All family history centers in North America now have a Lexmark multifunction printer (MFP). You may be using your new Lexmark as a printer and copier and not even realize that it has an amazing capability to scan directly to Family Tree! It is easy to attach scanned photos and documents to ancestor pages. As a bonus, you can also share these uploaded photos and documents with family and friends through social media.
A FamilySearch training sheet with step-by-step instructions on how to use the “Scan to FamilySearch” function on the Lexmark MFP is available for your use. You will receive an email copy of the training sheet in the family history center LDSMail account. In addition, you will find a copy of the training on the director page of LDS.org. Look for Quick Links in the right column of the director page and then for the Lexmark training guide. This guide is also translated into Spanish and French, with links to those versions on LDS.org.
An overview of how the software works:
- You should see a FamilySearch icon on the Lexmark scanner display screen.
- Click this icon, and then enter your FamilySearch username and password when prompted to do so. Click the word Next whenever it appears.
- Be sure to choose your type of scan. Is it a photo or a document?
- Place your document on the scanner bed. Remember: Do not use the autofeed feature!
- Scan and upload your document.
After scanning your photo or document to FamilySearch, log in to FamilySearch.org. Once logged in, click Memories. From the Memories page, you can click Photos or Documents to view your scanned photos or documents. Attach your scanned items to the correct person pages, or share them with your family on social media. It’s that easy!
If you experience any problems in the process, particularly if you are unable to see the FamilySearch icon on the Lexmark display screen or if you cannot get the scanner to communicate with the computers in your family history center, call FamilySearch at 1-866-406-1830, and request family history center support. Help is ready and waiting for you.
Lexmark received an award in 2013 as the outstanding multifunction printer of the year. The scanner and its Family Tree functionality will be a tremendous asset to your family history center. Preserving photos and documents on Family Tree can be an engaging discovery experience for all who participate. Hearts will turn as people connect with their ancestors through photos and documents. Invite Church members and your staff into your family history center to try these remarkable new Lexmark MFP features.
Note: For the Lexmark MFP to authenticate with FamilySearch, the date and time on the device need to be set correctly. If you need assistance in correctly setting the date and time, please contact FamilySearch at 1-866-406-1830.
