Discover the top apps for document scanning in 2021 with our comprehensive guide.
Introduction to document scanning
Document scanning is the process of converting physical documents into digital format using a scanning app on a smartphone. This allows users to easily store, organize, and share important documents without the need for a physical scanner. With the advancements in smartphone camera technology, scanning apps are now capable of producing high-quality scans with features such as optical character recognition (OCR) for searchable and editable text.
Benefits of document scanning apps
– Clear and crisp scan quality
– Searchable and editable text using OCR
– Convenient and easy-to-use interface
– Integration with cloud storage services for easy access and organization
– Ability to capture various types of documents, including receipts, business cards, and handwritten notes
Key features to look for in a scanning app
– Ease of use and intuitive controls
– High-quality image resolution and filters for improving scan quality
– Accurate text recognition using OCR
– Ample sharing options for sending scans to different platforms
– Diverse format options for capturing different types of documents
– Security and privacy measures for protecting user data
– Annotation and editing features for marking up scanned documents
– Reasonable pricing, with options for free or low-cost usage
Document scanning apps have become an essential tool for individuals and businesses alike, providing a convenient and efficient way to digitize and manage important documents on the go.
Importance of using document scanning apps
Document scanning apps are essential for individuals and businesses alike, as they provide a convenient and efficient way to digitize physical documents. With the increasing reliance on digital files and the need for remote access to important documents, scanning apps offer a practical solution for converting paper-based information into electronic format. These apps enable users to capture, organize, and store a wide range of documents, including receipts, business cards, contracts, and more. By using a scanning app, individuals can reduce paper clutter, improve document accessibility, and streamline their workflow.
Benefits of using document scanning apps:
- Improved organization: Scanning apps allow users to categorize and store documents in a digital format, making it easier to locate and retrieve information when needed.
- Enhanced accessibility: Digital scans can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, providing greater flexibility and convenience for users who need to access their documents on the go.
- Searchable and editable text: Many scanning apps utilize Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to convert scanned images into searchable and editable text, enabling users to extract and manipulate the content within the documents.
- Cost-effective: By eliminating the need for physical storage space and reducing paper consumption, scanning apps offer a cost-effective solution for document management.
- Security and privacy: Scanning apps often provide encryption and secure cloud storage options to protect sensitive information, ensuring the privacy and security of digitized documents.
Using a document scanning app can significantly improve productivity, organization, and accessibility for both personal and professional document management needs. Whether it’s for archiving important records, sharing information with colleagues, or simply reducing paper clutter, the benefits of using a scanning app are undeniable.
Overview of the best apps available in 2021
In 2021, there are several excellent scanning apps available for both Android and iOS users. These apps offer a range of features, including OCR, image editing, and seamless integration with cloud storage services. Some of the best options include Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, Google Drive, and Apple Notes. Each of these apps has its own unique strengths, making them suitable for different types of users and specific needs.
Adobe Scan is a top choice for its simplicity, high-quality scans, and seamless integration with Adobe Document Cloud. It offers excellent editing capabilities and is ideal for those who work extensively with PDFs. Microsoft Lens is a great option for users of Microsoft Office, as it offers the ability to save scans as Word documents, OneNote notes, and PowerPoint slides. Google Drive’s built-in scanning feature is a convenient choice for those who already use the cloud storage service for file organization. Finally, Apple Notes is a solid option for iOS users, offering clean OCR results and seamless integration with iCloud for easy access across multiple devices.
Each of these apps has been thoroughly tested and reviewed, taking into account factors such as ease of use, image quality, text recognition, sharing options, security, and pricing. Based on these criteria, these apps have been identified as the best options available in 2021 for mobile scanning needs.
Top features to look for in document scanning apps
When choosing a document scanning app, there are several key features to look for to ensure that you are getting the best possible results. Some of these features include:
Automatic cropping
Scanning apps that offer automatic cropping can help ensure that your documents are fully in focus and properly aligned. This feature can save you time and effort by eliminating the need to manually adjust the crop for each scan.
Editing tools
The best scanning apps will offer a range of editing tools that allow you to adjust the appearance of your scans. This can include features such as cropping, rotating, and adding filters to improve the overall quality of the scanned document.
Shooting modes
Some scanning apps offer shooting modes that are specifically designed for different types of documents, such as business cards or receipts. These modes can help ensure that you get the best possible results for each type of document you need to scan.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
OCR is a crucial feature for scanning apps, as it allows the app to identify text within an image and make it searchable and editable. This can be especially useful if you need to work with the text within your scanned documents.
By looking for these key features, you can ensure that you choose a document scanning app that meets your needs and provides the best possible results for your scanned documents.
Comparison of different apps based on features and functionality
When comparing different scanning apps based on features and functionality, it’s important to consider a few key factors. First, ease of use is crucial. Look for apps with intuitive controls, a thoughtful layout, and helpful features such as automatic document recognition and capture. The app should also provide great image quality, with clear text and crisp borders. Accurate text recognition is also essential, as the best scanning apps use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to locate text in an image and convert it to an editable document.
Ample sharing options are also important, as a good scanning app should provide a convenient way to share scans and OCR results on many channels, such as email, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more. Diverse format options are also a key consideration, as the app should be adept at capturing material from less-common sources, such as whiteboards, book pages, and business cards. Additionally, attention to security is crucial, as the app should provide clear security and privacy policies and should not sell or share user data without consent.
Annotation and editing features are also important, as the app should allow users to mark up scans, highlight text, add notes, and even put their own signature on a document. Finally, a reasonable price is a consideration, as there are many good free scanning apps available. Look for apps that offer a low- or no-cost option for each platform.
In summary, when comparing scanning apps, it’s important to consider ease of use, image quality, text recognition, sharing options, format options, security, annotation and editing features, and price.
Comparison of Different Apps:
- Adobe Scan: Offers lean, efficient, and free-to-use scanning with excellent editing capabilities and integration with Adobe Reader.
- Microsoft Lens: Ideal for Microsoft Office users with excellent OCR results and the ability to save scans to multiple locations.
- Google Drive: Offers a super-simple scanning option with good edge detection, searchable text recognition, and automatic cloud storage.
- Apple Notes: Already installed on iPhone and iPad, provides clean OCR results and automatic iCloud storage for scans.
How to choose the best app for your specific needs
When choosing the best scanning app for your specific needs, it’s important to consider the platform or app ecosystem you use most. If you are a Microsoft Office user, an app like Microsoft Lens may work best for you, as it offers seamless integration with the Office suite and provides excellent OCR results. On the other hand, if you organize all your files in Google Drive, the scanning feature built into the app may be the most convenient option for you. For iOS users, the built-in scanning app in Apple Notes may be the best choice, as it produces some of the cleanest OCR results and automatically saves scans to iCloud.
It’s also important to consider the specific features you need in a scanning app. Look for apps with automatic cropping, editing tools, and different shooting modes to suit your scanning needs. Additionally, consider the app’s OCR capabilities, as well as its sharing options and format compatibility. Security and privacy features are also important to consider, especially if the app requires you to upload scans to their cloud servers.
Ultimately, the best scanning app for you will depend on your individual preferences and requirements, so it’s important to evaluate each app based on its functionality, ease of use, and compatibility with your existing workflows.
In-depth review of the top document scanning apps
When it comes to choosing the best document scanning app, there are several options available for both Android and iOS users. After conducting a new round of testing, we have identified the top apps that stand out for their ease of use, image quality, text recognition, sharing options, security, and affordability. Our in-depth review focuses on the following top document scanning apps:
Adobe Scan (for Android and iOS)
Adobe Scan is a free and efficient app that is ideal for turning documents into clean, easily shareable, organized PDFs. It offers excellent editing capabilities and is the perfect choice for those who work with PDFs. The app automatically stores every scan on Adobe Document Cloud and integrates seamlessly with Adobe Reader. Its premium subscription offers extra storage and the ability to save scans as Word or PowerPoint files, but the free version is likely sufficient for most users.
- Automatic cropping
- Editing tools
- Shooting modes
- OCR
Microsoft Lens (for Android and iOS)
Microsoft Lens is a great option for Microsoft Office users, as it offers excellent OCR results and the ability to save scans as Word documents, OneNote notes, and PowerPoint slides. The app also provides features such as the ability to save scans to multiple locations and to set the file size and resolution. While it lacks organization for scans and auto-scan capabilities, its text recognition and output quality make it a solid choice for users.
- OCR
- Output options for Microsoft Office suite
- Customizable file size and resolution
Google Drive (for Android and iOS)
Google Drive offers a simple and effective scanning feature that is built into the app, making it a convenient option for users who already organize their files in Google Drive. The app provides a no-nonsense interface, good edge detection, searchable text recognition, and additional perks like prefilled file names and a shadow-removal filter. While it may not offer as many editing tools as other apps, it is a straightforward choice for quick PDF scans that are automatically saved to the cloud.
- Simple interface
- Searchable text recognition
- Automatic cloud storage
Apple Notes (for iOS)
Apple Notes, already installed on iPhones and iPads, serves as a powerful mobile scanning app for iOS users. It automatically saves all scans to iCloud and performs accurate OCR by default. While it lacks the ability to export searchable PDFs, it is a convenient option for users who occasionally scan receipts, business cards, or homework assignments.
- Automatic iCloud storage
- Accurate OCR
- Convenient for occasional scanning
Overall, the best scanning app for you may depend on your platform or app ecosystem, as well as your specific needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a free and straightforward option, an app tailored to Microsoft Office users, a scanning feature integrated with cloud storage, or a built-in scanning app for iOS, there are several top choices available to meet your scanning needs.
Pros and cons of each app
Adobe Scan (for Android and iOS)
Pros: Adobe Scan is free, simple to use, and offers excellent editing features that help produce high-quality scans. It automatically stores every scan on Adobe Document Cloud and easily integrates with Adobe Reader. It also offers the option to save scans as JPEG image files.
Cons: The free version is likely enough for most people, but an optional Adobe Scan Premium subscription at $10 per month offers extra storage, saving as Word or PowerPoint files, and password protection.
Microsoft Lens (for Android and iOS)
Pros: Microsoft Lens is especially good for Microsoft Office users, offering the ability to save scans as Word documents, OneNote notes, and PowerPoint slides, in addition to PDFs and JPEGs. It also offers the ability to save scans to multiple locations and set the file size and resolution.
Cons: It lacks organization for scans and doesn’t auto-scan documents. For OCR results, scans need to be saved to Word and opened there.
Google Drive (for Android and iOS)
Pros: Google Drive offers a no-nonsense interface, good edge detection, searchable text recognition, and perks like prefilled file names and a shadow-removal filter. It automatically saves scans to the cloud, making it a convenient option for those already organizing files in Google Drive.
Cons: The PDFs produced in the iOS version have selectable text that can be copied and pasted elsewhere, but this feature is lacking on Android devices. For OCR results, documents need to be opened in Google Docs.
Apple Notes (for iOS)
Pros: Apple Notes is already installed on iPhones and iPads, making it a convenient option for iOS users. It automatically saves scans to iCloud and performs accurate OCR by default.
Cons: It can’t export searchable PDFs and can only export PDFs and raw text.
User ratings and reviews
User ratings and reviews
Adobe Scan has received positive reviews from users, with many praising its ease of use and the quality of its scans. Users appreciate the app’s simple interface, efficient editing capabilities, and the ability to produce clean and searchable PDFs. The integration with Adobe Reader and Adobe Document Cloud has also been highlighted as a valuable feature. Additionally, users have found the OCR results to be accurate and reliable.
Microsoft Lens has garnered favorable feedback from users, particularly from those who are regular users of Microsoft Office suite. Users have praised the app for its excellent OCR results and the variety of output options, including Word documents, OneNote notes, and PowerPoint slides. The ability to save scans to multiple locations and customize file size and resolution has also been well-received.
Google Drive’s scanning feature has been well-received by users who already use the app for cloud storage. Users appreciate the no-nonsense interface, good edge detection, and searchable text recognition. The app’s ability to automatically save scans to the cloud and the shadow-removal filter have been highlighted as valuable features. However, some users have noted that the iOS version lacks selectable text in PDFs.
Apple Notes, as a built-in scanning app for iOS users, has received positive reviews for its simplicity and the quality of OCR results. Users have found it to be a powerful and convenient tool for occasional scanning needs, especially for those who already use iCloud for file organization. However, some users have mentioned limitations such as the inability to export searchable PDFs and the limited export options.
Overall, user ratings and reviews indicate that these scanning apps are well-received for their functionality, ease of use, and the quality of their scans. Users have found them to be valuable tools for digitizing documents and organizing files, with many appreciating the free or low-cost options available.
Step-by-step guide on how to use the best document scanning apps
Using the best document scanning apps can help you easily digitize and organize your important documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use these apps:
Step 1: Download the app
First, you’ll need to download the scanning app of your choice from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Look for apps like Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, Google Drive, or Apple Notes.
Step 2: Open the app and set up
Once the app is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the app. This may include signing in with your Google, Microsoft, or Apple account, depending on the app you choose.
Step 3: Capture the document
Position the document you want to scan in good lighting and within the camera frame. Some apps offer different shooting modes for documents, business cards, and more. Use the app’s auto-crop feature to ensure the document is fully in focus.
Step 4: Editing and OCR
After capturing the document, use the app’s editing tools to crop, rotate, or adjust the colors if necessary. The app should also have OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to identify text in the image and make it searchable and editable.
Step 5: Save and share
Once you’re satisfied with the scan, save it in your preferred format, such as PDF or JPEG. Many apps also offer options to save scans to cloud storage services like Google Drive, iCloud, or Adobe Document Cloud. You can then easily share the scanned document via email, messaging apps, or other channels.
By following these simple steps, you can make the most of the best document scanning apps and efficiently manage your digital documents.
Tips and tricks for maximizing the effectiveness of the apps
Use good lighting
When scanning documents, it’s important to have good lighting to ensure clear and crisp scans. Natural light is best, but if that’s not available, make sure to use a well-lit room or even a desk lamp to provide adequate lighting for your scans.
Keep the document flat and steady
To get the best results, make sure the document you are scanning is flat and steady. This will help the app capture the entire document without any distortions or blurriness.
Take multiple scans
If you’re not satisfied with the quality of the first scan, don’t hesitate to take multiple scans. Most scanning apps allow you to review and select the best scan from a series of shots, so take advantage of this feature to ensure you get the best results.
Experiment with different shooting modes
Many scanning apps offer different shooting modes for various types of documents, such as business cards, receipts, or whiteboards. Experiment with these shooting modes to see which one works best for the type of document you are scanning.
Use editing tools to enhance the scan
After capturing the scan, make use of the editing tools provided by the app to enhance the quality of the scan. This may include cropping, rotating, or adjusting the colors to make the document more legible and visually appealing.
By following these tips and tricks, you can maximize the effectiveness of the scanning apps and ensure that you get high-quality, usable scans every time.
Troubleshooting common issues
If you are experiencing issues with your scanning app, there are a few common problems that you may encounter. One issue that users often face is difficulty with edge detection and automatic cropping. This can result in scans that are not properly aligned or cropped, leading to poor quality images. To troubleshoot this issue, try adjusting the settings within the app to see if there are options for manual adjustments to the cropping and edge detection. Additionally, ensure that the document or item you are scanning is placed on a flat, well-lit surface to improve the app’s ability to detect edges accurately.
Adjusting settings
– Check for manual adjustment options for cropping and edge detection within the app settings
– Ensure that the document or item being scanned is placed on a flat, well-lit surface for optimal edge detection
Another common issue that users may encounter is poor image quality or difficulty in capturing clear and readable scans. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including the quality of the camera on your device, as well as the settings and filters within the scanning app. To troubleshoot this issue, try adjusting the camera settings on your device to improve the quality of the images being captured. Additionally, explore the settings within the scanning app to see if there are options for adjusting the resolution, contrast, or other image quality settings.
Improving image quality
– Adjust the camera settings on your device to improve image quality
– Explore the settings within the scanning app for options to adjust resolution, contrast, and other image quality settings
If you are experiencing issues with text recognition and OCR (Optical Character Recognition), resulting in scans with inaccurate or unreadable text, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, ensure that the document or item being scanned is well-lit and free from any shadows or obstructions that could interfere with the app’s ability to recognize and capture text accurately. Additionally, check the settings within the scanning app to see if there are options for enhancing OCR performance, such as language settings or text recognition accuracy adjustments.
Improving text recognition and OCR
– Ensure that the document or item being scanned is well-lit and free from shadows or obstructions
– Check the settings within the scanning app for options to enhance OCR performance, such as language settings or text recognition accuracy adjustments
Future of document scanning apps and upcoming innovations
The future of document scanning apps is likely to see continued improvements in image quality, text recognition, and editing capabilities. As smartphone cameras continue to advance, scanning apps will be able to produce even clearer and crisper scans, making the digitization of documents even more seamless. Additionally, we can expect to see advancements in OCR technology, allowing for more accurate and efficient text recognition. This will enable users to easily search and edit the text within their scanned documents, further enhancing the utility of scanning apps.
Furthermore, upcoming innovations in scanning apps may include enhanced security features to ensure the privacy and protection of scanned documents. This could involve the implementation of advanced encryption methods and secure cloud storage options. Additionally, we may see the integration of AI technology to automate and streamline the scanning process, making it even more user-friendly and efficient.
Potential Innovations:
– Improved image quality through advancements in smartphone camera technology
– Enhanced OCR technology for more accurate text recognition
– Integration of AI technology for automated scanning processes
– Enhanced security features for privacy and protection of scanned documents
As scanning apps continue to evolve, it is important for users to stay informed about the latest developments and innovations in order to make informed decisions about which app best suits their needs. Keeping an eye on upcoming advancements in scanning technology will ensure that users can take full advantage of the capabilities offered by these apps.
Recommendations for integrating document scanning apps into daily workflows
1. Choose the app that best integrates with your existing software and platforms
When selecting a scanning app, consider the software and platforms you use on a daily basis. If you are a Microsoft Office user, Microsoft Lens may be the best option for you. If you organize all your files in Google Drive, using its built-in scanning feature may be the most seamless option. For iOS users who want a free, built-in scanning app, Apple Notes may be the best choice. By integrating the scanning app with your existing software and platforms, you can streamline your workflow and easily access your scanned documents.
2. Take advantage of the editing and OCR features
Look for a scanning app that offers robust editing tools, such as cropping, rotating, and adding filters to adjust colors. Additionally, ensure that the app provides accurate Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to make the text in your scanned documents searchable and editable. Apps like Adobe Scan and Microsoft Lens offer excellent OCR results, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize text recognition.
3. Utilize cloud storage for organization and accessibility
Many scanning apps automatically save scanned documents to the cloud, making them accessible across multiple devices. Whether you use Adobe Document Cloud, Google Drive, or iCloud, take advantage of the cloud storage features offered by the scanning app. This allows you to keep your scanned documents organized and easily accessible, reducing clutter in your camera roll and physical storage.
By following these recommendations, you can seamlessly integrate document scanning apps into your daily workflows, improving efficiency and organization in handling your documents.
Conclusion and final recommendations for the best apps in 2021
After extensive testing and evaluation, we have found that Adobe Scan (for Android and iOS) is the best overall scanning app for its ease of use, excellent image quality, accurate text recognition, and ample sharing options. It is free, simple to use, and offers editing features to produce high-quality scans. For Microsoft Office users, Microsoft Lens (for Android and iOS) is a solid option with excellent OCR results and the ability to save scans to multiple locations. Google Drive’s built-in scanning feature is a great choice for those who already organize their files in Google Drive, while Apple Notes is the best free, built-in scanning app for iOS users, producing some of the cleanest OCR results we’ve seen.
Top Scanning Apps in 2021:
- Adobe Scan (for Android and iOS) – Best overall scanning app with excellent image quality and text recognition
- Microsoft Lens (for Android and iOS) – Ideal for Microsoft Office users with excellent OCR results
- Google Drive – Best for saving scans to Google Drive with a simple, no-nonsense interface
- Apple Notes – Best free, built-in scanning app for iOS users with accurate OCR and seamless iCloud integration
In conclusion, the best scanning app for you will depend on your specific needs and the platform or app ecosystem you use most. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, OCR capabilities, or seamless integration with cloud storage, there is a scanning app that can meet your requirements. With the advancement in smartphone camera technology, today’s scanning apps are more than capable of handling various scanning needs, making them a convenient and cost-effective alternative to physical scanners.
In conclusion, there are many great apps available for document scanning, each with their own unique features and benefits. Whether it’s for business or personal use, these apps can help streamline the process of digitizing and organizing important documents. With the right app, anyone can easily create high-quality digital copies of their documents on the go.