Best Large Format Scanners In 2022
Putting pen to paper is an activity that appeals to many designers more than the use of digital painting. Some artists can’t stand the process of deciphering lines with the use of a stylus and a pen tab; thus, they simply prefer to create their breathtaking drawings by hand. Whereas some artists love to take their works on to social media platforms such as Instagram, there are a few who love to capture their work in its raw state; thus, they opt for the scanning method. Using a scanner for your works helps to maintain its vividness and essence; therefore, they are machines loved by countless numbers of artists from around the world. We have a list of the best large format scanners on the market that make use of amazing features to enhance your artwork without altering its core substance.
The Best Large Format Scanner
1CZUR ET16 Plus Book Large Format Scanner
Scan all your favorite artworks or essential documents with the CZUR ET16 Plus Book & Document Scanner. This is one of the world’s best large format flatbed scanners, designed by professionals in the paper industry. It offers several features that are highly innovative and high-quality, placing this machine at the top of all competition.
The first feature the CZUR scanner comes with is a scanning speed of 1.,5 S/P, which enables it to scan a 300-page book in under ten minutes without a lot of effort. The scanning speed of this machine is incredible and cannot be found in any other model on the market. The ability to scan at such a rate is made possible with the use of an Auto-Scan Technology, which requires the simple flipping of pages. To trigger your scanner and begin the scanning process, you’re only required to make use of a foot pedal included in the design of the machine.
The CZUR scanner also shoots three laser lines, elements that are a part of its patented Flattening Curve Technology. This system makes use of simple laser lines that calculate the age curve of the materials used in making your book, the contours of a bound document or open paper and finally, the output of a flattened page. This scanner works excellently with both A4 and A3 sheet sizes and format materials and thus can be sued to scan your magazines, exam papers, catalogs, blueprints and other large books you own.
There is an additional feature that makes this unit more special than its competition, and this is the supplementary lighting system. This feature enables your CZUR scanner to scan any glossy paper, provided the side lights of the machine are used in place of its overhead light.
Enjoy the chance to edit all scanned materials, checking their contrast, sharpness and other features for a more realistic output. All documents scanned with the ET16 can be edited and converted into TIFF, Word, and PDF documents without any hassle, which is why we highly recommend this unit for all artists and professionals.
Works well for both Mac and Windows
Patented Laser Auto-Flatten
Convert to PDF/searchable PDF
Shoots three laser lines
- BrandCZUR
- ModelET16 plus
- Weight4.41 Pounds
Excellent OCR accuracy
Large input capacity
Robust
Slow at saving to searchable PDF
No battery
Higher substance than competing brands
2Xerox DocuMate 3220 Duplex Large Format Scanner
Our team has come to love the Xerox DocuMate 3220 Duplex Document Scanner. We love this scanner for various reasons, many of which can be found in its exceptional features. The first feature we identified with this large scanner is its flatbed design that accommodates up to 50 sheets. It makes use of an automatic feeder that regularly supplies sheets for operations, reducing the need for human help. As per the design of the Xerox scanner, it works well with a maximum paper size of 8.5 inches by 14 inches for a flatbed model. The design of this large scanner was done with spaces provided for WIA, TWAIN and ICA drivers, all in a bid to make the machine more compatible with Mac and PC.
With the Xerox scanner by your side, you don’t have to let your information stay captive to paper for long. It is regarded as one of the newest, most innovative scanner on the market that is bound to change the paperless industry with its operations., it is one of the fewer models around that combines a 65-sheet capacity ADF and an A4/US Letter sized flatbed to create an entry level scanner that offers all the fantastic features identified in other higher-end products.
The Xerox scanner is well suited for use in your home offices, working space, and the main corporate world. It doesn’t require any complicated setup process and installation is done via a DVD-ROM disc, a USB cable, and your PC. If you seek to communicate better, organize, and manipulate paper, the Xerox scanner is the best way to go, since it provides you with an all-powerful and durable productivity software bundle. Enjoy the scanning of elements such as your business cards, cheques, and credit cards with a single touch and watch them transform into accurate representations of the original. For more amazing products like this, check out our guide to the best slide scanners.
Flatbed scanner
8.75 by 38 inches (ADF); 8.5 by 14 inches (flatbed)
Scans up to 23 ppm/46 ipm black and white
Compatible with PC and Mac
- BrandXerox
- Model97-0041-20U
- Weight8.38 Pounds
Fast scanning
Accurate OCR
Light and small
More expensive than other brands
Slower than its predecessor at photo scanning
Lacks ADF
3Plustek A3 Flatbed Large Format Scanner
Meet the Plustek A3 Flatbed Scanner, an incredible machine designed for use by everyone who requires the use of a scanner. Much like its predecessors reviewed, this scanning machine can be used in a variety of environments some of which include schools, libraries, offices, and homes. it works well with large format scanning of A3 sheet sizes and requires only a short period to finish up operations.
The quick action of this machine is made possible thanks to its LED light source, that requires no warm-up and also ultimately saves energy. The services of this flatbed scanner are, and it requires just a single touch of a button to begin the scanning process. The Plustek scanner encourages file sharing thanks to the use of a DocAction system and also features an enhanced OCR accuracy that is provided by the ABBYY FineReader 12.
The Plustek scanner’s operations are incredible and highly versatile. Its features enable it to scan two letter-sized pages and two pages spread book simultaneously without any issues. You can use this machine for all your newspaper, scrapbook, magazine and legal-sized document scanning. The Plustek 1180 is a fantastic machine that makes scanning both exciting and enjoyable at the same time. It features a compact, flatbed design that ensures it doesn’t take up a lot of space on your desk or counter, making it a very efficient machine for your home office desk and other smaller areas. Besides its rather exorbitant pricing, we believe that this scanner from the Plustek family is one of the best you’ll ever encounter on the market. It is durable, highly efficient, and user-friendly.
Large format size for blueprints
A3 scan for nine seconds
Supports Mac and PC
Versatile
- BrandPlustek
- Model7.83064E+11
- Weight9.52 Pounds
Ideal for photographers
Space-saving unit
High-resolution output
Expensive model
Biased towards film negatives
Slower at photo scanning
4Epson DS-70000 Large-Format Document Scanner
We recommend the Epson DS-70000 Large Format Document Scanner for all offices and schools, as well as other institutions where large amounts of document scanning are done. This flatbed scanner has several features that enable it to offer excellent performance at all times. It has been adjudged one of the most affordable and durable scanners on the market, with a price and quality that surpasses many higher-end scanners. It uses the flatbed system to scan documents up to 11.7” x 17”. With this scanner, you and your staff get to work more efficiently and a whole lot smarter. The Epson DS-70000 works well with both the ISIS and TWAIN drivers. You will surely like some of the best portable printers from our list, so be sure to check them out and pick your favorite for your home or office.
70ppm
TWAIN & ISIS drivers
3-year warranty
1-pass, 2-sided scanning
- BrandEpson
- ModelB11B204321
- Weight59.2 Pounds
Quickly scans stacks of photo prints
Scans to searchable PDF
Solid OCR performance
Lacks a photo-editing program
Not ideal for document scanning
Exorbitant pricing
5Epson Expression 12000XL-PH Flatbed Scanner
We have included another model from the Epson brand. It is the Epson Expression 12000XL Flatbed Scanner. This large format scanner is recognized worldwide as the best professional large-format scanner, with a stunning 2400 x 4800 dpi resolution, a 3.8 Dmax output and a micro-step drive technology, innovative features that offer users with brilliant detail and clarity. The Epson Expression combines superior image processing with the patented Epson MatrixCCD technology, and a fast warm-up LED lamp to produce enhanced and more vibrant colors you will appreciate. The best part of this scanner is its ability to scan all editable texts up to 48 frames of 35 mm negatives, and 30 slides. It operates in a swift manner, which also enables you to save time for other activities within your home or office. For more high-quality office equipment, check out our guide to the best laminators.
Professional large-format scanning
2400 x 4800 dpi resolution
Micro Step Drive technology
ColorTrue II imaging system
- BrandEpson
- Model12000XL-PH
- Weight31.5 Pounds
High-quality scans
Automatic mode for easy scanning
Scans to text and PDF formats
No film-scan capability
Lacks bundled applications
Expensive
6Contex SD One+ 36-inch Large Format Sheetfed Scanner
In order for your artworks come out successfully, using a quality and top-notch scanner can guarantee the best results. However, the best scanners does not mean forking out your life savings. You can get amazing results and even better with even the most affordable scanners out there. Meet the Contex Sheetfed Scanner, another large format scanner made by a leading manufacturer in the printing industry. It is a machine designed with a 2TB memory capacity and a suite of a capable software. It is one of the first plug-and-play devices built by professionals to offer excellent scanning results within the shortest possible time. It uses a 64-bit software and hardware and also comes with an automatic maintenance system which makes it a welcoming addition to the universe of large format scanners. The Contex Sheetfed Scanner is one of the best large format scanners on the market, and it is a machine we can guarantee you will never regret owning. If you are also looking for a perfect projector for your office, be sure to check out our selection of the best ones on the market.
64-bit hardware and software
Windows 10 in support
2 TB of physical memory
True plug-and-play device
- BrandContex
- Weight42 Pounds
Ease of use
Precision scanning
Speedy results
None significant
7Contex 5200D012B65A IQ Quattro 4450 Scanstation
There is another scanning model from Contex on our list of recommendations. It is the Contex SD One Sheetfed ScanStation, a machine that reduces hands-on operation by a considerable margin. Also referred to as the Contex ScanStation, this scanner makes use of a 17-inch scanner that enables the operator has a preview of all documents to be scanned, increasing the accuracy and precision of the output. Once the scanner is connected to your PC, you can save all works onto your external hard drive via the USB connection made available by designers. The Contex ScanStation is the best large format scanner that is easy to operate in your home or business space.
600 dpi optical
64-bit hardware and software
Easy-to-use
Plug-and-play device
- BrandContex
- Model5200D012B65A
- Weight182 Pounds
Ease of use
Precision
Speed
None significant
8VIISAN 3120 A3 Large Format Scanner
The VIISAN 3120 might not have a huge amount of Amazon reviews to back up our recommendation, but don’t be put off just yet. It regularly features on ‘10 best’ lists of large format scanners and is sold around the world to thousands of happy customers. We like it because it’s a robust alternative to big-name brands like Epson and Plustek. It can scan any document up to 304 x 426mm (slightly bigger than A3), has a high-resolution image sensor, and can support multiple drivers. It offers a maximum optical resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 dpi with a color depth of 48-bit. We also like the fact that it has an auto-scan function, which makes it easy for those quick jobs that don’t require precise settings. In short, this is a capable and feature-laden large format scanner that is definitely worth considering.
A3 large format
For documents up to 304 x 426mm
High-resolution Contact Image Sensor (CIS)
Optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi
Color depth of 48-bit
Auto-Scan Function
One-year limited warranty
- BrandVIISAN
- Model3120
- Weight14.62 Pounds
Quick automatic scanning
Competitively priced
High-quality scans
High-speed
Lid feels flimsy
A little loud
Large Format Scanner Buying Guide
How We Chose Our Selection Of The Best Large Format Scanner
Brand - In our list of recommendations, you will find many leading manufacturers of large format scanners. These brands were selected because of their trustworthy service and also the high quality of their products. They have decades of manufacturing experience, which makes us comfortable with purchasing their scanner models. Some of these brands include Epson, Xerox, and Contex.
Price - Our team realizes that every reader searches for a scanner with a different budget; thus, we have provided products with varying price ranges to offer everyone with an option of two for purchase.
Reviews - Customer feedback is vital in the selection of products; thus, we were sure to look up many reports from existing users, to identify the good and bad sides of each machine. These comments were found on various online platforms, where the best large format scanners were being discussed.
Features To Look For In Large Format Scanner
A buying guide will never be complete without the vital elements all potential buyers must look for when selecting a large format scanner. There are many scanner models on the market today, with each promising quicker and smoother operations, with some bonus features that make the model more exciting. To ensure that you're receiving value for money with your purchase, we have outlined some of the essential features you need to look out for a while you shop.
Optical Resolution - Resolution in the scanning of documents most often isn't an issue mainly because of most of the modern scanners on the market feature a resolution not less than 600ppi. Using a scanner with this resolution is ideal for all your documents; however, some records may require the use of a higher resolution. For instance, if you need to scan a material which has a beautiful detail such as a stamp, you will need a scanner with a higher resolution, approximately one with an optical resolution of about 4,800 ppi.
Scan Area - Another feature we encourage potential buyers to consider is the purpose of their scanner, that s, what it is going to be used for often. There are two major types of scanners; the general purpose and special-purpose scanners. If you plan on scanning items such as books, business cards and sides, a special scanner will be ideal for you, whereas general purpose scanners as the name suggest can take on a myriad of documents without any issues.
Connectivity - The ability to connect your scanner to your PC or other devices is imperative as this offers you more ways to receive materials for scanning. Some scanners feature USB ports and also allow operators to connect to different kinds of sharing software. We recommend that you study the specifications of every model you come across to be fully aware of its connectivity options before you make any purchase.