17 Best Document Scanning Software For PC [Latest Edition]

Gone are the days of physically scanning heaps of papers in the office and then having to forward them across to the concerned parties. Enter the era of automated document scanning software solutions that are helping tremendously in cutting down costs and boost time management and ROI of the business operations. 

Take, for instance, an OCR tool that alone costs $3000, and let’s say this small investment is capable of saving you at least $15 per hour per employee and assuming it is a 10-hour workweek. In just a month, you would not only have retrieved the investment made but also would have earned more profits in the meanwhile. 

According to statista.com, automated documents management systems are slated to grow to a whopping $6.78 billion by 2023. This means that better scanning software is going to be available at competitive prices. 

So if buying a Document Management Software is the next big thing on your mind then you should definitely choose one amongst the following 10 Best Document Scanning Software.

In this blog, we bring you 17 best document scanning software we found in the market to help you save time, money, and efforts while running your organization.

1. Adobe Acrobat DC

With the Adobe Acrobat DC, users can view, print, edit, and comment on any pdf format, whether it is forms or multimedia. It has been integrated with the Adobe Document Cloud, which means that now you can avail of this functionality across any computer or mobile device. With the new Adobe Acrobat DC, you can collaborate with your team much better and work on a single document simultaneously.

Features

• Create, compress, split, merge, convert, Edit, Share and Sign PDFs
• Sharing with multiple users, collaborate real-time
• Signature collection made easy
• Set security levels for individual users
• Conform to PDF standards
• Archiving and storage
• Email Management
• Workflow Management

Pros

• One single tool for everything related to PDFs – create, share, edit, or sign
• Can be accessed on any computer or mobile device, hence easy to collaborate with your team
• Cloud-based sharing enabled
• Easy to review over an email
• Better tracking and control
• Re-engineered for mobile phones, all features available
• Signature collection easier

Cons

• Application is too large which might sometimes hinder PC’s performance
• Could do with better OCR proofreading features
• Customizing the interface is too complicated
• It doesn’t have an ePub format
• Crashes and freezes a lot

Pricing

• For individuals:
  • Acrobat Pro DC – $108 annually and $25 monthly (subscription-based)
  • Acrobat Standard DC – $156 annually and $23 monthly (subscription-based)
• For Enterprise:
  • Acrobat Pro DC – $450 (perpetual with $200 upgrade)
  • Acrobat Standard DC – $300 (perpetual with $140 upgrade)

2. Readiris

If you are looking for an easy-to-learn comprehensive document scanning tool, Readiris should definitely be on your list. Readiris makes it easy to scan and convert your physical documents into a pdf format of your choice. 

The tool has a friendly and intuitive GUI and can support all file types – Word, PowerPoint, indexed PDF, or Excel. All you need to do is to tell the tool which files to scan, and the system does the rest for you. Once it’s done scanning, you’ll automatically be prompted with edit options. 

Features

• All formats supported the scan of the document in – PNG, TXT, RTF, BMP, TIFF, ODT, ePub, GIF, JPEG, and HTML
• Option to compress the sizes of saved documents
• Easily compatible with Windows (7,8, 10)

Pros

• Easy to convert documents into editable PDF formats
• Scanned text can be shared with multiple users for signs and reviews
• Enhanced security with digital signatures
• Possible to convert into audio file formats making them easy to listen to while at work
• Recognition engine
• Intuitive GUI

Cons

• No keyboard shortcuts
• Difficult to toggle between functions
• Many options to align, insert clipboard, etc., are missing
• Tiered pricing makes it impossible to work with its lowest-priced model

Pricing

• Readiris PDF 17: $ 49
• Readiris Pro 17: $ 69
• Readiris Corporate 17: $ 99

3. ABBYY FineReader

One of the top choices for leading publishing houses across the globe, ABBYY FineReader, makes for one robust document scanning tool with its new edition – FineReader14.

Scanning and editing the documents is made easy courtesy of its power-packed tools. The compare feature adds to the list of great features of this tool and allows users to keep track of the changes made by the user(s).

Features

• Documents can be scheduled for automated scanning using the Hot Folder tool
• Accurate scanning and saving into formats of user’s choice
• Formats like Excel, word, etc. can be converted into PDF format

Pros

• Easy-to-use and intuitive GUI
• OCR feature makes for a smooth search feature
• Automatic indexing and classification of documents
• Documents quickly scanned and converted into the desired format

Cons

• Prohibitive pricing model
• Absence of version control
• Doesn’t have full-text indexing feature

Pricing

It has a trial version of 30 days during which you can check out all its features. 

• Standard Version: $ 199 (perpetual license)
• Corporate License: $ 299 (for small to medium businesses) (perpetual license)

4. VueScan

Built for the people and an entirely free-to-use tool, VueScan outdid regular scanning software technology by reverse engineering over 6000 scanners to help people be ready to scan their documents whenever they want. It enabled people to retain their existing scanners and scan documents, films, photos, and even negatives on their computer OS – Windows, Linux, or iOS. 

The tool offers the users a variety of customized scanning options to choose from and has a Professional and Standard suite option as per the type of document to be scanned.

Features

• OCR feature to scan all documents – document, film, film negative, slides, and flatbed
• Can scan pdf in a single and multi-page format
• Automatic color recognition
• Highly useful for documents of small sizes

Pros

• Better quality scanned images with the VueScan drivers
• Capable of removing dust and scratches with the help of hardware 
• Color calibration and good image quality
• One program supports all scanners

Cons

• Settings take time to master
• Unfriendly user interface
• Watermark of the software remains on pages
• Feels outdated

Pricing

VueScan comes in two editions,

• Standard: $49.95
• Professional Edition: $99.95

5. CamScanner

Who wouldn’t want to scan documents on the go? With CamScanner, you can do this and much more. The tool comes armed with many amazing features like a super-quick OCR, document sharing and syncing, and the ability to convert documents into JPG and PDF. 

It comes highly recommended for its portability. The tool can auto-detect and scan the image on its own, and you can then choose from its variety of edit modes to get the final scan of the document.

Features

• Document sharing and syncing
• Auto-enhancement of images
• Cloud storage of scanned images
• Wireless printing enabled
• Fax functionality to more than 30 country codes

Pros

• Highly portable
• Easy-to-use GUI
• All necessary features 
• Scanned images can be combined
• Background elements can be eliminated

Cons

• Has too many in-app purchases
• Files might take up too much space

Pricing

• Basic: Free
• Premium: $ 4.99/month or $49.99/year
• Business: $ 6.99/month per user or $69.99/year

6. ScanSpeeder

Imagine scanning with the click of a few buttons. Sounds easy, right? ScanSpeeder is loaded with some really exceptional features, like allowing multiple documents to be scanned together on a flatbed scanner, which is then stored as different images. 

You can scan the slides and negatives, and can fix the tint in images. What’s more, you can even scan the comments on the back of photos, so they are never lost from memory. 

Features

• Free trial
• Intuitive GUI
• Auto fix of images
• Add text to photos
• Scan comments on the back of the photo
• Multiple-image scanning
• Share scanned image to Facebook or via email
• Automatic as well as manual adjustment possible

Pros

• Capable of fixing glare and tint in images
• Images can be manually adjusted 
• Separate images scanned together can be saved as different image files
• Photos can be customized with text
• Affordable
• Best features at a price offered

Cons

• Cannot scan negatives
• Grayscale scan shows errors at times
• Can’t find the edges of the photos precisely

Pricing

• Standard Edition: $29.95/year
• Pro-Edition: $39.95/year, also includes email + Facebook support

7. FileHold

Organized and secure ways of electronic storage and archiving are what FileHold is all about. The tool has superior document scanning as well as an efficient text capture feature. Users can search and control the scanned documents from anywhere. 

It is ideal for large corporate organizations that have a continuous document workflow. Companies especially those that are hi-tech in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and IT can benefit immensely from this software.

Features

• Data capture can detect data types – date, number, currency, etc
• Supports WIA and TWAIN
• Form recognition
• Scanned images can be shared with ERP and accounting platforms

Pros 

• Easy-to-use GUI
• Robust features
• Color customization 
• Excellent in-house customer support
• Brings regularly updated versions

Cons

• No transparent pricing
• Data storage controlled by third-party, hence vulnerable to high risks
• Complicated demo videos

Pricing

It offers a free trial to check out all its features and it doesn’t publicly release its pricing as it is based on how many users will utilize the software. But here is a ballpark figure:

• Express: $1000/year/up to 5 users
• Enterprise: $18/month/user for more than 20 users

8. PaperScan Software

Another power-packed, easy-to-use document scanning software tool, PaperScan Software, comes equipped with interfaces like WIA and TWAIN. This essentially means that you can scan your images from legacy scanners, video-capture cards, and old digital cameras.

The auto-optimization of images is handy, and the Auto Deskew option helps automatically rotate pictures. 

Features

• WIA and TWAIN interface integration
• Single page scan format
• File formats supported – JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PDF, etc
• Automatic image correction – color adjustment, image rotation, filters, etc
• Duplex scanning
• PDF encryption

Pros 

• Free trial version 
• PDF encryption
• Multi-lingual support – up to 30+ supported
• Works across devices
• OCR, PDF compression feature

Cons

• Many features absent in free version
• Displays too many ads 
• Not convenient to use with the cloud

Pricing

• Free Edition: $ 0 (Single License)
• Home Edition: $ 79 (Single License)
• Professional Edition: $ 149 (Single License)
• Professional Edition: $ 599 (Site License)
• Professional Edition: Quote on request (Volume License)

9. Alaris Capture Pro

Comes with a smart GUI and ability to auto-scale the image; that’s Alaris Capture Pro for you! The tool has some great features, like data capture, document indexing, and sophisticated scanning.

The tool can very efficiently handle high volumes and can scan multiple documents simultaneously. It can also share information with Microsoft SharePoint and other ECM platforms.

Features

• Interactive control panel to make sharing easy 
• Up to 25000 pages can be scanned per day 
• Multiple document scanning possible at high-speed
• Barcode reader
• Intuitive document protection 
• Integrated with WIA and TWAIN

Pros

• High volume scanning
• High-quality images courtesy Perfect Page technology
• Streamlined workflows
• Integration with Microsoft SharePoint and other ECM platforms

Cons

• Its basic version can hardly handle two-three feature functions
• Doesn’t have a single document scanning option
• One-touch, push-button scanning not available
• Doesn’t have a basic image processing feature (rotate, crop, blank)

Pricing

• Price: on request (30-day trial available)
• Smart Touch Technology Price: on request

10. NAPS2

Short for “not another PDF scanner 2”, this tool is a PDF scanner, in fact, but one that’s loaded with features. Simple-to-use and humble features are what this tool is all about. You can scan with a quick single click, or if you are happy with simple technology that’s easy to learn, then NAPS2 is made for you! The tool enables custom ordering of pages and custom image-processing features. 

Features

• One-click scan
• All File formats supported 
• Integrated with WIA and TWAIN
• Auto-rotation of images
• OCR tool supports over 1000 languages

Pros 

• Intuitive GUI
• Simple and easy-to-understand functionality
• Open source and free
• No ads
• Over 1000 languages supported with the OCR

Cons

• It doesn’t have an image straightening feature
• The interface is too simple for corporate companies
• Only available in Windows
• Program crashes occasionally

Pricing

NAPS2 is free to download online

11. CloudScan

ScanWorks’ CloudScan is a great tool to take the load off scanning multiple format documents and pictures. Its CloudScan can be easily used on one computer through a simple interface. You would need a shared scanner connected to your device to easily use ScanWorks’ CloudScan. It is perfect for printing documents from webpages.

Features

• Quick and straightforward scan technology
• Works with TWAIN-compatible printers
• Document-sharing with shared networks
• Easy color configuration
• One-click scan available
• Redact scanned images

Pros

• User-friendly GUI
• No set up is required
• Can read any invoice layout
• Easy settings

Cons

• Features are too basic
• Tough to find the settings tab
• Too expensive and pricing tier not modeled right

Pricing

ScanWork’s CloudScan is a free tool but it also has premium versions:

• Subscription-based: $20 annually
• Site license: $990
• Organizational license: $1990

12. SimpleIndex

As the name suggests, SimpleIndex is another simple document scanning software tool at your service. If you consider all aspects like the training cost, pricing, scanning time, and other essential ones, this tool ticks all the boxes.

Features

• Integrated with ISIS and TWAIN
• OCR
• Barcode reader
• OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) 
• Automated check to identify any documents missing from the batch before release
• JPEG supported

Pros

• Simple tool to use
• OMR to mark checkboxes
• Electronic Imprinting
• Highly functional and reliable

Cons

• May seem expensive to small businesses
• Lacks mobile integration
• Works only on Windows platform

Pricing

It has a free trial before you decide to check out the price options.

• Workstation: $ 500
• Concurrent: $ 1,250

13. Digitech PaperVision Capture

Easy scanning and even easier distribution to other sites and platforms, that’s Digitech PaperVision Capture! The tool can scan the document in one location, OCR in another, and index it in another one. It can help improve productivity if used at an organizational level as it integrates seamlessly with existing applications.

Features

• No scanning limit
• Tool offers multi-stream access to the latest hardware
• Clear images
• Barcode reader/OCR
• Handwriting detection
• ISIS and TWAIN drivers

Pros

• Can support up to 300 scanners at a given point of time
• Bulk scanning possible
• Can even read data from handwritten documents

Cons

• Only available for Windows platform

Pricing

PaperVision Capture has a free trial to check out all its features. It prices near to $600 with no usage fees or limitations.

14. Kofax Express

Another simple-to-use, no-fuss document scanning software tool, Kofax express, is perfect for high volume scanning jobs and a distributed image capture. It is perfect scanning software for beginners and equally powerful for professionals.

The tool has all the features you need for your basic scanning options and offers myriad pricing options. It is bundled with VRS and feature-rich to process all editing capabilities.

Features

• Simple ‘point-n-click’ scan
• OCR for PDF format
• Barcode reader
• PortScan processing
• Document indexing
• Digitize documents faster
• 24×7 customer support

Pros

• Flexible and easy document separation
• No-fuss scanning and easy batch scanning
• Supports Cloud, SaaS and Web platforms
• Good-quality after-scan image correction
• Easy recognition of any documents like checks, bank slips, etc.

Cons

• Tool can be enhanced to include more features 
• The interface seems outdated and could use a fresh design
• Bugs haven’t been fixed which are prevalent for years

Pricing

Kofax Express has prices starting from $595 for its basic premium features bundle.

15. enVision

Essential yet complete – enVision by InfoFort is an easy-to-use document scanning software tool that does the job of scanning and editing, all too well. It can be used for all industries, and documents of all types, this tool enables speedy recovery of stored documents and can be integrated with other platforms.

Features

• Made for all document types, be it newspaper, school notes, photos, scrapbooks, legal documents, or even maps
• High-quality scanned images
• OCR-enabled data capture
• Supports all file formats
• File-type conversion

Pros

• Easy-to-use and intuitive GUI
• Secure access to stored files
• File encryption
• Can scan practically any document on earth
• Workflow Automation

Cons

• Does not provide any live training
• Support mostly all devices except Mac

Pricing

InfoFort has pricing options for enVision based on your request.

16.CapturePoint

An intuitive document scanning software that classifies documents on-the-go, CapturePoint can also group, sort, and route documents accordingly. It helps you completely automate your documenting process while providing a searchable and indexing content right on your computer screen.

Features

• OCR-enabled character recognition
• Can detect handwriting
• Auto-rotate feature
• Robust indexing
• Capable of reading all document types

Pros

• Intelligent and intuitive Document indexing
• High-quality scanned images
• High-accuracy image indexing

Cons

• Only supports Windows, Cloud, SaaS, and web platforms
• Does not have document extraction
• Too expensive for a simple interface

Pricing

Free trial available from where you can try scanning 30-document pages. It has a price per device subscription-based model which charges $100 for every 1000 scans.

17. OmniPage Standard

Another popular document scanning choice, OmniPage Standard, is one of the most versatile tools out there. Besides neat scanning, the tool allows users to draw or to scan the image to a folder. It also enables documents to be digitally signed.

With myriad export options (basically all types), users can send the scanned image to their Kindle device. Isn’t that great?

Features

• Equipped with TWAIN, WIA, and even ISIS driver
• Emailing to Microsoft Outlook email account once done
• Multi-lingual support, up to 120 languages supported to store the documents in
• All file formats supported

Pros

• Highly-efficient OCR
• Intuitive GUI
• Can very seamlessly recreate complex docs
• Supports table, image, cloud computing
• 3D correction feature
• Auto-detection of text alignment and language

Cons

• Confusing and inconsistent interface

Pricing

Standard: $149.99 (one-time payment)

Wrapping Up

Gone are the days of pouring over heaps of documents and scanning them one-by-one. With cutting-edge technology, there has been a giant leap in the way documents are scanned. Whether it is high-volume scanning or indexing and routing the documents to the right platforms, these tools can work like magic for you and your enterprise!

So, what are you waiting for? Go in for a free trial for any of these tools and throw manual intervention out of the window forever. Let us know in the below comment section about your reviews on any of these document scanning software that you have used.