Your Android Phone Can Now Fix Document Scans Before You Even Know It
Sign in to your Android Police account
Summary
- Google now automatically enhances document scans on Android phones using MLKit.
- The enhancement is seamless, reducing the need for manual adjustments after scanning.
- Auto-enhancement is available on various apps using the MLKit document scanner.
There are multiple ways to scan documents to digitize paperwork on your Android phone, but the simplest of them all is using what you already have on your phone. When it comes to scanning documents, it’s super easy to get going on Android phones, as most of them come pre-installed with apps like Google Drive and Files, both of which allow users to scan documents.
Related
While you can explore third-party options, you might want to consider only those scanning apps that use the MLKit document scanner component. That’s because, as first spotted by Android Authority, Google seems to have enhanced the MLKit document scanner to fix your document scans before you even know it.
Google perfects document scans on your Android phone
The enhancement to the MLKit document scanner now ensures that your document scan comes out perfect without you lifting a finger. It automatically enhances your documents right after it captures them, and the delay between the two events is so minimal that you’ll barely notice anything happened at all.
That said, you may not be unfamiliar with document-enhancing if you previously used the Pixel Camera, or apps like Google Drive and Files. Previously, the document enhancement feature was hidden under the Filter menu. This means users had to click to scan the document first and then tap the Filter menu option to select the enhancement filter. But these steps are not a thing of the past, as apps such as Google Drive and Files by Google now auto-enhance document scans.
Once the scan is complete, you’ll see the enhancement button in the top right corner. You can tap on it if you want to remove the enhancement effect. Tap on the button again if you don’t like what you’re seeing without the enhancement filter. This makes it super convenient to check which version works best for you. This is reportedly available in the Google Play Services app version 25.17.30. We tested the feature on both Google Drive and the Files by Google apps, and it works just as you’d expect.
However, it’s worth reiterating that this auto-enhancement feature for document scanning is part of MLKit document scanner and isn’t tied to any specific app. Long story short, you’ll see this auto-enhancement feature in every app that uses the MLKit document scanner. So, it’s time to stop putting effort into enhancing your document scans, unlike the hard work you have to do to take your smartphone photography to the next level.
