Trying to find the best flatbed scanner for mac? The first thing you should do is decide which type of scanner for mac you need. Handheld ones are portable and convenient. However, they are small and can have issues with high-volume scanning jobs.
Conversely, stationary scanners don’t have any document or paper size limitations. These heavy-duty scanners use various advanced technologies to deliver superior results for photographic prints, slides, and negatives.
To help you find the best scanner for mac, we’ve analyzed technical features like hardware and software interface, auto-color detection, compatibility, and cloud access. Of course, you’d also want to choose between sheet-feed and flatbed for continuous rolls, and we’ve covered that and a lot more.
Here are our top picks that will guarantee you value for cash.
Editor’s Pick: Flatbed Scanner For Mac
Best Flatbed Scanner For Mac- Buying Guide
1. Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i Portable Color Duplex Document
The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i is the best flatbed scanner for mac, suitable for the home office or small business. It’s a perfect addition to Apple users looking to digitize documents and information from papers without having to go through the hassle of using a traditional flatbed scanner.
This scanner features a built-in automatic document feeder that allows you to scan up to 10 pages in one pass. While the automatic document feeder also works as an additional input tray for single-sided documents, allowing you to scan up to 12 double-sided pages per minute.
You can enable the one-touch scanning on the Quick Menu option and scan directly to the cloud, including Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Drive. Or, send the scanned documents to your computer’s Microsoft Word or Excel 2007 for further editing.
The ScanSnap S1300i supports PDF and JPEG file formats, so there are no compatibility issues when saving documents. In addition, the new intelligent automatic image processing features allow for auto-color detection, landscape and portrait orientations, paper size detection, and de-skew.
Key Features
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
With a 10-page document feeder, this document scanner offers fast scanning speeds of up to 12 pages per minute on both sides.
Built-in ABBYY OCR And Automatic PDF Conversion
Allow you to create searchable PDF files and easily enter documents into various applications, including Word, Excel and the included CardMinder business card application.
High Resolution
A resolution of up to 600 dpi for color and 1200 dpi for gray-scale produces detailed digital files ready to print. Multiple output file formats are possible, including PDF, searchable PDF, and JPEG, as well as editable Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
ScanSnap Organize
The software allows you to view, edit and organize your scanned documents. Automatic image processing features help you save time by cropping, flipping, and deleting blank pages.
Pros:
- Fast for a handheld scanner
- Accurate text recognition
- Supports both wireless and USB 3.2 connections
- ScanSnap software package
- U-turn and return scanning save desk space.
Cons:
- No battery, so no networking is possible
2. Epson Perfection V550 Document Scanner
EPSON Perfection V550 Photo delivers stunning images with an enhanced 48-bit color depth (16.7 million colors) and a high optical resolution of 6400 dpi. Whether you’re scanning documents, film negatives, or slides, this versatile scanner delivers crisp, precise results as large as 17 x 22 inches.
The EPSON Perfection V550 is the best scanner for mac with Digital ICE Technology, which rapidly scans your originals with no warm-up time, no noise, and no mess. Digital ICE makes it easy to scan precious photos with the touch of a button while ensuring they look just as sharp and detailed.
The EPSON Perfection V550 Photo scanner boasts auto edge detection that captures images automatically with no manual cropping. This feature makes it possible to scan multi-image files simultaneously, allowing users to scan groups of photographs in seconds! A batch mode allows an entire stack of documents to be scanned in one push of the button.
The best part is that it comes with an ABBYY FineReader that transforms the photos into editable texts for cloud storage.
Key Features
Built-In Transparency Module
The built-in transparency module can scan two 35mm films (12 frames) or four 35mm built-in slides simultaneously, and it also supports the medium format.
ArcSoft Scan ‘n’ Stitch Deluxe
In addition, the application ArcSoft Scan ‘n’ Stitch Deluxe allows you to scan a page size to the A2, such as large photographs, newspaper articles, posters, and so on.
Matrix CCD Epson Matrix
The use of matrix CCD Epson Matrix and the optical resolution of up to 6400 points on inches must accurately represent every detail.
Easy Photo Fix And Digital Ice
With Easy Photo Fix and Digital Ice, it’s easy to turn old photos into new ones. You can scan multiple files, films, and slides simultaneously. The resulting images will look very bright and clear.
Pros:
- processing of materials of different sizes
- Optical resolution 6400 dpi
- practical technology
- Scan to cloud
- energy efficiency
Cons:
- slow work at high resolutions
3. Epson Perfection V39 Color Photo & Document Scanner
The 4800 dpi optical resolution of the Epson Perfection V39 Photo scanner allows you to scan photos, documents, slides, negatives, filmstrips, and art prints with incredible clarity. This scanner has one-touch buttons for scanning to Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud services.
With the high-rise removable lid, you can easily scan oversized documents, books, and photo albums. The Arcsoft Scan n Stitch Deluxe 2 software comes included with the Epson Perfection V39 Photo scanner, so you can make panoramic or large format scans with your favorite stitching software.
You can restore color to faded photos in one click with Easy Photo Fix technology. This scanner also makes it easy to create a digital archive regardless of how old your photographs are — it supports media up to 13 by 19 inches in size. Using the included USB cable, you can use this scanner on Windows 7 or later operating systems or Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
Key Features
Versatility
The versatile device allows users to scan and post photos, large scans, documents, and graphics in various projects directly to Facebook, Google Drive, and other cloud services.
Easy To Use
The Epson Perfection V39 has easy-to-use front buttons for easy scanning operations and a space-saving built-in stand for vertical installation.
Software Package
The V39 comes with a software package that includes ArcSoft Scan-n-Stitch® Deluxe for scanning large documents, Easy Photo Fix technology for color and brightness correction of photos, Advanced Digital Dust Correction for noise reduction in scans, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for converting documents to text versions.
Advanced Digital Dust Correction And Epson Software
It comes with Advanced Digital Dust Correction and Epson software to edit or correct images and documents after scanning.
Pros:
- Lightweight construction
- Affordable
- Good quality images.
- Decent speed
- Dramatically simplifies photo scanning.
- Easy to use photo scanner
Cons:
- Compatibility issues with Windows 10.
4. EPSON Perfection V600 Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner.
EPSON V600 scanner lets you achieve greater productivity by scanning large or multiple items in one sitting with its energy-efficient ReadyScan LED light source, which means no warm-up time and faster scans.
The V600 Photo includes Epson Digital ICE for Film that helps remove the appearance of dust and scratches from negatives and slides. Using Epson Easy Photo Fix, you can also restore faded color photos with one touch.
It achieves up to 8.5 x 11.7-inch maximum scan area and a TPU of 2.7 x 9.5 inches to accommodate various photo sizes. One-touch scanning from the control panel to your PC or Mac makes it easy to store your photos on the cloud or digital albums.
It also features a built-in transparency unit for scanning up to 4 x 5 inches and medium-format panoramic film up to 6 x 17 inches. EPSON V600 tops the list of apple compatible scanners that support ABBYY FineReader Sprint and OCR software, allowing you to edit your scanned documents to readable texts.
Key Features
Digital ICE Function
For convenience and quality of work, the photo scanner was equipped with various proprietary technologies. So, the Digital ICE function effectively removes traces of dust, scratches, and wool from the image that can accumulate on the surface of the original, thereby significantly reducing post-processing.
Epson Creativity Suite
Another exciting feature of the device is scanning old photographic films and restoring color. This can be done by the proprietary software Epson Creativity Suite.
4 Buttons
There are 4 buttons on the front panel that, at factory settings, allow you to perform actions such as scan to email, copy, scan, and convert to PDF.
High Resolution
It has a very high resolution of 6400 x 9600 dpi and can enlarge images up to 17 x 22 inches. Paper can be scanned at very high speeds, but it takes longer to scan slides.
Versatility
It offers an insane amount of features, scans types, and is very versatile because there are tons of editing options.
Pros:
- Multi-format
- Digital ICE technology
- Source alignment function
- Convenient software for background correction
- High-quality color scans
Cons:
- Fragile film holder
- Heavy
- Expensive
5. Canon CanoScan Lide 300 Scanner
The CanoScan Lide 300 is a compact, lightweight scanner designed for people who need to scan documents for occasional use or for those who travel a lot. It doesn’t have a large footprint, and it will easily sit on your desk without taking up too much space.
This scanner comes with buttons on the top of the device, making scanning easy and quick, especially multiple documents. The automatic document feeder holds up to 30 pages simultaneously, and it can scan 10 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and 5 ppm in color.
The CanoScan Lide 300 comes with an image-editing program called My Image Garden that allows you to organize your photos into albums, add captions and tags to them, print them outright from the program, and share them online. This scanner has 2400 x 2400 dpi resolution with 48-bit internal color depth. It also includes dust reduction and fade-correction technology that helps preserve your photos, so they don’t get damaged. This scanner is compatible with both PC and Mac computers.
Key Features
Versatile
The scanner will be a reliable companion in both home and office. The device is a flatbed type and is perfect for scanning photos, documents, drawings, and other data.
CIS Sensor
The device’s design is based on a CIS sensor. The maximum format that the scanner supports is A4. The maximum scanning area is 216×297 mm.
High Resolution
The model has a resolution of 2400×2400 dpi. Color scanning speed reaches six pages per minute. The convenient operation of the device is facilitated by the presence of an intuitive control panel.
Send To Cloud Feature
In addition, the Send to Cloud feature allows you to quickly upload data to cloud storage services such as Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox without leaving your computer.
Pros:
- Affordable;
- high speed – 10 seconds to create a scanned copy;
- not tied to an outlet;
- scanning directly to the cloud;
- Automatic 48-bit image correction.
Cons:
- the case is not very durable;
- no automatic document feeder.
6. Canon 4508B002 CanoScan LiDE210 Scanner
The CanoScan LiDE210 is the best scanner for mac, ideal for non-professionals who want to scan photos, documents, and more at home or in the office. This machine has an Advanced Z-Lid Expansion Top that lifts up and out of the way when you’re scanning bulky items like books or magazines.
The LiDE210 scanner also has a streamlined, compact design that fits well on your desk without taking up too much space, so you have room for other things. The LiDE210 makes it easy to organize whether you’re digitizing personal files or professional records.
A USB cable is all you need for both data and power—connect it once and never worry about confusing cords again! With Canon’s Auto Scan Mode, the scanner makes auto image adjustments based on the type of material you’re scanning—no manual adjustments are required!
The scanner also features 4800 dpi optical resolution and 48-bit internal processing, so details stay true as they’re converted into digital files. The LiDE210 produces color scans at an astonishing 10 seconds per letter size.
Key Features
High Resolution
High resolution of 4800 x 4800, 48-bit color depth, and over 281 trillion colors – unmatched resolution. In addition, 19,200 x 19,200 (interpolated) software scanning is available.
Auto Scan Mode
Scan photos, documents, business cards, textbooks, personal notes, etc., and they will be automatically recognized in one eight-step process. What’s more, your document is automatically cropped to the right size, scanned, and then saved in the appropriate format. All of this can be done at the touch of a button.
EZ Button
With the EZ button, you can automate the entire scanning process for greater flexibility with your originals. Simply scan a copy and press the button to create an email attachment or PDF file.
Automatic Document Fix
Auto Document Fix automatically ensures your scans are nice and legible thanks to advanced image analysis and area-based data correction. This means that text in a document can be darkened by highlighting the edges, making it easier to read and clearer, while photos retain their color tone and contrast.
One Plug Scanning
One cable provides high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity and power, allowing you to link workstation cables together.
High-Speed USB
Scan and transfer images to your computer as fast as possible. The high-speed USB interface also allows you to view images on your computer quickly.
Pros:
- High-quality photo scanning.
- Fully automatic mode for easy scanning.
- Backlight correction.
- Color restoration.
- Searchable PDF scanning.
Cons:
- The minimal functionality of the included software.
7. Xerox DocuMate 4700 Color Document Flatbed Scanner
Xerox DocuMate 4700 Color Document Flatbed Scanner is ideal for small businesses, home offices, and individual users who need to scan, capture, share and store critical documents. The scanner’s high-speed scanning capabilities enable users to scan documents at up to 2.5 seconds per page in color or black and white at 300 dpi resolution.
Powered by Visioneer’s exclusive Acuity image enhancement technology, the DocuMate 4700 scanner delivers consistently clear, professional-quality scans from imperfect originals like faded or discolored documents or receipts. The scanner’s convenient flatbed design makes it easy to scan large books, magazines, and other thick documents by simply loading them face down on the scanner glass.
To help improve time management and boost productivity, the scanner’s One Touch Scanning feature enables users to quickly select their desired destination for a scan within the device — such as a local drive or network folder — using one button press versus multiple steps required by competing products.
Key features
ABBYY FineReader
Is an easy-to-use text recognition tool. It preserves the exact location and formatting of the source document and instantly converts scanned files into various formats, including searchable PDF files.
USB 2.0 Connector
The DocuMate 4700 has a USB 2.0 connector for connection to a computer and can export 24-bit color images in PDF, JPEG, and TIFF formats.
Extra Features
The included DVD also contains useful image processing software, such as Visioneer Acuity, which automatically brightens and corrects images at the touch of a button.
Auto Document Feeder
The Auto Document Feeder simplifies scanning from within the application and allows you to select a scanner without directly launching a driver.
Pros:
- Scans to tabloid size.
- Designed to be compatible with Xerox ADF scanners.
- Very good quality text recognition.
Cons:
- Only with a flatbed platform.
- Easy to integrate with only some Xerox scanners.
8. Plustek A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner
The Plustek A3 is the best photo scanner for mac you can ever meet. It is the first and only large-format scanner capable of scanning 11.69″ x 17″ pages at the highest resolution of 9600 dpi, providing an unmatched level of detail.
This scanner creates higher-resolution images and comes with a glass platen for smooth, clean scans. It also allows users to scan oversized books or documents up to the size of DIN A3 (11.69″ x17″) in length, width, and height with single-pass precision at 300 dpi.
With its 48-bit color depth and 16-bit gray-scale depth, the Plustek A3 scanner delivers exceptional quality in scanning photos, art reproductions, posters, and other valuable documents.
Scanning multiple-page documents is also made possible with the Plustek A3 scanner’s duplexing feature, which automatically switches between scanning on both sides of an item or just the front side. This mode reduces the time spent on scanning and helps prevent damage caused by repeated flipping and handling of original pages.
The Plustek A3 scanner provides users with bundled ABBYY FineReader 12 OCR software, allowing them to recognize text within scanned images quickly and accurately.
Key Features
Fast Scanning
The scanner can scan tabloid-sized documents in less than 8 seconds. It is the fastest way to scan a large number of documents. A countdown timer ensures that each scan is saved as a single PDF file.
High Resolution
The clear and bright scan result is easy to achieve with high resolution. With an optical resolution of up to 1200 dpi, this capable scanner produces exceptionally high-quality images.
LED Light Source
The device scans as soon as you turn it on, thanks to its LED light source. Plus, the LED light source ensures high quality and precise scanning.
Scan Size
If you are scanning large-sized documents, this should be your first choice. It can handle 11.69″ x 17″ A3 documents and is best for scanning magazines, newspapers, and other large documents.
Pros:
- High resolution
- High-quality scans
- LED light source for fast scanning
- Ideal for large format documents
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not suitable for artwork
9. Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner
Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner provides high-resolution scanning for all types of media. It’s equipped with an exclusive dual-lens system that automatically selects from two lenses to get optimum results from both film and flatbed scans. The 4.0 Dmax, 6400 dpi maximum resolution, and more than 23 bits of color depth provide unsurpassed image quality to capture the finest details.
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro slide scanner for mac also features powerful software tools designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. Epson Scan software enables IT professionals and other power users to create multi-page PDF/TIFF files for easy sharing and searchable PDF/OCR files for archiving or legal use.
The PaperPort software provides quick access to images from computers or mobile devices for archiving photos or other important documents. It includes optical character recognition (OCR) functionality for creating searchable PDF files.
Key Features
High Bandwidth Optical System
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro features a high bandwidth optical system and professional software, making it ideal for any photography professional.
Scans Various Formats
With this scanner, you can work with films of different formats – up to 4×5 inches using the included frames and up to 8×10 inches without frames.
LED Light Sources
Thanks to the use of LED light sources, the model provides wide coverage of shades of gray, which is essential when scanning black and white negatives.
MicroStep Drive And On-Chip MicroLens Technologies
MicroStep Drive and On-Chip MicroLens technologies are designed to maximize the accuracy of translation of the original into digital. A big plus is the Epson ReadyScan LED technology, thanks to which the scanner warms up and is ready for use in less than a minute.
Pros:
- scan quality;
- scanning speed;
- stylish design;
- easy to use.
Cons:
- expensive
10. Visioneer 7800 Flatbed Color Photo and Document Scanner
The Visioneer 7830HD is a high-end mac-compatible scanner designed to be used with any lamination, foil stamping, or binding. It comes with various features that make it the ideal equipment for any professional setting.
The Visioneer 7830HD can scan up to 1200 DPI, so the images you save will look just as good as they did when you took them. You can also put your documents into a double-sided mode so that you can create twice as many copies without worrying about your scanner jamming.
This scanner connects easily to your computer using a USB cable and allows you to choose between simple and advanced modes based on how much control you want over the scanning process.
Once it’s connected, you can use the included OCR software to add text to your image files. You’ll also get one year of free updates from Tag That Photo, which provides automatic facial recognition and tagging capabilities for scanned photos.
Key Features
Performance
The machine does a great job printing documents of different sizes. Several cropping options are available for each scan. You can also scan in color or black and white.
Image Enlargement Technology
TWAIN driver technology for high-quality scanning. Color matching and color detection for high-quality scanning.
High Resolution
With a high resolution of 1200 dpi, this machine is renowned for its high-quality images. We recommend ensuring high resolution for great results when choosing a flatbed scanner.
Tag That Photo Technology
Tag That Photo is a tagging and face recognition system that helps you organize your photo albums by people and custom tags. With this program, you will manage and easily find all your photos.
Pros:
- Flexible settings
- Image enhancement technology
- Easy loading process
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not compatible with Mac computers
Guide To Buying The Best Flatbed Scanner For Mac
The modern computer technology market provides a large selection of various scanners. To find a suitable model for home or office use, you need to know the basic parameters by which these devices differ.
When choosing the best flatbed scanner for mac, there are a few basic parameters to consider.
Dependence of Image Quality on Scanner Resolution
The higher the scanner resolution (more dots per inch), the sharper the outlines of the letters on the resulting scanned document.
Color Rendering or Color Bit Depth.
This parameter in the technical passport of a flatbed scanner is indicated in bits: the larger it is, the more the colors and shades of the original document will be transmitted during scanning. For scanning text documents and color charts and graphs, a 24-bit scanner is sufficient. If you are planning to digitize images and photographs, it is better to purchase a 48-bit device. 96-bit flatbed scanners are professional.
Effect of Color Depth on Image Quality
The greater the color depth, the more shades and colors the scanner displays, and the higher the scanned image quality.
Versatile
For non-professional models, this indicator is often not even indicated in the passport. Still, it significantly affects the number of image brightness gradations, providing a smooth transition in its adjacent tones. For a 24-bit color scanner, this figure should range from 2.4 to 2.6 units, and for a 48-bit one – at least 3.
The Format of The Scanned Document
Most modern flatbed scanners for home and office use are designed for A4 documents (210×297 mm). Devices of a larger format are used to create layouts in the printing industry or graphic studios and are already classified as professional ones.
Flatbed Scanner With Automatic Sheet Feeder
The presence of an automatic document feeder for scanned documents significantly increases the scanner’s speed, which can be helpful for an office with a large volume of document scanning.
How To Use a Flatbed Scanner
- The following steps will help you learn how to use a flatbed scanner:
- First, you need to turn the device to the network (if they come with a power supply) and connect to the computer. Connection is made using the method that supports the scanner model. It can be USB or Ethernet cable and wireless over Wi-Fi.
- Next, turn on the activation button and wait for the work indicator or the buttons with the indication to light up. Some models may emit an additional start-up sound.
- The scanner package will contain software that will need to be installed when it is turned on. Some models will require downloading drivers via the Internet from the device’s official website. More precise and detailed information will be indicated in the instructions;
- When the drivers are installed, a shortcut to enter the scanner settings will appear on the desktop, where you can perform any scans. Scan document you need to do the following: insert the document into the tray, or put it on the glass and close the lid (flatbed type), press the “Start” button from the menu that opens, select “New Scan,” then select the color: black and white, color or gray, and then document resolution. Then we press the button “Scan.”
- There are many applications and programs on the Internet installed on a computer or laptop. They help fine-tune the scanner, enable photo editing, and more.
- A corresponding window will appear on the desktop when the document is scanned. Next, you need to save the paper and, if necessary, continue the scan.
How To Clean a Flatbed Scanner?
Scanners are an invaluable tool for businesses and offices. However, for your scanner to continue to deliver high-performance scans for years to come, you must keep it clean and free of dust or particles that can degrade the quality of your scans. Manufacturers recommend cleaning the scanner once every 5,000 sheets of paper scanned. The necessary cleaning products are often available from the scanner manufacturer or your local copy shop.
Cleaning your scanner is fairly self-explanatory, but there are a few things people can miss. For this, you will need a microfiber cloth and some glass cleaner. You can also use isopropyl alcohol, but it can leave streaks if you use more than a tiny amount.
Read the tips below to learn how to clean your scanner.
- Turn off the scanner and unplug the power cord.
- Using a dry microfiber cloth, wipe down both the glass and the underside of the scanner lid.
- If there are still smudges or other residues on the glass, spray a bit of glass cleaner onto the cloth, then wipe it down.
- Don’t use too much or spray directly onto the glass – even a tiny amount of moisture making its way into your scanner can cause problems.
- Thoroughly wipe off any residual moisture with a dry microfiber cloth. Do not use compressed air on the scanner glass. Compressed air can cause dust to settle on the edges of the glass, which can then get under the glass and cause further problems.
- Close the scanner cover.
- Plug the scanner back into the electrical outlet
FAQ
Are Flatbed Scanners Better?
Yes. These models are superior to sheet-fed and office scanners. Flatbed models allow you to scan various photos or films without damaging them. In addition, flatbed scanners support higher resolutions and come with image editing software that enables you to scan appropriately sized prints.
What Is The Type of Flatbed Scanner?
There are two basic types of flatbed scanners: CCD and CIS. CCD (Charge Coupled Device) scanners consist of several sensors that generate an electrical charge when light hits them. This charge is converted into a digital value, and the image is ready.
CIS (Contact Image Sensor) scanners are a new entry-level wide format scanning technology that offers portability and low power consumption. They bring the image sensor closer to the scanned object, reducing warm-up time, calibration frequency and resolution, and color quality.
What Is The Purpose of a Flatbed Scanner?
This scanner is designed to scan paper or books on a flat glass surface. The scanning head moves under the glass. Flatbed scanners are often equipped with a cut sheet feeder to scan multiple sheets instead of just one.
What Is Flatbed Scanner Class 9?
An optical scanner uses a flat surface to scan a document. All document elements can be captured without having to move the document.
What Is a Color Flatbed Scanner?
It is a device that can convert a color image into a digital image that can be read, displayed, and stored on a computer. Some flatbed scanners are only black and white, but most scanners sold in retail stores are color.
How Does a Flatbed Scanner Work?
A flatbed is sometimes called a reflective scanner because it emits white light onto the object being scanned and reads the intensity and color of the light reflected from the object (usually one line at a time).
Conclusion
Before buying a scanner for home use, it is worthwhile to clearly define the purpose of the purchase and the acceptable size of the budget. Only then can you start looking for the device you need by analyzing the product’s characteristics declared by the manufacturer and customer feedback. An important point requiring attention is the scanner’s power – from the mains, from a computer via a USB connector, or from a battery. This indicator affects the mobility and usability of the workflow. This review with the pros and cons of different universal and narrow-profile scanners will help you choose the best flatbed scanner for mac.
The Epson V850 Perfection scanner is my favorite, which provides highly detailed and accurate color reproduction with an impressive 6400 DPI resolution. The 4.0 Dmax tonal ranges allow the finest shadow detail and smooth gradations.