How do I set the printer to default scan to PDF

[Screentoo]

Wanting to set the printer to scan to PDF by defualt, currently its scanning to a JPG 

it shouldnt be this hard

[Dragon-Fur]

@Screentoo

I do not know what you have tried.

Some printers do not "stick" to the preferred shortcut selection. 

This is usually due to the printer software not supporting selection and / or the creation of Custom Shortcuts.

Is that what you are asking?

OR

If you refer to scanning from the printer control panel, the Apps that are available (if any) are the apps available.  Period.  Unless there is a specific setup available, that's "it".

OR

If you refer to using the Embedded Web Server (EWS), then you can adjust the settings as provided in the Webscan setup.  If this is the method you are using, there are settings for PDF or JPEG.

Using the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS)

OR

If you refer to using the scan software on the computer, there may - or may not - be options that behave in the manner you seek.

The Basics:

How to Scan (Windows)

If the software is a bit less primitive, there are options.

Disclaimer:  The following has been written "on the fly" - a poor method that might have left errors in the content.  If you find such errors, my apologies - try to make sense of the intent.

Scan

The HP Scan and the HP Scan Extended software both work in a similar manner, that is, you create / select the Scan shortcut you want to use and it should be the shortcut that is "preselected" next time you use the software.

The following example is from HP Scan Extended - the shortcut used during the previous job is presented (in Blue) as the "shortcut for the current job".  You have the option to use that shortcut.

The example displays "Photo" shortcut.  The "Save to PDF" setup works in the same manner:  Select a shortcut and use as is (and leave that as the "preferred" setting for next time you start the software), OR select / create a different shortcut.

HP_Scan_Extended_Shortcut_1.

Scan Profiles

Some printers support a lesser known method to create a Scan Profile.

Example:

Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer

Scan profiles... (wait a bit)

Scan Profiles menu opens 

Click "Add" to add a new Profile

Add / Adjust settings, including whether to make the new profile the default

Save Profile to save new profile

Close the main Scan Profiles menu

HP Scan and Capture

Lovely software - Look for it in the Windows Store.

Example:

Scan_and_Capture_0Scan_and_Capture_0B

Print (included as FYI only)

Normally, it is nothing more than to set the Printing shortcut you want to use and set it in Printing Preferences (OK to save the selected shortcut / Preference).

Set the Preferences

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer > Printing Preferences >

Tab Printing Shortcuts > Click / Highlight shortcut > Click Apply > Click OK to exit

If the printer software supports the feature, change the settings as desired, then use “Save as” to create a Custom Shortcut.

OR

Windows key + S (search for) Printers and Scanners

Left-Click on (your) Printer > Manage >

Printing Preferences

Set “preferred settings” for paper, source (tray), other settings

Optional (if / as available): Save As > enter a name for your custom shortcut

Click OK to save the preferences

8740_Printer_Assistant_Shortcuts_1

Check / Adjust the Paper at the Printer Panel

Open Printer Tray, add desired paper type

Close Tray

On the printer panel, Click Modify (wording varies), set the paper size and type, Click OK

NOTE:  If the size of the Paper Size is not in the Drop-down list, Select Custom

                                  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Download, save, and install   HP Scan Extended – Exceptional free HP scan program:  HP Scan Extended features include (and are not limited to): Single, Multiple scans, Image and PDF scans, Email as PDF / JPEG, Source selection, Page Size choices include Auto-Detect (extracts image / document boundary).  May include OCR (Save as Editable Text).

NOTES

• HPSE is an older subset of the printer software; features are very similar to scan software included in 2015 or newer Full Feature Software packages.
• If you have the newer version of the scan software inside your Full Feature Software, use that: Printer Assistant shortcut icon on Desktop (named for printer) > Scan a document or image (wording varies).
• Although the HPSE program works as a separate program, HPSE is dependent on the infrastructure provided by the printer software. The Full Feature Software for your printer should be installed before installing HPSE.

NAPS2 -- Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).  Includes OCR.  Download, save, and install to use.

Reference and Resources – Places to find help and learn about your Printer

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer

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