MacOS-compatible scanner

[Marsikus]

Looking for advice about scanner. Just a basic planar scanner for scanning manual sketches and documents.
For sure, MacOS compatibility is the main requirement.

 

[pgolik]

Start with getting Vuescan (https://www.hamrick.com/) if you think about scanning on Mac. And then check Vuescan compatibility list. Native drivers are usually bad, Vuescan is a life saver and a great value. Canon LiDE are decent and cheap, Epson Perfection are excellent, but more expensive.

 

[MarkC426]

iPhone and iPad have a built in scanner, in the notes app....😉

 

[pgolik]

Using an iPhone or iPad as a scanner is an option, but for anything more than quick note taking it requires some setup - you need something to hold the iDevice exactly horizontal, and a source of light without shadows. Doable, but not as easy as it sounds if you care about quality.

 

[kschendel]

We went through a number of flatbed dedicated scanners, and ended up with a Fujitsu ScanSnap (I think it's the iX1400). My wife is into genealogy; the ScanSnap is easy to use and MacOS compatible. It's not a flatbed, though. On the few occasions that we need to scan something that won't feed through the ScanSnap, we have a multi-function Canon laser printer (MF8280) and we use its scanner.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Epson has good Mac support generally, so while VueScan is great, with Epson scanners it is not required. Others, like older Canon models may have bad or no support, but VueScan makes them a good choice.

The biggest question is resolution, performance, and features. For general scanning, a V600 is plenty good for most folks...in fact, it is likely overkill. Something like the Epson V39 should do the job for a lot less money.

 

[Dave Braine]

You can scan with ImageCapture, an app already on your Mac.

 

[bringel]

I use the flatbed Perfection V600 scanner along with the Silverfast 9 software which is a professional package that has more options than the average user would ever invoke but at lease they do support features should you ever need them.
I take exception with a previous poster about Epson's excellent Mac support. Their scanner app was quite basic and Epson discontinued that app rather than upgrade it to 64 bit.
Silverfast has a very extensive list of supported scanners.

 

[hobowankenobi]

I use the flatbed Perfection V600 scanner along with the Silverfast 9 software which is a professional package that has more options than the average user would ever invoke but at lease they do support features should you ever need them.
I take exception with a previous poster about Epson's excellent Mac support. Their scanner app was quite basic and Epson discontinued that app rather than upgrade it to 64 bit.
Silverfast has a very extensive list of supported scanners.

Epson Scan 2 is right here. No issues running on M1 with 13. Seems pretty good for all the basics. No?

Never used Silverfast. Thought it died long ago.

 

[HDFan]

I use VueScan, ScanSnap along with a ScanSnap scanner and an HP laserjet printer. Use the ScanSnap printer and app feeding into Devonthink the most as it has a small footprint. I can keep it close on my desk.

 

[Marsikus]

Start with getting Vuescan (https://www.hamrick.com/) if you think about scanning on Mac. And then check Vuescan compatibility list. Native drivers are usually bad, Vuescan is a life saver and a great value. Canon LiDE are decent and cheap, Epson Perfection are excellent, but more expensive.

Thank you, this works! My scanner is Canon Lide 60, very ancient piece of hardware but still works.

 

[Big Bad D]

Agree with Vuescan recommendation. It's probably the app I have got best value for money from over many years of use and just one payment.