Optical scanning is a technology that converts physical documents or images into digital format using light. A device called a scanner captures the details of the document by shining light on it and recording the reflected light with sensors. This process allows for easy storage, sharing, and editing of documents. The scanned images can be saved in various formats, such as PDF or JPEG, making them accessible on computers and other digital devices. Optical scanning is widely used in offices, libraries, and homes for digitizing paperwork, photographs, and books, enhancing organization and accessibility.