A document scanner application enables users to effortlessly scan, edit, and save documents in a digital format without the necessity of a physical scanner. Some applications provide advanced functionalities such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which facilitates the extraction of text from scanned documents, as well as the ability to edit, annotate, secure documents with passwords, and convert them into various formats
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Nevertheless, selecting a suitable document scanner can be challenging due to the vast array of available options. It is possible to select an application that is overly complicated for your fundamental requirements or one that is plagued by frequent advertisements, resulting in user dissatisfaction. After evaluating numerous options, here are the eleven most effective document scanner applications for the iPhone.
1 Genius Scanner
Genius Scanner stands out as my preferred choice among the numerous applications I have evaluated. This preference is based on two main factors. Firstly, it outperforms all other applications on this list in terms of speed, and secondly, it is user-friendly. If you require a scanner app that is both quick and efficient, Genius Scanner is likely your optimal choice.
The application swiftly captures documents, converts them into PDF format, and allows for immediate sharing with others. It also provides a range of editing tools, including curvature correction and additional features
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Once editing is complete, users can share documents instantly and utilize e-signing capabilities. However, it is important to note that a separate application is necessary for e-signing and adding signatures to documents. Users can capture, import, or add images from their gallery, and the app supports batch processing as well. Notably, I have not encountered any advertisements, which is commendable given the app's extensive offerings.
Advantages:
1. Superior speed compared to other applications.
2. Ad-free experience, even in the free version.
3. Smooth and user-friendly batch processing.
Disadvantages:
1. More basic in functionality compared to some other applications.
2. A separate application is required for e-signing documents.
Reasons to Select Genius Scanner: It is the fastest document scanner app equipped with all the essential features.
Download Genius Scan
2 Adobe Scan
Adobe, renowned for its extensive array of software solutions, also offers a specialized scanning application known as Adobe Scan. For individuals who frequently handle PDFs and convert scanned documents into this format, Adobe Scan presents a compelling option. The application is distinguished by its unparalleled quality in generating PDF files, surpassing that of other applications on the market, including Scanner Pro. Additionally, it boasts sophisticated image processing features that automatically rectify distortions, such as shadows and perspective issues.
Moreover, Adobe Scan includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, allowing users to extract text from documents at no cost, a feature that is often restricted to premium tiers in other applications. A notable benefit of Adobe Scan, akin to Microsoft Lens, is its lack of watermarks on documents produced through the app. However, it is important to note that Adobe Scan has certain limitations; specifically, editing PDF files necessitates a subscription to Adobe Premium.
Upon creating an Adobe account, users are granted 20GB of complimentary cloud storage, which facilitates the storage and future retrieval of documents. If your primary objective is to utilize a scanner for converting documents into PDFs and editing them conveniently, Adobe Scan may be the ideal solution for you.
Advantages:
- Produces high-quality PDFs.
- Free OCR functionality without watermarks.
- Seamless integration with other Adobe applications.
Disadvantages:
- PDF editing requires a premium subscription.
- Many advanced features are only accessible through a subscription.
Reasons to Choose Adobe Scan: The premier PDF scanning tool.
Download Adobe Scan
3 Microsoft Lens
For those seeking a free and straightforward document scanning application, Microsoft Lens is readily available for installation from the app store. There are numerous reasons that contribute to Microsoft Lens being regarded as a top choice. Firstly, in contrast to many other document scanner applications, it is devoid of advertisements and does not offer paid versions that restrict the functionalities of the free version. Its user-friendly interface enables users to scan documents, identification cards, and handwritten notes directly using the camera, a task that many individuals perform on a daily basis.
The optical character recognition (OCR) feature is also provided at no cost and is effective in identifying and extracting text from documents. Furthermore, for those who utilize Microsoft products, documents can be exported directly to applications such as Word, Excel, PDF, PowerPoint, and others.
These attributes render Microsoft Lens an excellent application for routine use. However, it may fall short for users seeking professional features, such as the ability to incorporate signatures, watermarks, or other advanced editing capabilities.
Advantages:
- Completely free and free from advertisements.
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel.
- The OCR functionality is robust and incurs no additional charges.
Disadvantages:
- Lacks certain advanced features, such as the ability to add signatures or watermarks.
- While suitable for basic scanning, it may not fulfill all professional requirements.
Reasons to Select Microsoft Lens: Ideal for everyday scanning needs with smooth integration into Microsoft Office applications.
Download Microsoft Lens
4 DocuScan
DocuSnap is a comprehensive scanning application designed for the iPhone. A notable aspect of the app is its user interface. While it does not feature a contemporary or elaborate design, it maintains a clean aesthetic throughout, and the free version is devoid of advertisements.
The application enables users to scan both documents and identification cards. Users can capture images using the camera or import them from the photo gallery or the Files app. After scanning, a variety of editing options are available, including essential functions such as cropping, rotating, and rearranging. Furthermore, users can enhance their documents by adding text, signatures, color filters, and highlights.
Additionally, DocuSnap includes a text extraction tool that allows users to copy text from images or translate it into different languages, which proves particularly useful when dealing with menus or other printed materials. Other functionalities encompass merging PDFs, extracting content from PDFs, compressing files, converting text to PDF format, and reading PDFs, among others. These features make DocuSnap an excellent choice for individuals seeking efficient document editing capabilities.
Advantages:
- Provides a clean, advertisement-free interface in the free version.
- Equipped with a variety of editing tools, including text extraction and PDF management.
- Ideal for document editing tasks.
Disadvantages:
- No significant drawbacks.
Reasons to Select DocuSnap: It offers a wide range of document editing features at no cost.
Download DocuScan
5 Cam Scanner
CamScanner stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a batch scanning and watermarking application. It offers a wide array of features that facilitate the scanning and editing of documents. Users can modify text, apply various filters, and rearrange pages, in addition to benefiting from its batch scanning capabilities. Furthermore, CamScanner enables users to sign documents and create personalized watermarks.
The free version, however, is restricted to basic functionalities. Features such as watermark creation and OCR support are exclusive to the premium version. Additionally, the free version is accompanied by advertisements that can be intrusive during usage. The app includes an auto-capture feature, which proves useful in specific scenarios. While the document quality could be improved, it is still superior to that of the Scanner Pro app
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CamScanner also features a dedicated tools section that provides numerous options for converting documents into different formats. Users can generate QR codes for any link and utilize a print function that allows for direct printing of documents created within the app. Notably, the free version does not impose watermarks on the documents.
In summary, CamScanner is an ideal choice for those in search of a comprehensive, free document scanning application that enables the creation and saving of documents without watermarks. Although the free version has limitations, it remains free of watermarks. The primary drawback of the app is the presence of ads that appear with each action taken within the application.
Pros:
- Rich in features such as batch scanning, text editing, and more
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- The free version does not impose watermarks, which is a significant advantage.
- The auto-capture feature is effective for quick scans.
Cons:
- Advertisements in the free version can be quite bothersome.
- Certain essential features, including OCR and watermarking, are only available through a paid subscription.
Reasons to Choose CamScanner: A feature-rich document scanning application.
Download CamScanner
6 Evernote
Evernote, a widely used note-taking and organization application, features a straightforward scanning tool that enables users to scan and store documents directly within the Evernote platform. The Evernote Scannable app serves as an effective means to digitize all your physical notes and securely save them in Evernote.
The scanning application is quite basic in its functionality. Users can scan and edit documents with fundamental editing features such as rotation and cropping. It includes an auto-capture function that automatically detects documents. The quality of the scanned documents is high, and users can scan an unlimited number of documents.
Furthermore, the app allows for seamless integration with Evernote, enabling users to save scanned documents directly to their gallery. The application provides two-way flexibility; however, to utilize the app independently of Evernote, a subscription to a weekly or yearly plan is required, as all documents will be stored locally on the device. Connecting to Evernote is free, and users simply need to install the app to share and store documents directly.
Nevertheless, there are limitations to consider: Evernote restricts users to creating only 50 notes. For those who are new to Evernote, this means a maximum of 50 notes/documents can be saved. Existing free users may find this limit even more constraining, as they may have already utilized some of their quota. Conversely, Evernote Premium users enjoy increased limits. In summary, while Scannable facilitates the scanning and saving of documents to the Evernote app, free users face certain restrictions.
Advantages:
1. Extremely useful for current Evernote users.
2. Auto-capture feature streamlines the scanning process.
3. Free saving to Evernote (up to 50 notes).
Disadvantages:
1. The free version restricts users to 50 notes, which can be quickly exhausted.
2. Not recommended for individuals who do not use Evernote.
Reasons to Choose Evernote’s Scannable: Effortlessly integrate scanned documents into your Evernote account.
Download Evernote Scannable
7 iScanner:
For those seeking a comprehensive scanning tool for their iPhone, iScanner stands out as an excellent choice. It provides a wide array of functionalities that enable users to scan, edit, merge, and even count objects with ease. Notably, the application maintains a strong focus on its primary scanning capabilities.
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sers can scan directly from the camera or import images from their files or gallery, converting them seamlessly into documents or PDF files. Additionally, it allows for the organization of these files into folders. Many features that are typically restricted to premium versions of other applications are readily available in iScanner.
Beyond its scanning capabilities, iScanner offers a variety of advanced functions, including object counting through the camera, document and ID card scanning, area measurement, password scanning, math problem solving, QR code generation, and more. Users can also sign documents, insert text, annotate PDFs, redact specific text, add images, merge PDFs, apply custom watermarks, convert PDFs to various formats, and engage with AI for chat and summarization.
However, a notable drawback of the application is the presence of advertisements, which can be intrusive even when the app is in standby mode. Users may encounter consecutive ads within a short span, which can be quite frustrating despite the app's numerous features. Nevertheless, the overall performance of the app remains commendable.
Pros:
- Valuable AI tools.
- The free version offers a substantial range of tools.
- Capable of managing all aspects from scanning to editing and organizing.
Cons:
- Ads can be frequent and disruptive in the free version.
Reasons to Choose iScanner: A comprehensive scanning and document management solution equipped with valuable AI features.
