Top 10 Best Large Format Scanner Reviews

Scanning nowadays has become part and parcel of most workplaces; most professionals and artists like to scan and digitize their work for better storage and transfer if needed. With the high demand for high-quality artist work on social media like Instagram, Linkedin, etc., the demand for the scanner has increased over recent days. With this high demand for large format scanners, choosing the best scanner is difficult. Choosing the best large format scanner is not an easy task.

There are so many excellent scanners that are ideal for professionals and artists. Large-format scanners are suitable for those with large-scale work. We have compiled the nine best-rated large format scanners if you are looking for the best.

Large Format Scanner Selection Criteria

To come up with this list, we have taken valuable time to develop the best. To settle on these products, we considered

Cost

Cost is always a significant determinant when shopping for a large format scanner or other devices. And most probably, you will always go for a scanner within your budget. Due to this, our list includes differently priced products to give everyone an option to choose their best within their budget.

Brand

Different brands have different product quality and popularity. We have selected top large scanner manufacturers set on their high-quality service and quality of their products.

The brands on the list have a long time of experience in the manufacturing industry, giving us the confidence to settle on these scanner models. You will find Epson, Xerox, and Contex.

Peoples Feedback

Product users’ feedback is essential in decision-making to get the best products. With this, we gathered reports from personal product users, then criticizing a product positively and negatively from a large online platform discussing the large format scanners.

Our Top Pick:

Best Large Format Scanner Comparison Table

Top 10 Best Large Format Scanner Reviews

1. Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i Color Duplex Document Scanner for Mac or PC

Do you need a large format scanner that can handle documents of all sizes? Fujitsu’s large scanner is meant to handle such work of different sizes. It can handle artwork, business cards, legal papers, and others. It is small in size and has useful features that make it great and easily portable.

Features

Compact Design– The scansnap is compact in size and portable design. It is powered with AC or USB, and hence you can go with it out. It has a collapsible automatic document feeder that makes it occupy a small space and easy storage.

Top-Quality Features- It has several top-quality features like rotation, color detection, and blank page removal. This enables it to automatically adjust the photo quality, crop it when necessary, and strengthen it.

Compatible- The S1300i scanner is compatible with Mac and Windows without power. The package also comes with an AC adapter of top quality to use in this case. The entire scanning process is easy as a Quick Menu is customized for scanning.

The scanner features intuitive software and OCR technology that can scan your desktop or cloud documents, create PDFs, and arrange them in folders for easy sorting.

Pros

• Customized menu for easy
• It is fast in scanning
• Excellent image quality
• Compatible with Evernote, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
• A collapsible automatic feeder that is faster

Cons

• The quality of the scanner is questionable

2. Epson DS-50000 Large-Format Document Scanner

Epson DS-50000 Scanner is another top-quality scanner that gives you a chance to scan your document easily but has a great outcome. It is flexible and a top-quality scanner that handles large work of 11.7 x 17 inches. It uses a 4-line CCD sensor, which provides intense colors sharp text that is true and accurate.

Features

Unique Design- Epson DS-50000 scanner is designed to scan large documents of 11.7 x 17 inches. It can scan documents like ledgers, artwork, books, business cards, and large-sized documents. This elegant design gives the scanner immense scanning abilities as it feels compact.

4-Line CCD Sensor- The scanner features a 4-line CCD sensor that provides sharp and accurate text and crisp and intense documents colors. This makes the scan quality top-class and hence can be used by the artist. The feature also makes it capable of scanning many documents.

OCR Software- DS-50000 features OCR software which makes it able to scan, edit the document I word or excel files, or search a pdfs. It also features ISIS drivers and TWAIN, making the scanner compatible with virtually any software. You can use it with Mac or Windows as it has a fast, Hi-speed USB for easy connectivity.

Optional Epson Network Scan Module- This optional feature enables you to turn your DS-50000 into a secure network group. With a single button, you can easily create a 30-user programmable work.

Pros

• It is a one-touch scanner
• It is solid and last for many years
• Easy to scan oversize documents
• Can scan numerous documents at once

Cons

• Its sharpness and software aren’t worth

3. Colortrac SmartLF Scan! 24″ Wide Format Scanner

Colortrac smart scanner is a less spoken scanner, but it is one of the best available scanners. The scanner is portable and can scan a document of up to 24 inches. This large scanning capability makes the scanner the best option for the artist, schoolwork, and magazines.

Features

High Resolution- Colortrac smart scanner has a top-quality resolution of 600, making it ideal for scanning and clear images. The resolution makes the image scanned smooth and sharp with vivid clear color. The scanner features scanner software and hardware in one unit. The scanner also comes with a metal wheel for easy transportation.

Design- The scanner is designed for large documents that need to be scanned.  The scanner measures 39 x 9 x 11 inches in length, width, and height. It also weighs 23 pounds, making it easy for portability.

User Friendly- The scanner executes scanning in an easy way for users. It features options that enable it to scan frequently without developing any problems. This makes the scanner easy to store and share your documents in different destinations.

Pros

• It is easy to use
• Fast in scanning
• It is portable
• Solid and long-lasting

Cons

• It lacks major functionality
• The interface is confusing

4. Xerox DocuMate 4700 Color Document Flatbed Scanner

 Are you looking for a scanner that will quickly scan your many documents in fewer than 10 seconds? Here is that scanner. Xerox scan is known for its high speed of 2.5 seconds scan per page. It is a scanner that is well organized and can convert your documents to searchable documents.

Features

Fast Scanning- Xerox is a one-sided scanner with a high scanning speed of 2.5 per page at 300dpi. This speed allows you to scan your documents easily. It scans large format and legal-size documents of color, white, black and grayscale.

The scanner features Visioneer Acuity intelligent photo processing technology that enables the scanner to have visual clarity on the scans. The Acuity can correct some imperfections on the documents and improve the quality of your scans.

One-Touch Scanning- With a single button touch, you can choose your destination where your scanned document will be saved in major file formats. The scanner also has an organizer AI and SE application that enables you to digitize your scans.

Visioneer’s Intelligent Software- Xerox has this feature that enables you to create editable and searchable documents once scanned. The SE can edit the scan, while the organizer AI allows you to manage, edit easily, and tag the file.

Pros

• It has an automatic photo enhancement
• Fast in scanning
• It removes imperfections from the image to improve its clarity
• Its OCR accuracy is of a high level

Cons

• It is expensive

5. Fujitsu fi-7460 Duplex Scanner

Fujitsu fi-7460 is one of the smallest A3 capable scanners in its class. The scanner is versatile; you can handle most of your scanning jobs. The printer has a 600dpi optical resolution to ensure clear output quality. In addition, the printer users love the scanner’s capability to scan both in simplex and duplex modes.

Features

• High-quality scans: this scanner gives its users high-quality scans. It has a skew reducer and intelligent multi-feed functions to ensure the paper is fed safely and correctly through the ADF. In addition, it works with 600dpi giving you clear outputs.
• Advanced control: It has a built-in LCD screen and front control panels to navigate the printer. Also, it has Paper Stream Capture Software and Paper Stream IP for advanced control options. Proper working with Optical Character Recognition(OCR) and other software is working towards utmost scan quality.
• High performance: you can scan large volume documents using this printer with a speed of up to 60ppm for simplex and 120ipm for duplex. Further, the printer can handle up to 18,000 sheets per day.

Further, the scanner will work with 27 to 413 g/m2 thickness, while the ADF can hold 100 documents ranging from A8 to A3.

Specifications

• Connectivity technology: USB
• Item dimension: 15×8.2×6.6 inches
• Resolution: 300dpi
• Weight: 16.72 pounds
• Wattage: 36watts
• Sheet size: 2×2.72, 11.7×16.5, 11×17

Pros

• Small footprint and quiet operation
• High scanning quality
• 100 sheets ADF capacity
• Wide-format scanning
• Paper stream IP software to enhance image quality

Cons

• Connect via USB only
• A bit expensive for some users

6. Epson Expression 12000XL-PH Flatbed Scanner

Are you looking for a professional large format scanner ideal for various jobs? Then, look no more; Epson Expression 12000XL-PH is a top-quality scanner designed for graphic enthusiasts. The scanner features all that you may need to have top-quality scanning.

Features

MatrixCCD Technology- This scanner uses MatrixCCD technology that gives large format scans with all the details and top-quality. You can scan documents of up to 12.2 x 17.2 inches with it. It will scan transparency strips, plus slides and negatives.

Top-Quality Image- The scanner has a higher resolution of up to 2400 x 4800 dpi. It has a Micro Step Drive technology and a 3.8 Dmax to give the image all the details and clarity. The scanner combines excellent photo processing and fast LED light to have a vibrant and clear color.

Easy to Use- Epson has an exclusive easy photo fix technology that restores imperfections on images and negatives. It also helps remove dust and grain reduction hence improving the scan of documents. It can scan up to 48 frames of 35mm, and 18cm transparency strips.

Pros

• High quality
• It scans transparency, negatives, and scan slides
• It has a one-touch image restoration
• Incredible scan quality

Cons

• It lacks Ethernet functionality

7. Epson DS-60000 Large-Format Document Scanner

Do you know you can have high-speed two-sided scanners for your document? Yes, Epson DS-60000 is a top and fast scanner that delivers remarkable work within a short period.  There are top features like an ADF feeder, high resolution, and high flatbed to work on large documents.

Features

Robust Design- This scanner manages large scan documents of 11.7 x 100 inches. It also features a 200-Sheet Automatic Feeder (ADF), which helps you easily scan 2-side or one side.  The flatbed is 11.7 x 17 inches, making it easy for a hard-bound scan or other large-sized items.

OCR Software- The DS-60000 has OCR software that enables one to scan and edit the scans either via word or excel file. There are also TWAIN and ISIS drivers that make it compatible with any virtual software.

High Scanning Speed- The scanner has a 40 ppm/80 ppm of 1 side and 2-sided scan, respectively. This high speed also lets you get large documents with high volume and precision. There is also productivity software plus an optional networking module to achieve high performance in scanning.

 Pros

• Great quality
• It’s both a one and 2-sided scanner
• Robust and durable
• Its more efficient
• Compatible with much software

Cons

• Its somehow heavy

8. Plustek A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180

Plustek A3 large format flatbed scanner is one of the top and incredible large-format machines for those who need the best scanner. The scanner is designed to be used in libraries, homes, schools, offices, and other scanning areas. The scanners perfectly work with large format scanning of A3 sheet sizes.

Features

Large Design- The scanner is made to scan up to 11.69 x 17 inches or A3 size. It is also able to scan two-page letter-sized pages simultaneously without any problem. This size makes the scanner a perfect option for large format magazines, newspapers, and scrapbooks. Four easy-to-use buttons enable you to OCR, scan, and send it to email. 

Fast Scanning– Plustek A3 has a fast scanning of 8 seconds. Suppose you have a lot of documents you need to scan. It features countdown timer software that works automatically in scanning, and this helps to save sheets in a single pdf document.

LED Lights- The scanner features a new LED light that is stable to ensure that the image scanned is of high quality. This makes it a one-touch scanner as it is faster and automatic.

Pros

• It is easy to use as it is automatic
• Excellent build quality
• Ideal for large documents and books
• Supports WIA/TWAIN drivers
• It features an upgraded design with an upgraded LED lighting

Cons

• It is expensive
• It is a bit loud and heavy

9. Contex SD One+ 36-inch Large Format Sheetfed Scanner

To get a top-quality result, you need a top-grade scanner.  Context SD is a top-notch and quality scanner that guarantees you the best result you need in the scanning industry. The scanner is made to handle large format scan documents as it has all the top quality features.

Features

64-Bit Hardware and Software– This is one of the top features of this scanner that gives excellent scanning results in the shortest time. The machine also features a 2TB memory capacity, making it suitable for software capability.

Automatic Maintenance System– This is another top-quality feature that makes the scanner ideal for large format scanning. With this feature, you are assured that you can use it for artworks, business cards, school works, and books, among other large-format works.

Broad Compatible- This scan supports Windows ten, so you can use it in your office. It also has a high resolution of 600 dpi, making it easy to connect fast through the Ethernet. It is lightweight, measures 42 pounds, and therefore easily portable.

Pros

• It is easy to use
• Fast scanning speed
• It has a precise scan result
• Automatic maintenance system

Cons

• It somehow costly

10. VIISAN 3240 A3 Large Format Scanner

VIISAN 3240 A3 Large Format Scanner is a professional scanner designed for large format works. It is suitable for large documents of up to 11.98 x 16.8 inches. The design makes the scanner applicable in newspapers, artworks, album paintings, books, CAD drawings, and any other large-sized works.

Features

Great Design- VIISAN scanner is designed for all scanning large-sized documents. It scans A3-size documents within 4 seconds; hence it can be used in digital publishing, school projects, graphic designing, and business work.

High Resolution- VIISAN is a top scanner that provides an optical resolution of up to 2400 x 2400 dpi. This resolution helps to provide a color depth of 48-bit, which is the actual color of the image scanned, and it is smooth and detailed.  It is also compatible with Linux XSANE drivers, TWAIN, MacOS ICA, and WIA.

Auto-Scan Feature- The scanner comes with the cover sensor auto-scan function, which is essential in automatic scanning once the scan lid is opened. This helps to enhance efficiency in continuous scanning. A LED light also ensures there is no warm-up, hence saving energy.

High-Quality Material- The scanner features an ultra-thin panel and a unique frameless design of platen. The VF series allows easy slides of documents when you are scanning. Thick scanning allows the document to lay against the platen surface for easy scanning.

 Pros

• It is suitable for extra-large documents
• Excellent photo colors
• There is no warm-up due to LED lights
• Power saving
• Auto-scanning 

Cons

• Not Bluetooth enabled

Best Large Format Scanner Buying Guide

There are so many large format scanners available in the market. However, not all of them are good, and there are several features you look for to get the best device. Various large format scanners have different speeds, features, and grayscale. Always consider

i. Dots Per Inch (DPI)

The number of dots per inch is one of the features you need to look at in your large format scanner. This is because the dpi determines the resolution of your device. This shows the number of dots the scanner can capture in every inch. A large-scale scanner should have a resolution of at least 4800 x 4800 dpi and above.

ii. Speed

The speed of the scanner is equally essential. Once you understand buying your scanner, you will go for the scanner at the right place.  If, for instance, you want to use it in your home for a few documents, there is no need to waste money buying high speed. But if you are planning to use it for commercial purposes, buy a high-speed large format scanner.

iii. Connectivity

Connecting your scanner with your other devices is imperative that you can’t ignore. Different scanners have different ways of connecting, and some use USB ports; others come with adapters, and others use additional software to connect. You need to check the connection specifications and choose the model you are sure of and can connect with.

iv. Scan Area

What is the purpose of the scanner you are buying? There are two powerful scanners on the market: special-purpose and general scanners. A special scanner will make such work easier if you plan to scan documents like business cards, books, artwork, etc. But for myriad documents, general-purpose scanners will be the best option.

What is Large Format Scanning

Large format scanning converts oversized hard copy documents into digital copies using an LFD scanner. With this process, you will convert oversize paper documents to small and easy to manage, access, and distribute digital files in TIFF, PDF, DXF, DWG, and JPEG formats.

What are Large Format Documents

Typically, large format document scanning is for large documents. Though the term “large” can be ambiguous. But, any document measuring 11×17 inches is a large format document. Some of the more commonly available large format documents include

• Maps
• Posters
• Banners
• Blueprints
• Circuit drawing
• Architectural printing
• Engineering drawing

Types of Large Format Scanners

Just like printers, large format scanners are available in different types

1. Flatbed Scanner

Flatbed scanners are the most common large format scanners. These types of scanners are readily available, easy to use, and versatile. Flatbed scanners use a light sensor and a light source mounted on a moving arm that sweeps past the document on a glass platen.

Some scanners have automatic document handlers (ADH) to increase thorough put and reduce operator fatigue for uniform documents in reasonably good condition.

You can use these scanners to scan un-uniform document thickness since scanned documents are from the scanner bed. Making it the perfect choice for scanning fragile documents and newspapers.

2. Book Scanners

Book scanners are made to scan books. You can also use them to scan newspapers, pamphlets, magazines, and paintings. So, you don’t need to destroy your books to scan them.

These scanners scan from the bed of the device, making them most suitable for archiving delicate documents and books by digitizing.

3. Sheetfed Scanners

Flatbed and sheetfed scanners use the same technology. But these scanners maximize the output at the expense of quality. These scanners generally scan in black and white and grayscale at relatively low resolution, making them suitable for business environments.

The scan accepts uniform thickness documents that are sturdy enough to withstand rough handling. Luckily some latest models reduce stress making work more accessible.

The scanner drum, belt, roller, light sensor, vacuum transport, and light source remain stationary as the document moves. Also, some sheetfed scanners are made to accommodate oversize documents like maps and architectural drawings.

4. Drum Scanners

Drum scanners are expensive, but they will give you high-quality scans with high resolution compared to other scanners.

Apart from being expensive, these scanners are slow and work well with sturdy documents, and need a skilled workforce to operate. Making the scanners most popular in service bureaus catering color pre-press market.

5. Slide Scanners

Slide scanners are suitable for digitizing photo intermediates and existing slide libraries of three-dimensional objects and documents that are hard to scan directly. The scanner uses transparent media to deliver images with a suitable dynamic range depending on the original size. Unfortunately, the quality might be low depending on your needs.

6. Digital Cameras

Digital cameras combine camera optics and scanners to form a diverse tool to produce high-quality images. Some users don’t prefer these scanners since they are slow and more difficult to use than flatbed scanners.

The scan also depends on the external light source, which might be concerning. But the slow speed is compensated for with adaptability to various objects and documents.

Again you can use digital cameras to scan fragile materials. With time the technology continues to advance as the market demand increase.

7. Micro Film Scanners

Microfilm scanners are exceptional devices for digitizing fiche, roll film, and aperture cards. But this scanner has challenges in giving excellent and consistent quality output. The machine is tricky to operate, the film may vary, and the scanner offers minimal enhancement capability.

Microfilm scanners are only manufactured by a few companies leading to high market costs.

Importance of Large Format Scanners

Technology is advancing day by day, shifting towards paperless technology for doing things. Also, people find it more efficient to have digital blueprints and poster documents in digital formats. Among the many benefits of large format scanning, the documents are easy to store, find and refile whenever needed. Other benefits include

Prolong File Life and Simplify Backup

In planning, you will need to update building blueprints and other large file format files at least once during the project–which is easy. On the other hand, if using hard copies, you will need to create completely new backup copies to discard the old ones.

Whereas in the large digital file format, you will apply the changes to the new document with no need for a new version to be updated.

Enhance Large Document Manageability

Dealing with large document sizes can be challenging for several reasons. The storage of large documents like blueprints and maps can be challenging. Not forgetting the hassle of filing and re-filling large documents now and then.

The best solution is to scan the documents and search them for quick access whenever required. On top of easy access and good organization, it’s easy to view large format documents on a computer instead of unrolling and folding documents whenever you need them for reference.

Boosts Accessibility and Usability

Accessing and sharing large digital format documents is easy. You can share them via email or upload them to cloud storage to enhance remote access.

In addition to easy accessibility, large files and digital format documents give extensions of what you can do while still working on the document.

For instance, you can convert them to CAD format to edit the document again when working on drawings. Also, you can choose to convert the document into PDF format or any other format you need to work with anytime.

Time and Money Saving

Digital files are time-saving. Instead of perusing through several hard copies, you will only need to search for your document using a keyword, and you are done. Saving you valuable time.

What Is The Best Large Format Scanner?

There are so many factors that determine the role of the best large format scanners. With our reviews of the nine devices, you can say that you have realized which of the available scanners can work best for you. If you are honest with the entire product, you are assured of the best option.  But if you are unsure about its use, we recommend the Plustek A3.

Plustek A3 is the perfect option for scanning books and artwork, among other works. The scan works automatically as it can quickly scan large documents on both sides. This helps to save time. The LED lights warm up as you turn on the scanner, and the LED light makes the scan stable and great.

The scanner has impressive performance.  With a set of 300dpi, the scanner scans in 9 seconds in an A3 document grayscale. It can support up to 1200 dpi, but the higher resolution reduces it. This makes it perfect for school, the office, and artwork, among others.

The other great feature of this scanner is the four main one-touch buttons. One is used for PDFs, one for scan buttons, one for Email, and the last one for OCR. These buttons make the scanner user-friendly, quick, and easy to install and use. 

How to Scan Oversize Documents

Scanning large documents is an excellent thing you can achieve concisely. The problem comes when the document is extra-large than your scanner can scan. However, for successful scanning, follow the following steps,

Step 1

Scan your document; begin from one of the corners of the document.

Step 2

Slide your document over, scan the next selection of your documents, and ensure that you overlap your scanned documents slightly. This is done to create a common ground in both photos.

Step 3

Repeat step two of scanning and overlapping to ensure that the whole document has been scanned in all the parts.

Step 4

Choose the stitch alternative of the scanner if possible. This option is available in a few scanners, but worry not if it is not in your scanner. Follow the scanner instructions if the option is not available.

Step 5

Import the scanned images to the stitching program like Adobe Photoshop or PT Stitcher. Follow the instructions from the scanner provided.

FAQs:

1. What is the largest scanner available?

The market is full of many large scanners. If you want the largest, you need to check which available scanners can scan a document with the largest size. From our list, you can realize that Epson Workforce DS-50000 and Epson Expression 12000XL-PH are ideal for large format scans.

2. Where can I use a large scanner?

You can save your paper scanning with the use of the best scanners. You can use large scanners in your office, schools, artwork, and business card, among other areas that require large scans.

3. Does Canon make an A3 scanner?

Yes, Canon A3 Flatbed can make the best scanner for large format scanners. However, it should be understood that this scanner requires paired with a Canon image formula range scanner to work perfectly.

4. Can you get an A3 scanner?

If you are looking for an A3 scanner, you can get the best option, and there are several A3 scanners available in the market. Most of these scanners are high-performance models that can work perfectly.

5. What is a flatbed scanner?

These scanners provide a flat or glass surface that holds the sheet paper or book as you scan it. Its scan head is above the glass, and they often feature a sheet feeder that helps scan multiple papers at once.

Final Verdict

 There are so many large format scanner models available in the market. Each of these models promises high-quality work; due to this, it is difficult and challenging to get the best model that you need. It is good to mention that most of these large-format scanners are costly.

While most of these scan models promise high-quality work, not all of them can do that. As we have reviewed the top 9 models, you will agree that some models have great features that you need. Before you buy one, ensure you have checked the features it comes with and what you expect from the scanner.

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