PDF Submissions - Avoiding Scrolling Submissions

When students submit scanned assignments to Moodle, inconsistent page sizes can cause problems for instructors reviewing work online. If the scanned file is larger than standard Letter size (8.5" × 11"), the document may display with wide margins, awkward zoom levels, or require horizontal scrolling to read — which slows down grading and can make feedback more difficult to provide. Ensuring all scanned pages are formatted at 8.5" × 11" keeps submissions clean, consistent, and easy to view directly within Moodle’s document viewer, reducing frustration for both students and instructors.

Download the guide as a PDF to share on Moodle

📄 Scanning & Submitting at 8.5" × 11" (Letter Size)

Instructor guidance for students using any scanner or phone app.


✅ Before You Scan

  • Use a regular Letter sheet: 8.5" × 11".
  • If your app has settings, choose Letter (8.5" × 11") as the page size.
  • Set resolution to 200–300 DPI for clear text/images.

📱 Using a Phone Scanning App (Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, iOS Notes, CamScanner)

  1. Place the page flat; capture the whole sheet in good light.
  2. Use the app’s automatic crop, then adjust so only the page is visible.
  3. Save/export as PDF.
  4. Check the export options for Letter or similar page size.

🖨️ Using a Flatbed or Office Scanner

  1. Place the page face down on the glass.
  2. Select Letter (8.5" × 11") as the scan size.
  3. Save as PDF.

🔍 After You Scan — Check the File

  • PDF: Open the file and view Properties/InfoPage Size. It should read 8.5" × 11" (≈ 612 × 792 points).
  • Image (JPEG/PNG): At 300 DPI, Letter size is about 2550 × 3300 pixels (at 200 DPI it’s ~1700 × 2200 px).

⚡ If Your File Isn’t 8.5" × 11"

  • Use your app’s Export or Print to PDF and pick Letter.
  • Free PDF tools can resize to Letter if needed.
  • As a last resort, re-scan with the correct page size selected.

🚀 Quick Checklist

Tip: Clear, high-contrast scans (no shadows; pages aligned) make grading faster and more accurate.