What is a Document Feeder?

Last Update: August 9th, 2021

Definition

A document feeder is part of a fax machine or multifunction printer/scanner/copier/fax that takes the pages to faxed, scanned, or copied.

Usage

Document feeders are an alternative to “scanning with the glass” (the act of scanning or copying a document on the flatbed glass of the machine). They are preferred by many users because they are very good at inputting many pages.

The two types of document feeders. Regular document feeders only read one side of pages, while RADF (reversing automatic document feeders) can scan both sides of pages.

Sources and more resources

• Wikipedia – Automatic Document Feeder – A quick description of an automatic document feeder. It includes a diagram of a typical paper path.
• YouTube – CanonUSA – Canon PIXMA Printer: Auto Document Feeder – A demonstration video of a document feeder on a home office multifunction printer.
• HP Support – HP All-in-One Printers – The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) Does Not Pick Paper – A support document for feeder problems. While specific to HP, it can help with similar problems with other brands.
• Toshiba – Automatic Document Feeder – Instructions on how to operate a document feeder on a Toshiba multifunction product.