Never loose a scan again, create a 3-layer backup

Applies to: Adobe Scan on Android and iPhone

You finish scanning an important document, only to realize later that the copy you needed is missing, was saved in the wrong format, or is no longer on your device. Instead of relying on a single scanned file, Adobe Scan can help you build in a simple backup strategy. By combining original-image saving, JPEG export, and Adobe cloud PDF storage, you can keep three useful copies or formats of every new scan, giving you more ways to recover, reuse, or share it when you need it.

In this guide:

• The 3 layers of backup and what each one protects against
• How to set them up in Adobe Scan, step by step
• A tip for keeping backups syncing without Wi-Fi
• Good-to-know details before you rely on this workflow

The 3 layers
 

How to set up your 3-layer workflow

Step 1: Enable original image saving

• Android: Profile > Preferences > Save original images to Gallery
• iPhone: Profile > Preferences > Save originals to Photos

This setting applies to new scans created after you enable it. Existing scans are not automatically exported to your device.

Step 2: Save the Scan as JPEG

Open your scan and use Save as JPEG from the file card or overflow menu.

• Android: Tap the overflow menu next to a scan and choose Save as JPEG.
• iPhone: Open the scan, or use its overflow menu, then tap Save as JPEG.

Each page of the scan is saved to your device gallery as a JPEG.

Step 3: Keep the PDF in Adobe Cloud storage

When you save a scan, Adobe Scan automatically saves the file as a PDF in Adobe cloud storage. Sign in with your Adobe account so your cloud copy can be accessed from Adobe Scan on another device.
 

Good to know

• Android and iPhone support the workflow, though menu wording can differ slightly by platform.
• Saving original images and exporting JPEGs uses additional device storage.
• JPEGs are useful for quick sharing; PDFs are better suited to searchable, multi-page document workflows.
• Deleting a local image or JPEG does not give you a replacement backup, so verify your cloud PDF before removing local copies.
• Switching phones? Sign in to the same Adobe account to access your cloud-stored scans (see Step 3 above).
• For stronger protection against device loss, keep an additional copy in a separate storage location rather than relying only on copies stored on the same phone.

Learn more

• Configure Adobe Scan settings – Android
• Upload and export scans – Android
• Change Adobe Scan settings – iPhone
• Upload and export scans – iPhone