How To Choose The Best Multi-Page Scanner: The Buying Guide

Scanner

Scanner

Among all the tech devices in your workplace, scanners have a pivotal role in making your work more organized, smooth and efficient. You don’t need to secure or store large piles of papers when you can digitize them. As compared to simple scanners, Multi-page scanners can scan a large number of papers in seconds and simply wipe out your tedious work in a blink.

On an average, a compatible multi-page scanner can scan 60 pages per minute. Moreover, multi-page scanners can scan any size of documents. Therefore, they are beneficial for office work or students and save them from the paper clutter norms at their workplace.

Are you planning to buy a multi-page scanner but have no clue what features to look for? We have compiled some crucial factors which you should look for in a multi-page scanner before getting a perfect one for your office. Choosing a scanner while considering your needs, helps you to get the most instrumental scanner for your workplace.

1. Optical Character Recognition

The nucleus of a multi-page scanner is OCR. As it pulls written data from written or printed material, this software makes scanned documents machine-readable. After extracting an image or document from a real document and converting it to a word, excel, or pdf file, the OCR capability allows writers, editors, and graphic designers to alter it. OCR software is required if you are purchasing a multi-page scanner for bank or audit purposes. Other applications, such as direct mailing of scanned documents, extend the capabilities of your scanners.

2. Color Depth And Dynamic Range

The quality of a scanned document is determined by the colour depth, also known as bit depth. Your digital scanned document will be more vibrant if your scanner can capture a higher number of bits per pixel from the actual document. This capability is especially useful for graphic designers who need to modify fine details in their graphics. Always use scanners with at least 24-bit pixel resolution for this reason.

The optical depth of a scanned document is referred to as dynamic range. It determines the maximum brightness that may be recorded and adds extra shadow to the paper. High dynamic range scanners may bring out every detail and cast more shadow.

In the dark and bright areas of your digital document, both colour and optical depths provide the best tone and colour range.

3. Automatic Document Feeder

Like printers, scanners also have automatic document feeders. The automatic feeders can hold your large stack of papers and save you from haphazardness. You don’t need to put paper manually in the scanner. You simply put your papers to be scanned on the feeder and then it will process them automatically. On an average, you can place 50 to 60 pages on the scanner and they get scanned easily.

4. Duplex Scanning And Speed

Duplex scanners, often known as two-sided scanners, scan both sides of a document. Multi-page scanners with duplex scanning speed up the digitization of big stacks of paper. If you’re going with multi-page scanners, it’s also a good idea to get duplex automatic feeders. Self-regulating and multi-page scanners can save you a lot of time while keeping organized and conveniently storing your papers for later use.

5. Resolution 

When purchasing a multi-page scanner, it’s a good idea to check for the best resolution that will fit your needs. The resolution of scanners refers to the entire amount of detail a scanner can extract from a document. Every dot per inch on a paper is used to calculate it. A higher resolution makes the digital document more clear and detailed. Scanners have resolutions ranging from 200 to 4800 pixels per inch. For written text, scanners with a 400 to 600 PPI resolution are best. You can crop or alter your document without causing it to become blurry. If your job necessitates scanning small photographs and changing their colors or sections, you’ll require a scanner with a greater resolution.

6. Transparency Adapter

Transparency Adapters is also an important feature for scanning films or other 35mm slides. Scanners with this feature have a specialized apparatus which shines light on the film to be scanned. Then the films get scanned into an e-document. This feature is revolutionary for graphic designers or cinematographers. If you are looking for scanning films or thin slides, this feature is your life-belt.

7. Size Compatibility

Scanners are available in various sizes, ranging from little squares to enormous rectangular ones, depending on their use. You must consider how much space you’ll need for scanners before buying. Scanners require adequate space to function correctly. As a result, their size should be appropriate with the space you have available. Furthermore, consistency with the page size is critical. Flatbed scanners are the most suitable for this task. They can readily digitize papers of any size or shape. At the very least, scanners should be able to handle A1 or A2 pages.

8. Storage

The ability to save documents in multi-page scanners increases the scanning process’s efficiency. Multiple pages can easily be digitized into a single document and stored in scanners’ built-in storage drivers. This eliminates the need to save files and pay for additional storage choices. You may simply open and modify any scanned image whenever you want. If you still need more space for your papers, scanners can be connected to any local storage. In this situation, check to see if your scanner has USB ports that are suitable. The 3.0 USB ports make it easier to connect and send data.

9. User-Friendly

Always look for multi-page scanners with greater features that are also simple to use. Scanning numerous pages quickly is easier with scanners that have fewer buttons and require less configuration. A user-friendly scanner allows anyone to comprehend the scanning process and complete the task in a matter of seconds.

 Final Thoughts

Always consider your needs before purchasing a scanner, and then look for a scanner that meets them. Never compromise on durability and speed while looking for the best multi-page scanners.