Sending scanned text from a C-Pen to a computer

The C-Pen Reader 2 and Reader 3 can send scanned text to a computer by USB, with no software to install. Use Keyboard mode to type scanned text straight into any document, email or form. Use U-disk mode to copy text files you have already saved on the pen. Both work with Windows, Mac, Chromebooks and most Linux computers. The Exam Reader 2 stores nothing, so it has no text to transfer.

Keyboard mode: scan straight into a document

The pen acts like a keyboard. Whatever you scan is typed into the app where the cursor is.

1. Connect the pen to the computer with its USB cable.
2. On the pen, choose Keyboard from the connection options.
3. On the computer, open the document, email or form and click where you want the text.
4. Scan a line of text. It appears at the cursor.

In Keyboard mode the pen does not read aloud. If the user needs to hear the text, use the computer's own text-to-speech.

On the Reader 3, recent firmware also supports sending text over Bluetooth as a keyboard. Compatibility varies by device, so test it first.

U-disk mode: copy saved text files

The pen appears on the computer as a USB drive.

1. Connect the pen with its USB cable.
2. On the pen, choose U-disk from the connection options.
3. Open the pen's drive on the computer and copy the text files you need.
4. Eject the drive before unplugging the pen.

The Reader 2 saves scanned text as .txt files, each up to 64 kB.

Use the right cable

The Reader 3 uses USB-C and the Reader 2 uses micro USB. Use the cable from the box. Some cables are charge-only and won't transfer data.

Good uses

• Collecting quotes and notes from printed books for an assignment
• Entering printed data into a spreadsheet
• Copying printed worksheet questions into a document so the student can type answers

Frequently asked questions