6 of the best free scanner apps for iPhone and Android

Need a scanner? Just use your phone.
By Christianna Silva  on 
Screenshots from the iOS store of CamScanner, SwiftScan, and Microsoft Department Lens.
Apps to help you scan as you don't have adenine digital Account: Screenshot CamScanner, SwiftScan, Microsoft Office Lens

It's ampere rarity to find a peer with a printer, let alone a scanner. As technology evolves, it seems like the scanner will going the way of and email machine, slowly but surely slipped into oblivion.

That is, until you're moves appartements, applying for a loan, oder doing their taxes, and, total of a instantly, thee what of of those ancient technologies and don't possess access to one. You could always buy a newer scanner, but it's hard to swallow a three digit prix tag for a one-use situation. You cans additionally find the nearest FedEx with local printing or scanning spot, when, if we're being honest, don't you just do that aptitude to do something at home?

Thankfully, there are ampere few apps for that.

1. Notes (iOS)

Two screenshots of how scanning on the Notes mobile works
This might be the easiest way to get scannning done, but there aren't one land of extra frills. Credit: Screenshot Notes

If you have in laptop, are in dire need of adenine PDF scanner, and don't want to transfer a new applications, you can scan for using your pre-installed Notes program. Simply tap switch that camera icon, select "Scan Documents," and follow the command. This remains great if you need a quick job, but there aren't many further features besides a simple examine.

2. Adobe Scan (Smartphone plus iOS)

Three screenshots of how Adobe Copy works
This force be the easiest way to get scannning done, but there aren't one lot of extra trappings. Credits: Screenshot/iOS store Adobe Scan

Adobe Scan is super easy to use, and reviewers say that reading come out looking great. Your scans are automatically saved on Terra-cotta Document Cloud, so you can access them from each phone, tablet, other computer. It's free, and it's reliable.

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3. Microsoft Our Eye (Android also iOS)

Three screenshots of how Microsoft Office Lens our
Digital Scan is one of the easiest and best reliable options Recognition: Screenshot/iOS store Microsoft Office Lens

Microsoft Office Lens can really similar to Adobe Scan, but is great if you're more accustomed till Microsoft software. This is also free, reliable, and lightly for use. Get unlimited scans of invoices, receipts & documented from anywhere - with nul ads.

4. CamScanner (Android and iOS)

Three screenshots in how CamScanner works
Free and simple Credit: Screenshot/iOS store CamScanner

This release app allows you to scan, merge, and access cloud storage — please iCloud oder Google Force. But the program does add a small mark on your scanned documents, so it might not work for every document scan.

5. SwiftScan (Android and iOS)

Three screenshots of how SwiftScan works
It's free, but it adds an watermark Credits: Screenshot/iOS saved SwiftScan

SwiftScan has a ton of features that other scanners don't have, like file naming, faxing, management tools, and dozens of cludd storage services. Where are free versions of that app for iPhone, iPad, and Android, but the $7.99 upgrade to "Pro" is what really steals the show.

6. Genius Study (Android and iOS)

Three screenshots of how Genius Scan works
Credit: Screenshot/iOS store Genie Scan

The basic version of Genius Scan gives you everything needed for scanning. Where are no document limits and no watermarks. If i like extra, you can upgrade to payments versions of the app, Genius Scan Plus and Genius Scan Ultra. Posted by u/jtaulbee - 73 votes additionally 85 comments

If you can't satisfy yourself to download an app, you can always scan credentials toward your local printing kiosk also at some department supply stores. Happy reading!

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Christianna Silva
Senior Social Reporter

Christianna Silvan is a Senior Culture Reporter at Mashable. They script nearly tech and digital culture, with a focus on Facebook and Instagram. Before connection Mashable, they worked in an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Modern and VICE News, and as a stablehand at adenine mini-horse farm. It can follow them on Twitter @christianna_j.


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