If you work as a secretary, accountant or you simply have to constantly scan documents, then you need a correct and fast tool that would help you easily perform these monotonous manipulations.
Now there is no need to buy a scanner, as there is a great number of scanner software. In most cases, a traditional scanner is not able to carry out many tasks.
But if you need additional options (f.e. trim, photo editing, rotation, etc.), you should try a scanner program that allows you to store all your documents on electronic devices. Moreover, even some smartphones have a built-in scanner function.
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But if you don’t have it, below we would like to provide you the top list of photo scanning software. Let’s have a look!
1. ABBYY FineReader PDF
ABBY FineReader is considered the most popular scanner software. Apart from scanning, the program is full of various magnificent options.
The software operates quite stably and quickly recognizes the documents. While using it, we have not faced any lags or bugs. Besides, the program supports 193 languages and works well with a great number of file formats.
On the homepage, you will find several sections on the top left of the screen:
- File
- Edit
- View
- Tools
- Help
The best part there, it guarantees protection against unauthorized access and changes. This means that you can open any files and make changes without converting them to an editable format.
Other useful features in this program enable you to remove confidential data, add a digital signature, convert or edit documents, and so much more.
Moving on, the program has a built-in editor that lets you adjust the brightness and contrast of the photo, correct distortion, remove digital noise, crop unnecessary parts, manage the pages, adjust formatting, and much more.
Additionally, the user can compare the original document and the recognized copy in one window. ABBY FineReader boasts a user-friendly interface. Despite the great number of options, even novice users will quickly find out how to use it.
However, we have to mention that many users complain that it takes a lot of storage and sometimes fails to quickly recognize the files. Overall, ABBY FineReader is a great tool that will suit everyone. The only disadvantage that we have found there – the lack of useful options in the free version.
Key features:
- Included editor
- No ads
- Fast documents recognition
- Converts to multiple formats
- Intuitive interface
- Wide range of functions
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2. VueScan
The second top-grade scanner software is VueScan. It supports more than 1200 scanners. VueScan works very well and does not hang. When you open the program, you will find the following buttons on the home page:
- File
- Edit
- Scanner
- Profile
- Image
- Help
The program comes with 2 operating modes- for both beginners and professionals. When you switch to the beginners’ mode, the scan settings will be customized step-by-step. Thus, it’s almost impossible to get confused.
The major advantage of this program – it allows you to set up color correction on color negatives. This is quite a difficult procedure, but VueScan simplifies it a lot.
In case, there is a small defect in the picture, the program tries to remove it. Moreover, VueScan comes with a wide range of filters that improve image quality.
As for distinguishing features there, the program contains batch scanning, autofocus, infrared channel to eliminate dust and scratches, multi-pass scanning to reduce noise on darkened areas of the slide, and others.
Moreover, VueScan allows you to perform multi-pass scanning even on scanners that do not support this option. What is more, VueScan is easy to use and it is almost completely automatic. However, many users complain that sometimes the interface is a little bit difficult to navigate.
By the way, the software includes a huge amount of tools for image customization. For example, you can select one of the filters to eliminate noise, configure each of the color channels separately, and set up trim parameters.
All in all, VueScan is worth downloading. However, there are some drawbacks there – it does not support a wide range of file formats and it puts a watermark on scanned images.
Key features:
- Guarantees high-quality images
- Included Help section
- A great number of editing features
- Provides 2 operating mode
3. ScanSpeeder
If you are looking for top-grade and easy-to-use scanner software, you should definitely try ScanSpeeder.
We have not faced any difficulties while using this tool. Plus, the installation is quick and easy. Well, when you open it, on the basic page there are 3 buttons at the top:
- File
- Tools
- Help
Under them, you will find other useful icons – Add Frame, Scanner, Detect, Zoom, and so much more. The best part about this tool – it allows you to scan multiple pictures at once. Additionally, in case of quality deterioration, the program improves itself.
In addition to it, ScanSpeeder offers many editing features. For example, you can add texts, adjust quality, rotate pictures, and so much more options. Besides, the program enables you to quickly share the results via Facebook.
We have to admit that ScanSpeeder comes with a very convenient interface. In case of any misunderstandings, the software provides you a detailed guide on how to use it.
Another interesting feature there, it allows you to restore faded or damaged photos. Plus, you can do it with one click! To conclude, ScanSpeeder is a must-have tool for both professionals and novice users. However, as a previous tool, ScanSpeeder does not support multiple formats.
Among the disadvantages, we have to highlight that this tool provides a trial version for 30 days. Besides, we think that this program does not contain a wide range of functions.
Key features:
- Quick installation
- Editing features
- Provides auto-detection rate
- Restores faded pictures
- User-friendly interface
4. CapturePoint
The next tool that we are going to review is CapturePoint. This tool is compatible with many file formats. CapturePoint runs steadily without any bugs or lags. The installation process takes up several minutes.
Besides the scanning option, this tool allows you to easily convert your pictures to any format. All you need to do – just wait several seconds and enjoy!
What is more, the developer stands firmly behind the program quality and constantly updates the version to satisfy users’ needs and wishes. Moreover, the developer uses SSL technology to guarantee complete security to users.
Moving on, the program allows you to simply manage the documents and control them in the cloud. By the way, you can easily share them!
We have to admit that this software offers top-grade scanning. Besides, it is able to read such documents as cheques, applications, or even surveys. This is a great bonus there!
There is nothing complicated in this program, as it comes with a simple interface. However, many users find this interface a little bit primitive.
Summarizing all the points mentioned above, CapturePoint is an excellent solution. Among the disadvantages, we have to mention that this program does not work on Mac and there are not enough useful features in the free version.
Key features:
- Guarantees excellent quality
- Reads various documents
- Allows to recognize handwritings
- Intuitive interface
5. WinScan2PDF
In case, you can’t find a simple and user-friendly scanner software, then WinScan2PDF is certainly your option! The program works with the majority of modern scanners. The great option of this tool – it does not take up a lot of space. Just imagine, its weight is less than 100 KB!
The installation process takes just several seconds. But we have to mention that there is no need to install this tool to use it on your PC.
WinScan2PDF operates very well. It works like a PDF scanner, as its interface contains only three buttons – Select the scan source, Scan, and Save to PDF. So, you don’t have to be very tech-savvy to use this tool.
All you need to do – just select a preferable scanner, and then the software will automatically detect and digitize all the documents. Moving on, the program converts any scanned documents to PDF in seconds. Besides, the program comes with multilingual support – it offers 22 languages.
In general, WinScan2PDF is a very flexible tool that adapts to anyone. The interface is clean and simple to use. The only drawback there – it does not contain a wide range of functions.
Key features:
- Small size
- Allows saving scans in PNG and JPEG formats.
- Does not require installation
- Supports 22 languages
- Intuitive interface
- Works with most scanners
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6. Readiris Pro 17
Another interesting scanner tool that we have to bring your attention to is Readiris Pro 17. It is a well-known program that is able to recognize texts in 110 languages around the world.
The software works fast and steadily. It does not hang or crash. After installing the program, you will find the following buttons at the top of the screen:
- Home
- Zones
- Page
- Cloud Setup
- View
- Help
Moreover, under these buttons, you will find other useful options – Advanced settings, Text editor, Scan, and others. We were impressed by the software interface that guarantees easy navigation. However, many users complain that sometimes the interface can be difficult to manage.
As for distinguishing features there, the program is able to recognize mathematical formulas, symbols, ancient hieroglyphs and save the original formatting (size, font type, line spacing, etc.).
In addition to it, Readiris Pro 17 allows you to edit your files, add subtitles, or even audio recordings. Besides, you can even add digital signatures.
Overall, Readiris Pro 17 is an excellent tool that enables you to easily manage your files and quickly share them. However, we have to admit that the trial version provides only 100 pages for 10 days.
Among the disadvantages, we have to mention that this tool does not offer a great variety of scanning features.
Key features:
- Compatible with Word, Excel, PDF, XPS, and OpenOffice
- Supports more than 100 languages
- Allows to use voice annotations and edit texts
- Modern interface
- Subtitles and audio function
- Quickly recognizes a wide range of things
7. Free Scanner Software
Now we would like to review our next free scanner program – Free Scanner Software. The great advantage of this tool – it supports multiple formats.
Free Scanner Software operates very well and does not crash. The program does not take a lot of storage space. When you open it, you will find at the top of the screen all the necessary options:
- Scan
- Save PDF
- Save Images
- PDF & Email
- Move up
- Move down
- Rotate Left
- Rotate Right
We have to admit that the interface is very easy to manage. So, even inexperienced users will not have to face any difficulties while using this tool.
In addition to it, the program allows you to simply and quickly share your files via email. Plus, you can do it just with one click! Free Scanner Software lets you move or rotate the files. However, many users complain that this tool does not provide any additional editing features.
But we have to admit that this program promptly carries out scanning options, that is why we believe it will fully suit you. What is more, the developer guarantees the high quality of the product and constantly updates the program’s version to meet all the users’ expectations.
To sum up, Free Scanner Software is really worth trying. There are some drawbacks that we have to note – it does not contain a guide for beginners. Additionally, it is compatible only with Windows.
Key features:
- Supports a wide range of formats
- No in-app purchases
- Intuitive interface
- Small size
- Quick installation process
8. NAPS2
NAPS2 is one of the best scanner options in day-to-day use. It does not take too much storage space, installs quickly, and it’s very easy to navigate.
When you open the program, you will find the following buttons on the menu page:
- Scan
- Profiles
- OCR
- Import
- Save PDF
- Save Images
- Email PDF
- Image
- Rotate
The scanned documents appear in the main menu as well. If you want, you can separately open each page and apply such editing options as cutting the edges or adjust the brightness.
However, before you start using the program, you need to configure the scanner profile. As was mentioned above, NAPS2 comes with a wide range of editing tools. For example, you can use trim, customize contrast and saturation level, lighten, or rotate your files.
NAPS2 boasts a user-friendly interface that provides easy navigation. Besides, you will not find in this program any ads. This is certainly a great bonus there!
Another interesting function, the software allows you to print documents. Ultimate convenience! By the way, we have to mention that this tool consists of various tools for professionals. That is why this program will ideally suit both experienced users and novice ones.
But there are some disadvantages that we have to highlight – it does not support multiple formats and there are not enough editing options.
To sum up, NAPS2 is an excellent solution for simple everyday office work. In this program, you will not find any unnecessary options. So, we believe you will not regret!
Key features:
- Recognizes more than 100 languages
- No ads
- No in-app purchases
- Small size
- Provides many editing features
- Compatible with WIA and TWAIN
9. PaperScan
PaperScan is another stunning software that is worth to be mentioned in our article. This tool works with a wide range of different scanners and it is compatible with many formats.
First of all, we have to admit that PaperScan features its functionality. Apart from the scanning option, the software allows you to cut unnecessary parts, edit files, or save them as encrypted PDFs, and so much more.
While using the program, it does not slow down or crash. So, we have to admit that this tool will adapt to everyone – both professionals and novice users.
Concerning the program’s interface, it is very convenient to navigate. The top part contains the icons of the control panel, and the right part includes the visual graphic editor options. In the middle part, you will find the scanned document.
The great advantage of this tool – it provides excellent editing features. For example, you can add labels, texts, images, and stamps; paint lines, shapes, and so on.
Moving on, in this program, you can add filters, adjust color balance, customize brightness and contrast, and so on. In addition to it, we have to mention that the developer does its best to satisfy the users’ needs and wishes, that is why the program’s version is regularly updated.
We can surely say that PaperScan is truly worth trying. We have not found any negative feedback from users. Among the cons, we have to mention – tons of ads and there is a lack of useful features in the free version.
Key features:
- Supports more than 30 languages
- Built-in OCR function
- Wide range of editing tools
- Intuitive design
10. OmniPage Standard
OmniPage Standard is our next useful software that supports a wide range of formats. It converts documents to electronic copies or PDFs to other editable formats.
The program operates steadily and installs in a few seconds. When you open the program, you will find the following button at the top-left of the screen:
- File
- Edit
- View
- Format
- Tools
- Process
- Window
- Help
Under them, there is a wide range of useful functions. By the way, the great advantage of this program – it is able to recognize not just texts, but tables, graphs, and images as well.
Additionally, it supports page layouts and document formats and minimizes all word errors for accurate converting. Plus, you can even transfer paper tables to spreadsheets and word processing programs, while maintaining text alignment and cell styles.
What is more, the software offers integrated cloud storage that is why you can easily share your files with other users. Moreover, this tool supports more than 120 languages. OmniPage Standard comes with an intuitive interface. However, many users complain that the interface is not very convenient.
But we have to mention some drawbacks. Sometimes it fails to recognize low-quality files. Moreover, the program constantly hangs.
Summarizing all the points mentioned above, OmniPage Standard is an optimal variant for everyone – professionals and inexperienced users. So, hurry up to try it – we hope it will suit you!
Key features:
- Converts a wide range of formats
- Available for more than 120 languages
- Provided cloud storage
- Recognizes tables, graphs, or pictures
- Built-in OCR option
- Simple installation
- 3D correction tool
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11. KRYSTAL Document Management System
And now we would like to provide you our last, but not the least top-grade free scanner software – KRYSTAL Document Management System.
First of all, we have to mention that this program is not fully focused on scanning options. It features extended functionality. KRYSTAL (DMS) carries out a wide range of document management tasks.
The program works stably and does not slow down or crash. Another excellent feature there – it installs in a few seconds and does not take too much storage space. We have to mention that before starting to use this program, you have to create an account. It is a simple and quick procedure as well.
After opening the software, on the top of the screen there are several buttons:
- My profile
- Control Panel
- Add documents
Besides, there is a search bar and a Help icon. The design is developed mostly in white and blue colors. Despite the great variety of different functions, KRYSTAL (DMS) comes with a minimalistic interface that is quite easy to navigate.
However many users were not completely satisfied with how this software performs scanning tasks. Moreover, in the free version, there are not enough necessary functions – the free trial lasts only for 14 days.
As for the disadvantages of this program, we have to mention that it is not a multi-platform and it does not have a document collaboration option. All in all, we have to admit that KRYSTAL (DMS) is the best way to replace the traditional paper documents management system with the digital one.
Key features:
- Offers a great variety of document management tasks
- Provided scanning and indexing functions
- Modern design
- Extended functionality
