The 10 Best Large Format Scanners
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in June of 2018. If you have any outsized items that you need to digitize, like maps, blueprints, books, or photography collections, you can get it done with one of these large-format scanners. They come in a variety of sizes to suit different needs, but there's sure to be something here that will meet the task before you. We've included both inexpensive choices as well as more robust options for professional use. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Contex SD One+ Sheetfed
2. VIISAN 3240
3. Epson Expression 12000XL-PH
Editor's Notes
December 15, 2020:
This time around, we added a few more convenient options, such as the portable Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 for those on the go, and the HP ScanJet Pro 2500 F1, a solid, everyday workhorse that gets the job done. We also felt the VIISAN 3240, a newer model with a sleek silhouette and a very approachable price tag, was a valuable addition to our list, thanks to its efficiency, high-quality imaging and versatility.
Once you pin down the perfect model for your particular scanning needs, let us be your guide to the world of large format printing.
June 28, 2019:
If you have a business that relies on high-quality scans of crucial documents, we still think you can rely on the Epson Expression 12000XL-PH and the Contex SD One+ Sheetfed. They combine dependable output with ease of use, making them handy in a wide variety of environments, from healthcare firms to photography studios. But because we know that some users out there don't have the budget for these robust solutions, we added a couple of less pricey models. These include the Xerox DocuMate 3220 Duplex and the Plustek OpticSlim 1180. Although the scans they produce aren't as crisp and don't provide exceptional color fidelity, they are more than adequate for scanning books, newspapers, and more. If it is books you need to scan, specifically, you might look at the CZUR ET16 Plus. It boasts OCR software to produce editable, searchable scans for your convenience.
Special Honors
Contex IQ Quattro ScanStation Pro The Contex IQ Quattro ScanStation Pro features a 21.5-inch touchscreen monitor that can show you previews of your scanned documents, and its USB interface gives you the ability to save your work to any hard drive without having to use a connected PC. contex.com
Epson DS-70000 If you need a compact option that can handle a large daily volume of outsized documents, look no further than the Epson DS-70000. Its duty cycle is good for up to 8,000 pages a day, and its automatic document feeder boasts a 200-page capacity. epson.com
Image Access WideTEK 36ART-600 Works of fine art demand the most sensitive imaging technology, and the Image Access WideTEK 36ART-600 is one of few machines offering contactless scanning for just such purposes. This model is ideal for paintings, drawings and any documents with an unusually bulky or delicate footprint, providing impeccable color and textural fidelity thanks to one of the most archivally sound interfaces on the market. imageaccess.com
4. Plustek Opticpro A320L
5. Colortrac SmartLF SC 36
6. Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100
7. CZUR ET18-P
8. HP ScanJet Pro 2500 F1
9. Plustek OpticSlim 1180
10. Xerox DocuMate 3220 Duplex
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.