HP Smart on Chormebook, where do scanned files save to

[PenguinOfDeath]

Hi

I'm using HP smart on a Chromebook. When I scan a document using printer scan and choose to save it I don't know where it goes. I've searched for the filename in my local storage and I cant see it.

Also I've done a search of settings and I can't see where I can change the default file location.

Why  isn't there an option to choose a file path when I try and save?

Thanks

[Max3Aj]

@PenguinOfDeath, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

I understand you're using the HP Smart app on your Chromebook and are unsure where your scanned documents are being saved. Let's walk through how this works and what you can do to locate or change the save location.

Where Scanned Files Are Saved on Chromebook

By default, HP Smart on Chrome OS saves scanned files to the "Downloads" folder. Here's how to find them:

Open the Files App:

• Click the Launcher (bottom-left corner of your screen).
• Search for and open the Files app (it looks like a folder icon).

Navigate to Downloads:

• In the left sidebar, click on Downloads.
• Look for your scanned file there. You can also use the search bar at the top to search by filename.

Can You Change the Default Save Location?

Unfortunately, HP Smart on Chromebook does not currently allow changing the default save location directly within the app. This limitation is due to Chrome OS's sandboxing and app permissions.

However, there are a couple of workarounds:

Option 1: Use HP Smart Shortcuts (Cloud Save)

HP Smart supports Shortcuts (formerly Smart Tasks), which let you save scans directly to cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive. To set this up:

1. Open HP Smart.
2. Go to Shortcuts.
3. Create a new shortcut with a Save to Cloud option.
4. Choose your preferred cloud destination.

Option 2: Manually Move Files

After scanning, you can manually move the file from the Downloads folder to any other folder or cloud drive using the Files app.

Why No File Path Prompt?

HP Smart on Chrome OS is designed to be lightweight and secure, which limits access to the full file system. This is why you don’t see a “Choose file path” prompt like you might on Windows or macOS.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support

[PenguinOfDeath]

Thanks for the swift response Max.

I've found a solution but not everything you said below works.

Firstly I have 2 Downloads folders on the Chromebook, Downloads and Linux Downloads. I've tried a scan a number of times and although the software gives no error and gives the impression that a save to my PC has been successful there are no scans from the HP software in either of these 2 folders

I have both Google Drive, and One Drive

If I create a folder in Onedrive I'm able to specify this as a file path and scan to a particular folder which I've dedicated to scanning. 

If I create a folder in Google drive then when I enter settings and try to browse for that folder the software doesn't allow me to view the folder structure. So a scan to Google Drive is successful but I can only scan to the root directory. 

Thanks for the detailed response, I've got something that works for me now. But I wanted to let you know that not everything you said below seems to be working as you suggest it should, at least not on my current setup.

Many thanks

Pod