The Files by Google app is adding a very useful feature for Pixel users

Now, the smartest guy in the room, Mishaal Rahman, has posted a tweet (via AndroidAuthority) explaining another new feature for the app that will scan a document, digitize it, and turn it into a PDF file if that is your desire. When you open the app, a “Scan” button will appear in the bottom right corner. Tap the button and the app will auto-scan the document in front of the rear camera, or scan a specific area of the document as manually defined by the user. Multiple scans can be combined into one document.

The Files by Google app is getting a new “scan” button that lets you digitize documents.

Scanned documents are saved as PDF files under a new “Scanned” collection under “Documents” (the actual location is /Files by Google/Scanned).

Like the document scanner in the Drive app,… pic.twitter.com/ve6lM49mL4

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) March 7, 2024

When the scanning process is completed, the document will automatically save as a PDF file in a new “Scanned” folder found inside the app. The updated Files by Google app appears to be disseminated via a server-side update which means that you won’t need to install a new version of the app. Android Authority had the feature on the Files by Google app version 1.2729.610141523.0 on a Pixel phone. My Pixel 6 Pro is running the same exact version of the Files by Google app but does not have the new document scanning feature confirming that it is being released as a server-side update.

While the Files by Google app is installed by default on a new Pixel device, if for some reason your Pixel doesn’t have the app, you can install it from the Google Play Store by tapping on this link.