In the past, photos were usually in albums or boxes. But, with the invention of smartphones and social media, more and more people are taking digital photos.
On the other hand, storing physical photos digitally became important as they can get damaged or lost. So the solution is to use photo scanning software to scan them and save them on your computer or cloud storage.
But, with so many photo scanning software on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the eight best photo scanning software programs based on customer reviews and our personal experience.
1. VueScan
VueScan is a scanning program compatible with numerous flatbed and film scanners of excellent quality. It generates scans with great color balance and accuracy.
Features
- It is available for Windows and macOS, making it a versatile option for users of different operating systems.
- VueScan offers a range of scanning options, including scanning at high resolutions and creating PDF files.
- The ability to scan multiple pages at once saves time.
- It also has features for batch scanning, restoring faded colors, and other professional-level features.
- The software is easy to use, with a straightforward interface that makes it simple to select the desired scanning settings.
Pricing
VueScan prices range from $19.95 for the basic edition to $89.95 for the professional edition.
- The basic edition includes essential features such as Flatbed Scanning, saving to JPG, and one year license. However, you can only use it on one computer.
- The standard edition adds more file formats, no-limit access, and document feeders.
- The professional edition includes all of the features of the standard edition, plus support for scanning Raw files and creating multi-page PDFs.
2. Readiris 17
Readiris 17 is a cutting-edge Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software that offers an incredibly accurate and fast way to convert scanned documents and images into editable and searchable files.
Features
- The ability to convert multiple files simultaneously and support smart cropping.
- It can convert documents into various formats, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and audio.
- You can also use Readiris 17 to password-protect your documents, add notes or comments, or even sign them electronically.
- The software comes with a handy PDF editor, making it easy to add or delete pages, split or merge PDFs, and more.
- Readiris 17 is now compatible with the Windows 10 & 11 operating systems.
- It also offers a free trial version, making it an affordable option for those who want to try the software before buying.
Pricing
Readiris Pro 17 is priced at $89, while Readiris Corporate 17 is priced at $129.
- Readiris Pro 17 is a good choice for those who want a simple photo-scanning solution.
- Readiris Corporate 17 is a better choice for businesses or individuals who need to scan large numbers of photos regularly.
Readiris Corporate 17 offers more features and is faster than Readiris Pro 17.
3. ScanSpeeder
ScanSpeeder is an easy-to-use photo scanning software that lets you quickly scan and save your photos. The software provides a simple interface for browsing your pictures and offers various features that enable you to customize your scanning experience.
Features
- ScanSpeeder can create PDFs of your scanned photos, making it easy to share them with others.
- It includes a built-in photo editor that lets you crop, rotates, and adjusts brightness and contrast.
- It also has an auto-detect feature that automatically scans photos without needing to select each one manually.
- ScanSpeeder automatically backs up your photos to the cloud so you can always access them.
- You can also choose the resolution at which you want to scan your photos, and you can also select the file format in which you want to save your scanned images.
- You can use it with any TWAIN-compliant device.
- The software is compatible with Windows and Mac computers, making it a versatile option for users of different operating systems.
Pricing
ScanSpeeder is a photo scanning software that offers two different editions – Standard and Pro.
The Standard edition is priced at $29.95, and the Pro Edition is priced at $39.95. Both editions provide a wide range of features, but the Pro Edition includes additional features such as batch scanning, advanced color correction, and output to multiple file formats.
4. AutoSplitter
AutoSplitter is the only scanning software that can split photos automatically into individual images. This means you no longer have to do it, saving you time. It has a variety of features that make it distinct for its use.
Features
- The software can automatically crop and straighten photos
- You can scan multiple images at once, and the software will automatically save them as individual files
- You can edit your photos with the software, including cropping, rotating, and adding text or watermarks
- You can use it with a variety of scanners, including flatbed scanners and photo scanners
- AutoSplitter is backed by a team of expert customer support representatives who are always happy to help
- It allows you to convert your scanned photos to PDF format, making them easy to share and view on any device.
- The software comes with a free trial.
Pricing
AutoSplitter Photo Scanning Software is available in two pricing tiers – Basic and Gold.
Basic costs $19.99 and gives you access to the software for 30 days. Gold costs $29.99 and gives you access to the software for two years. Both plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
5. CamScanner
CamScanner turns your phone into a portable scanner. It’s excellent for digitizing documents, receipts, and more.
Features
- The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it is straightforward to use
- You can save your scans in various formats (including PDF and JPEG) and share them via email, social media, or any other app on your phone.
- It provides a built-in photo editor for enhancing scans or adding annotations before sharing.
- CamScanner also offers a cloud storage option, so you can save your scans online and access them from anywhere.
- The app’s built-in OCR functionality lets you convert your scanned documents into editable text files.
Pricing
The free version offers basic features like scanning and exporting PDFs. You can upgrade to a premium account for $4.99 per month and a business account for $6.99 per month for advanced features such as team folder sharing, team member and privilege management, document access management, and lots more.
6. Scanitto Pro
Features
- Scanitto Pro offers a convenient batch scanning mode that allows you to scan multiple documents simultaneously.
- Scanitto Pro has an “Acquire” button that initiates the scanning process with just one click.
- The software comes with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) features that allow you to convert scanned documents into editable text files.
- It is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian versions.
- The software has a sleek and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
- You can save scanned images in various formats, including JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and PDF.
Pricing
Scanitto Pro single-user license costs $29.95, while a site license (which allows you to use the software on multiple computers) costs $199.00.
7. BlindScanner
BlindScanner is one of the most popular remote photo scanning software. It is known for being easy to use and for quality scans. It’s also reasonably affordable, making it a good option for small businesses or home offices.
Features
- BlindScanner is a highly convenient and powerful remote scanning software that allows users to scan photos and documents from a distance quickly.
- It supports scanning multiple pages at once and thus can save a lot of time for the users.
- It also allows users to adjust the resolution, brightness, contrast, and other settings.
Pricing
BlindScanner remote Photo Scanning Software offers users three pricing options.
- BlindScanner(Client license) at $29.99 – The BlindScanner(Client license) is restricted to only one remote computer under the licensee’s control.
- BlindScanner(Server license) at $249.00 – The BlindScanner(Server license) supports the installation of the software on any number of remote client computers connected to one server.
- BlindScanner(Terminal Server license) at $279.00 – The BlindScanner(Terminal Server license) supports the installation of the software on any number of remote client computers connected to any number of servers under terminal service.
8. ScanPapyrus
ScanPapyrus is a convenient and user-friendly photo scanning solution that produces high-quality scans of your favorite photos. It allows you to quickly and easily scan photos, documents, and books.
Features
- The software comes with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) features that allow you to convert scanned documents into editable text files.
- It has built-in editing tools that crop, rotate, or adjust your scans without opening another program.
- You can scan directly to the cloud – access your scans from anywhere, on any device.
- The software supports batch scanning, so you can scan multiple pages simultaneously without processing each one individually.
- ScanPapyrus can also scan up to 30 pages per minute, making it one of the quickest scanning software options on the market.
- It is available in a variety of languages.
- It supports various file formats – whether you want to scan in JPG, PNG, TIFF, or PDF, ScanPapyrus has you covered.
Pricing
Home users can purchase a license for non-commercial use for only $34.90, and commercial charges start at just $59.90.
9. SilverFast
SilverFast was developed by LaserSoft Imaging, a German company founded in 1986. It is a professional scanning and imaging software that offers many unique features to help you get the most out of your scans. It optimizes image quality during and after scanning. SilverFast is also an effective tool you can use to digitalize film negatives.
Features
- Express scan is a feature that allows users to scan documents without adjusting the settings for each document.
- The workflow pilot feature helps you to automate your scanning process, making it faster and easier to get great results.
- Auto IT8 calibration ensures that colors are accurately represented in the final scanned image.
- Film strips, slides, Kodachrome pictures, and photos can be saved as RAW files for additional optimization and processing.
- The software offers various features, including color management, dust and scratch removal, automatic cropping, and batch scanning.
- Tutorial videos are available to provide users with step-by-step instructions on how to use SilverFast’s various features.
Pricing
Pricing is available on request.
Bottom line
So, which photo scanning software should you choose? If you’re looking for the highest quality scans possible, we recommend VueScan Pro. For an easy-to-use option that’s still packed with unique features, try Readiris 17. And if you need a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t skimp on quality, give CamScanner a try.
FAQs
You can typically scan multiple photos at once by scanning them in batches or PDFs. Most scanners will allow you to select the “batch scan” or “multiple scan” option in the settings menu. This will enable you to scan multiple photos at once.
A high-quality photo scanner is the best way to scan old photos. This will help preserve the detail in your photos and make it easier to edit
This depends on the software you are using, the quality of your scanner, and the resolution you are scanning at. Generally, it takes about one minute to scan one photo at 300 dpi.
A photo scanner is designed to scan photos, while a document scanner is designed to scan documents. Photo scanners generally have higher resolutions and can accommodate thicker papers. On the other hand, document scanners are typically smaller and more portable.
