How to Scan 11×17 Documents | Full-Size Capture Methods

Scanning an 11×17 document requires a wide-format scanner with a flatbed or ADF that matches the paper’s full dimensions, as standard letter-sized scanners cannot capture the entire sheet.

An 11×17 ledger or tabloid page won’t fit on a typical 8.5×11 scanner bed. If you try, the software will crop the edges or you’ll have to scan two halves and stitch them together. The real fix is using hardware built for the job — a dedicated A3/large-format scanner, a multifunction printer that supports 11×17, or a self-service machine at a shipping center. Below are the options that actually work, from quick mobile app attempts to professional flatbed capture.

Hardware Options for 11×17 Scanning

Whether you need a one-time scan or a daily batch, the right hardware depends on volume and budget. These are the categories that reliably handle double-letter sheets.

• Dedicated scanners: The Fujitsu (Ricoh) fi-7480 is the top pick for high-volume batches, with a 100-page ADF designed for 11×17 sheets. Epson’s WorkForce DS-60000 and DS-70000 include both an 11×17 flatbed and an ADF, scanning up to 70 pages per minute.
• Affordable units: The Plustek OpticPro A320 is the best budget option for occasional use. Used Epson Expression flatbeds work but often cost more than a new Plustek.
• Multi-function printers: Epson WorkForce models like the WF-7840, WF-7720, and WF-8590 print, copy, and scan 11×17. The WF-7840 is the most affordable inkjet for this size; laser alternatives are enterprise-grade and significantly more expensive.
• Self-service services: Most FedEx Office locations offer self-service scanning for 11×17 documents. You can send scans to email (9 MB limit), USB (60 MB limit), or cloud storage (50 MB limit), in PDF or JPG format.

If you’re ready to buy a scanner for regular use, our tested roundup of the best 11×17 scanners with document feeders breaks down performance and value for every workload.

Step-by-Step: How to Scan 11×17 on a Flatbed

Flatbed scanning is the safest and most accurate method for single pages, bound items, or fragile originals. The process is straightforward when you set the right size and resolution.

1. Prepare the glass. Clean the scanner bed with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust that shows up as black specks in the final scan.
2. Place the document. Lay the 11×17 sheet face-down, aligned with the corner guide.
3. Open your scanning software. Use the manufacturer’s utility (e.g., Epson Scan 2) or a PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat.
4. Set the page size. Select 11×17, Tabloid, or Ledger from the paper-size dropdown. Choosing Letter by mistake will crop the scan.
5. Set resolution and format. Use 300 dpi for print quality or 96 dpi for web/email. Save multi-page documents as PDF; photos as JPEG or TIFF.
6. Scan. Close the lid tightly to block outside light, then press Scan. For fragile or bound media, always use the flatbed — never the ADF.

Can You Scan 11×17 With a Phone?

Smartphone camera scanning works well for letter-size documents, but an 11×17 sheet is too large for most phone lenses to capture in a single frame without distortion. On iPhone, open the Notes or Files app, tap Scan Documents, and center the page in the viewfinder. The camera will try to auto-capture, but you may need to stitch multiple shots or accept some edge distortion. On Android, use the Google Drive app: tap the + icon, then Scan, and frame the document. For accurate full-page capture of an 11×17 sheet, a dedicated scanner is the only reliable solution.