The present invention provides, an improved auto-document feed scanning apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises one of a multi-function peripheral having a scanner or a stand alone scanner, having an input tray adjacent to or integral with an auto-document feeder housing. The auto-document feeder housing has at least one feed roll for indexing a target media. An auto-document feed downguide is positioned within the housing and has at least one recognizable surface opposing a scan module. The recognizable surface defines a background for the scan module.