Scanning is the process of examining a document or image to create a digital copy. This is typically done using a device called a scanner, which captures the details of the original material and converts it into a digital format, such as a PDF or JPEG. Scanning is commonly used for archiving documents, sharing information, or preserving photographs. In addition to traditional document scanning, there are various types of scanning techniques, including optical character recognition (OCR), which allows text within scanned images to be edited and searched. Scanning is widely used in offices, libraries, and homes to streamline information management and improve accessibility.