. Configure Scanner Settings: Choose your connected scanner from the list, and ensure 'Document Feeder' is selected if you are scanning multiple pages.
- 4. Scan and Save: Click the 'Scan' button. Once all pages are processed, the document will automatically open as a new PDF file ready to be saved or edited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my scanner only scanning from the flatbed even when paper is in the feeder?
This typically occurs if your software is using a WIA driver set manually to 'Flatbed', or if the paper is not pushed far enough into the Automatic Document Feeder to trigger the hardware sensor. Verify your 'Source' setting in the scan dialog and ensure the paper is firmly seated.
What is the difference between WIA and TWAIN scanner drivers?
WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) is a basic Microsoft driver standard that relies on Windows dialogs, often requiring manual selection of the paper source. TWAIN is a universal, advanced standard created by imaging companies that offers more detailed scanner-specific settings and automatic feeder detection.
How do I switch from a WIA to a TWAIN driver in Acrobat?
When you select 'Create PDF from Scanner' in Acrobat, click on the 'Scanner' drop-down menu. If you have both drivers installed, you will see two entries for your scanner—one prefixed with 'WIA' and another often prefixed with 'TWAIN' or simply the manufacturer's name. Select the TWAIN option.
Can I combine multiple scanned pages into a single PDF file?
Yes. When scanning from an Automatic Document Feeder, PDF software like Adobe Acrobat and WPS Office will automatically append each consecutive page pulled through the feeder into a single, multi-page PDF document.
