Scanning Tools for Linux System
You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking for a scanning tool for Linux. Scanning instruments have aided us in a variety of ways since the dawn of digitization. Scanning tools are your only option if you wish to digitize your paper documents or photos. Although the scanner driver has a default scanning tool, it is not polished to perform flawlessly. Furthermore, the vendors of these default scanning tool for the Linux platform may not always provide the greatest support. This is why you should search for scanning software for your Linux system.
These programs frequently function with a variety of hardware and scan your documents appropriately. They also provide customers with some additional benefits and functionality. You can, for example, customize the scanned document by exporting it to several formats.
Despite the fact that smartphone cameras have reduced the need of scanners, there is still a high demand for scanning software for desktops. To deal with the circumstance, the scanning hardware is also getting a current upgrade. Wireless technologies and a color display are also available to make things easier.
Best Scanning Tools for Linux System
The majority of printing and scanning software is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Furthermore, they have some advanced and premium graphics tools that make the process much simpler. Linux, on the other hand, has very few options worth mentioning. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten document scanning programs for Linux. These programs will assist you in digitizing your old paper documents.
1- SimpleScan
Simple Scan is a free, open-source scanning application for Linux-based operating systems. It is designed to provide an easy-to-use interface for scanning documents and images, and can be used with a variety of scanners and multi-function devices.
Simple Scan supports both flatbed and document feeder scanning, and can save scanned documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. It also provides basic image editing capabilities, such as cropping and rotating, as well as the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
One of the key features of Simple Scan is its simplicity and ease of use. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy for even novice users to scan documents and images without the need for complicated settings or options. Additionally, Simple Scan integrates well with other Linux applications, such as the GNOME desktop environment and LibreOffice, making it a convenient scanning solution for Linux users.
Features of SimpleScan
• It works with a variety of scanning gear.
• The scanned document can be cropped and rotated with this tool.
• You have the option of changing the DPI for your documents.
• It has the ability to save and export documents in a number of different formats.
2- gscan2pdf
gscan2pdf is a free and open-source scanning software for Linux-based operating systems. It is designed to provide an easy-to-use interface for scanning and exporting documents to PDF format.
gscan2pdf supports both flatbed and automatic document feeder (ADF) scanning, and can be used with a variety of scanners and multi-function devices. It provides various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size, and can also crop and rotate scanned images.
One of the key features of gscan2pdf is its ability to automatically detect and crop multiple scanned images into separate pages. This feature makes it easy to scan multi-page documents and export them as a single PDF file. Additionally, gscan2pdf can also perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on scanned documents to create searchable PDF files.
The user interface of gscan2pdf is straightforward, making it easy for users to perform scanning and export tasks. It also offers a wide range of customization options, such as adding metadata to PDF files and setting compression options.
Overall, gscan2pdf is a powerful and flexible scanning software that provides a complete scanning and document management solution for Linux users.
Features of gscan2pdf
• For scanning, you can choose a specific document resolution.
• It includes basic photo editing tools including sharpening, colour correction, and more.
• It even handles unusual file types like TIFF, DjVu, and others.
• If you want to print them, this tool can pick the paper size for you.
3- GIMP with QuiteInsane
GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software that is widely used on Linux-based operating systems. It offers a wide range of features and tools for image manipulation and editing, such as layers, masks, and filters.
QuiteInsane is a free and open-source scanning software that provides support for a variety of scanners and multi-function devices on Linux-based operating systems. It can be used as a standalone application or as a plugin for GIMP.
By installing the QuiteInsane plugin in GIMP, users can directly access their scanner from within the GIMP interface, making it easy to scan and edit images in a single workflow. The plugin offers various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size, and can also crop and rotate scanned images.
One of the key features of the QuiteInsane plugin is its ability to automatically detect and crop multiple scanned images into separate layers in GIMP. This feature makes it easy to scan and edit multi-page documents or images in a single file.
The integration of GIMP with QuiteInsane provides users with a complete solution for image editing and scanning on Linux-based operating systems. It offers a seamless workflow for users who need to scan, edit, and save images in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
Features of GIMP with QuiteInsane
• With the built-in modification tools, scanning photos becomes a breeze.
• Supports a variety of file formats. The GIMP is the only constraint.
• With this tool, you can select scan resolution, colour characteristics, and other options.
• Almost all standard scanning devices are supported by GIMP.
4- Xsane
XSANE is a free and open-source scanning software for Linux-based operating systems. It provides an easy-to-use interface for scanning documents and images and can be used with a variety of scanners and multi-function devices.
Xsane supports both flatbed and document feeder scanning, and offers various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size. It also provides basic image editing capabilities, such as cropping and rotating scanned images, as well as the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
One of the key features of Xsane is its ability to save scanned documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. It also offers the ability to scan multiple pages into a single document, making it easy to create multi-page PDF files or image collections.
The user interface of Xsane is straightforward, making it easy for users to perform scanning and editing tasks. It also offers a wide range of customization options, such as setting the default scanner, adjusting image quality settings, and specifying output file formats.
Overall, Xsane is a powerful and flexible scanning software that provides a complete scanning and document management solution for Linux users.
Features of Xsane
• This scanning software for Linux even works with scanners that don’t have native Linux drivers.
• This utility has a GIMP plugin that makes the procedure a lot easier.
• It can also print, photocopy, and fax documents in addition to scanning.
• This programme comes with all of the fundamental image enhancement tools pre-installed.
5- Skanlite
Skanlite is a free and open-source scanning software for Linux-based operating systems. It provides an easy-to-use interface for scanning documents and images and can be used with a variety of scanners and multi-function devices.
Skanlite supports both flatbed and document feeder scanning and provides various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size. It also provides basic image editing capabilities, such as cropping and rotating scanned images, as well as the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
One of the key features of Skanlite is its simplicity and ease of use. The user interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy for even novice users to scan documents and images without the need for complicated settings or options. Additionally, Skanlite integrates well with other Linux applications, such as the KDE desktop environment and LibreOffice, making it a convenient scanning solution for Linux users who use those applications.
Skanlite also allows for the saving of scanned documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPEG, and PNG, and offers the ability to scan multiple pages into a single document.
Overall, Skanlite is a user-friendly and efficient scanning software that provides a complete scanning and document management solution for Linux users.
Features of Skanlite
• The DPI resolution can be selected from a number of settings.
• The brightness and contrast sliders in this tool can be used to adjust the brightness and contrast of the scanned image.
• With a curve tool, there are some basic image coloring tools.
• For the supported hardware, it has certain sophisticated scanner-specific functions.
6- SwingSane
SwingSane is a free and open-source scanning software for Linux-based operating systems that provides an easy-to-use interface for scanning documents and images. It is a graphical user interface (GUI) for SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy), which is an API that provides access to scanners and multi-function devices on Linux systems.
SwingSane offers various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size, and supports both flatbed and automatic document feeder (ADF) scanning. It also provides basic image editing capabilities, such as cropping and rotating scanned images, as well as the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
One of the key features of SwingSane is its ability to save scanned documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPEG, and TIFF. It also offers the ability to scan multiple pages into a single document, making it easy to create multi-page PDF files or image collections.
The user interface of SwingSane is clean and straightforward, making it easy for users to perform scanning and editing tasks. It also offers a wide range of customization options, such as setting the default scanner, adjusting image quality settings, and specifying output file formats.
Overall, SwingSane is a powerful and flexible scanning software that provides a complete scanning and document management solution for Linux users.
Features of SwingSane
• It has the ability to scan numerous documents at the same time.
• You’ll see a glimpse of what you’re scanning right away.
• It features a built-in scanner that can detect the hardware attached to it.
• The scanning log is displayed to the users via a console.
7- VueScan
VueScan is a third-party scanning software that provides an alternative to the default scanning software provided by the scanner manufacturer. It is compatible with a wide range of scanners and operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
VueScan offers various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size, and supports both flatbed and automatic document feeder (ADF) scanning. It also provides advanced image editing capabilities, such as color correction, sharpening, and dust removal.
One of the key features of VueScan is its ability to save scanned documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG. It also offers the ability to scan multiple pages into a single document, making it easy to create multi-page PDF files or image collections.
VueScan’s user interface is easy to navigate, with intuitive controls and a well-organized layout. It also provides the ability to customize settings and save them as presets for future use, making it easy to scan documents and images with consistent settings.
Overall, VueScan is a powerful and flexible scanning software that provides a complete scanning and document management solution for users who need advanced image editing capabilities and compatibility with a wide range of scanners and operating systems.
Features of VueScan
• Film and slide scanning, as well as standard papers, are supported by this programme.
• It comes with built-in optical character recognition (OCR) software.
• The drivers were reverse-engineered so that they could work with older, unsupported hardware.
• The developers will provide you with expert customer service.
8- ScanGear MP
ScanGear MP is the official scanning software provided by Canon for its multifunction printers (MFPs). It is compatible with a wide range of Canon MFPs and is available for both Windows and Mac OS.
ScanGear MP offers various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size, and supports both flatbed and automatic document feeder (ADF) scanning. It also provides basic image editing capabilities, such as cropping and rotating scanned images, as well as the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
One of the key features of ScanGear MP is its ability to save scanned documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPEG, and TIFF. It also offers the ability to scan multiple pages into a single document, making it easy to create multi-page PDF files or image collections.
ScanGear MP’s user interface is clean and straightforward, with intuitive controls and a well-organized layout. It also provides the ability to customize settings and save them as presets for future use, making it easy to scan documents and images with consistent settings.
Overall, ScanGear MP is a reliable and efficient scanning software that provides a complete scanning and document management solution for users who own Canon MFPs.
Features of ScanGear MP
• If you want, you may choose a paper size from the dropdown menu or create a custom paper size.
• The output resolution in DPI and the output quality preset can be customised by users.
• With a convenient histogram tool for toying with the curves, you have complete control over image colour modifications.
• It will provide you with free upgrades as well as technical assistance from Canon professionals.
9- HP Linux Imaging and Printing
HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) is an open-source software developed by HP for Linux-based operating systems. It provides a complete solution for printing, scanning, and faxing with HP printers and multifunction devices (MFPs).
HPLIP offers various features for printing, such as print quality settings, paper size, and print layout. It also provides advanced color management options, including color correction and ICC profiling.
For scanning, HPLIP supports both flatbed and automatic document feeder (ADF) scanning and offers various options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size. It also provides basic image editing capabilities, such as cropping and rotating scanned images, as well as the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
One of the key features of HPLIP is its ability to detect and install HP printers and MFPs automatically. It also offers the ability to download and install the latest firmware updates for HP devices, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
HPLIP’s user interface is clean and straightforward, with intuitive controls and a well-organized layout. It also provides the ability to customize settings and save them as presets for future use, making it easy to print and scan documents and images with consistent settings.
Overall, HPLIP is a reliable and efficient printing and scanning software that provides a complete solution for HP devices on Linux-based operating systems.
Features of HP Linux Imaging and Printing
• All of the major Linux distributions usually include it preinstalled.
• This tool works with over 3000 HP scanners, printers, and other relevant HP hardware.
• It allows you to take full control of the scanning gear.
• You’ll get free help, and there’s a lot of information for novices.
10- Epson Image Scan
Epson Image Scan is the official scanning software provided by Epson for its scanners and all-in-one devices. It is available for both Windows and Mac OS.
Epson Image Scan offers various scanning options, such as resolution, color mode, and page size, and supports both flatbed and automatic document feeder (ADF) scanning. It also provides basic image editing capabilities, such as cropping and rotating scanned images, as well as the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
One of the key features of Epson Image Scan is its ability to save scanned documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, JPEG, and TIFF. It also offers the ability to scan multiple pages into a single document, making it easy to create multi-page PDF files or image collections.
Epson Image Scan’s user interface is clean and straightforward, with intuitive controls and a well-organized layout. It also provides the ability to customize settings and save them as presets for future use, making it easy to scan documents and images with consistent settings.
Overall, Epson Image Scan is a reliable and efficient scanning software that provides a complete scanning and document management solution for users who own Epson scanners and all-in-one devices.
Features of Epson Image Scan
• The user interface is well-organized and features attractive aesthetic components.
• This comes with a number of image and exposure correcting tools pre-installed.
• Epson Image Scan allows you to customize all of the essential settings, such as resolution, page size, and so on.
• You may examine all of the scanned documents at once, and there’s an auto exposure feature as well.
Finally,
As I previously stated, the document scanning solutions available for Linux systems are limited. The majority of users use programs like Simple Scan and gscan2pdf. Others, on the other hand, choose to use vendor-specific tools for their hardware. However, if you enjoy trying out new applications, I recommend looking into the other options. Hopefully, this list will help you find your next scanning partner. Which scanning tool do you prefer if you are already using one? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.
Reading your article helped me a lot and I agree with you. But I still have some doubts, can you clarify for me? I’ll keep an eye out for your answers.