Often, operating systems do not provide all the necessary functionality for scanning documents. The built-in solutions are stingy quality settings, there are no functions for text recognition and batch processing. Also, often operating systems simply do not see the connected scanner without installing specialized software. This article is intended to simplify the choice of a program for scanning. The review presents both simple utilities and complex software systems.
Canon MF Toolbox
Each scanner manufacturer distributes its scanning software. Canon is no exception. There is no Russian language in the application - this is its main drawback. So only those users who speak English at least at the average level will be able to evaluate the program. And there is something to evaluate, since the advantages of the utility outweigh the lack of Russian localization. Among them:
- Small application size (less than 10 MB). This means that any user can download it. Limiting traffic will not be a problem in the way of scanning.
- Low system requirements. The utility will run even on a computer released ten years ago with the Windows XP operating system.
- The application is absolutely free.
- The utility is developed by the manufacturer of scanners and MFPs, so Canon equipment owners may not have to worry about compatibility.
- Intuitive interface. You can scan by pressing literally three buttons.
- The utility supports many different file saving formats. The user does not have to wonder about converting and selecting software for this operation.
- After scanning, the document can not only be saved, but also immediately sent to e-mail.
ABBYY FineReader
ABBYY products are popular worldwide. This software manufacturer can be considered the leader in its segment. The main advantage of this scanning program is that it also allows text recognition. The latest version of the utility supports 192 languages, including Russian.
After scanning, the information is not just displayed on the screen, but immediately available for adjustment. In this case, the utility is fully integrated into the office suite MS Office, and all functions can be called from familiar programs. After scanning, the document can not only be sent via e-mail, but also published on the Internet.
The only drawback of this powerful software product is its price. For using the minimum version you will have to pay 3 thousand rubles. A perpetual license will cost 6 thousand rubles.
OCR CuneiForm
If you don’t want to give money for serious software, and you need text recognition functions, it makes sense to pay attention to OCR CuneiForm. This free scanning program, in comparison with FineReader, seems to be a tiny utility, but its functionality is quite sufficient for most users.
The application interface is fully Russified. The software is equipped with a special font recognition and formatting system. By starting the program, the user can be sure that after recognition, the structure of the document will not change. In addition, the application automatically checks the spelling.
After work, the program can save the document or open it in the editor for adjustment. At the same time, recognition functions can be disabled and the final file saved in a graphic format.
The program for scanning is free. The interface is fully translated into Russian. The utility is cross-platform and can be installed on Windows. Many enthusiasts take part in the development, so new versions are not long in coming.
Scanitto pro
Scanitto Pro is not able to recognize text, but it differs in speed. In addition to standard graphic formats, the application can work with multi-page PDF files.
The program for scanning in Russian Scanitto Pro is best suited for scanning photographs, as it has functions for correcting brightness, contrast, and image saturation. Before work, you can limit the digitization area if you need to scan only part of the document. First of all, this is convenient - subsequent editing will require less manipulation. In the second - it will reduce the scanning time, since the digitization of part of the sheet lasts less than the whole document.
Vuescan
The main problem of scanner users is the incompatibility of drivers and operating systems. The old device may not work in the new version of the OS just because the developer has stopped its software support.
VueScan scanning software will help to cope with this problem. The developer has declared support for more than 5.5 thousand scanner models without the need to install drivers.
In addition to scanning documents and photographs, the utility is able to digitize film and transparent slides. In this case, after scanning, editing options are immediately available to the user, which will be liked primarily by photographers. Among them, color correction, grain removal, change in brightness and contrast. The application also integrates into Photoshop and can be launched from the usual graphics editor or automatically send received scans to it.
Paperscan
Sometimes a scanner in conjunction with a printer has to be used as a copy machine. This is not always convenient, as it requires a large number of actions.
The program for scanning PaperScan allows you to perform this operation as quickly as possible, as it combines the functions of scanning software and an editor, and can also send files for printing. The utility can work with network equipment. This is convenient when the scanner is connected to another computer. You don’t have to move it to work, it will only be enough to open up public access. Also, the advantages of the application include automatic rotation and alignment of the received document.
The utility is shareware. After downloading, the user can digitize only ten pages. Then the utility will require a license purchase. The software works exclusively under the control of operating systems of the Windows family.
Ridioc
The main feature of the program for scanning RiDoc is to save the result in a graphic format without loss of quality, but with compression. After digitization, you can apply a watermark to the image, recognize the text, or simply burn it to disk. The main features of RiDoc include:
- built-in converter of text files into images;
- the ability to work with old versions of scanners, which are launched manually;
- functions of batch processing of materials according to specified parameters;
- sending files by e-mail;
- Russian localization.
The main disadvantage of RiDoc is its free time. A month after installation, the application will require a license purchase.
HP Scan and Capture
The name of the HP Scan and Capture scanning program speaks for itself. It was created specifically for use with HP scanners. Unlike other applications of this kind, it can capture images from webcams. The utility interface is simple and straightforward; you can digitize a document in just two clicks of the mouse.
Saving text is available in PDF format, and images in JPG. The program also provides basic editing functions - cropping and rotation at an arbitrary angle.
Nothing else stands out from the utility. However, since it was created by HP, it works with all scanners from this manufacturer. It will be a salvation for owners of HP scanners if none of the other programs sees the device.
Blindscanner
BlindScanner is a scanning program that is best suited for use in large organizations. Since printers and scanners are much smaller than user computers, often workers have to move around to perform standard operations. Labor productivity is falling, and with it, profit.
BlindScanner is designed to solve this problem. Using the utility, the device can be opened for use on a remote computer. The application consists of two parts - client and server programs for scanning. A server is installed on the computer to which the scanner is connected. On all other machines - the client.
The client is equipped with a simple, clear interface that requires the same actions as if the scanner were connected directly to the computer. The user selects the device for digitization, storage location, resolution and color, format, and then clicks on the "Scan" button. A very convenient function is to save all parameters in a profile. When you re-scan, you do not need to configure everything in manual mode, it will be enough to select the saved configuration.
The disadvantage of the program can only be called its focus on Windows. No other operating system application supports.
Scanned document distributor
Often, programs for scanning to PDF can only save the file on the local machine. Scanned Document Distributor is designed specifically for those users who upload documents to FTP servers or send via email.
In addition, the utility can open a just-digitized document in any selected application or immediately send it to a printer. Importantly, one task can include all functions at once or only some of them.
Work with the program is organized a little non-standard. At the first stage, the user selects not only the device and capture settings, but also selects the actions that must be performed after digitization. All settings are saved in the profile. After starting the configuration, all actions are performed automatically.
What is very convenient, the launch of the generated profile is performed not only from the program. The user can create a shortcut on the desktop. The application can work with scanners in which documents are automatically submitted. In this case, the user does not have to save each file separately, it will be enough to set the creation of a multi-page PDF document in the settings.