scan is no longer option in print/scan preferences for epson ET-2720

This issue has been discussed many hundreds of times on this forum. What is needed is to download and install Epson's most current compatible software for your unit. Whenever an operating system is updated or upgraded, some printers and scanners will stop working correctly and must then be upgraded.

That model is AirPrint compatible and should work wirelessly without drivers.

Get the manual and make sure it's connected to you LAN correctly.

Are you able to print?

Try using Image Capture or Preview to print.

If you are able to print try the demo version of VueScan to see it will scan for you.

It's just a hassle to have to go to a different app to do something so simple that always worked before...! BTW, the printer works great, AirPrint is fine...just no scan.

It's more of a hassle to open an app and select the scanner from a menu than opening System Preferences, selecting Printing & Scanning, selecting the printer, then clicking the Scan button? I don't understand how half the required actions is more of a hassle.

I have never opened System Preferences to print or scan. I have no idea why you would bother to do that when it is so easy to scan from Image Capture, or even easier, directly into Preview (and many other apps).

It sounds like you did the right thing. However, did you confirm that the software you downloaded is compatible with Big Sur? If they say it is, then you need to work with that vendor to resolve the issue.

I would never think to open Image Capture or anything else to print as a keyboard shortcut is far easier .

What keyboard shortcut opens the Printing & Scanning System preferences? I mean I made one to open System Preferences, and could probably make one to open Printing & Scanning, but I don't think there is a default.

Preview is a quick markup/edit tool but has no auto detection box for scanning items smaller than a full page. Image Capture and Print/Scan from System Preferences both have basically the same window and function and both have a detection box.

That's what Preview uses. It doesn't have its own scanning system. Same interface.

This thread is about scanning, not printing.

It does have a Detect Separate items but they have to have well defined edges against the white background like in this example:

It's the same with Image Capture.