Art has been a part of our culture since time immemorial. From primitive drawings in caves all the way to modern art, it can be found everywhere and has consistently influenced our lives. Art is the expression of our feelings and imagination.
As it evolves, it’s important to keep track of its progress. Thankfully, modern technology has allowed us to document this progress through art scanners.
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In this article, we will be discussing the best art scanner for artistic works. If you’re just starting out, choosing the best one can be quite confusing because there are so many different options out there.
That’s why in this article, we will be discussing what to look for when choosing an art scanner.
We will then follow up with the best ones in detail to help make the decision-making process easier for you.
10 Best Art Scanners in 2022
- Canon Cano Scan LiDE220 – Best high-resolution art scanner (Editor’s Choice)
- Epson Perfection V600 – Best art scanner overall
- Epson Expression 12000 XL – Best large format art scanner
- Epson V39 – Best artwork scanner for beginners
- Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII – Best film and negative scanner
- Epson DS50000 A3 Scanner – Best scanner for office use
- Plustek A3 – Best value scanner for artwork
- Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner – Best photo scanner
- Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 – Best user-friendly art scanner for artists
- Canon IMAGEFORMULA R40 scanner – Best art scanner with a compact design
What is the best art scanner?
We’ve picked Canon Cano Scan LiDE220 as the best art scanner overall. But we’ve also gone ahead and listed some of the best art scanners to pick the most suitable for you.
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How to Choose the Best Art Scanner
To choose the best art scanner for you and your needs, we need to first understand what to look for in a good art scanner. There are a lot of options in the market but if you know what you’re looking for, it’ll make the process much easier.
Types of Scanners
There are different types of scanners available in the market and each of them serves a different purpose. Some are better at scanning photographs while others are more tailored to scan documents. On your end, you have to identify what kind of artwork are you usually going to scan so you can find the right scanner.
DPI – Dots Per Inch
Another factor that you need to consider is the DPI. This is the number of dots that make up every inch of your scanned document. A good rule of thumb to remember is the larger the DPI number, the higher the quality of the image. Most professionals recommend a DPI of at least 300 for scanning artwork.
Bit Depth
Most modern artworks are vivid in color and sometimes, scanners can’t keep up. Some scanners tend to dull out colors when they scan artworks. This is why it’s important to make sure that the scanner you’ll be getting can accurately capture color.
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The ability to capture color can be seen with bit depth. This refers to the color information stored in an image. A good rule to remember is that the higher the bit depth, the more colors it can store.
Flexible
Make sure that your scanner is capable of scanning different kinds of documents. These refer to ID cards, playing cards, envelopes, artwork, creatives, photographs, and many others.
Price
Price is a very important factor to consider when choosing an art scanner. Some art scanners will bring you more value for your money than others. As important it is to work within your budget, it’s also important to make sure that you don’t compromise the quality of the art scanner.
Storage Capabilities
Some of the scanners offer storage capabilities, such as cloud storage, while others offer built-in storage options. You can go for whatever you prefer as long as they fit your needs.
Best Art Scanner in 2022
1. Canon CanoScan LiDE220 (Editor’s Choice)
Bit Depth: 16 bits | Scan Resolution: 4800 x 4800 DPI | Compatibility: 5,6 Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Vista SP1, Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 32 bit.5,6. Mac:5,6Mac OS X v10.6.8 10.95,6 | Scan Speed: Up to 30 PPM | Connection Interface: USB
Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII is our top-ranked scanner for artwork as it’s known for producing high-resolution scans. Apart from the great design clarity, it is lightweight and portable. It has USB ports that are easy to use and do not require any other power sources to function. It is slim, fast, portable and great value making it our pick for the best art scanner.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ The slim design looks stylish | ➖ Does not work automatically |
| ➕ Portable | |
| ➕ Fast scanning |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- CIS Flatbed Scanner, 4800 x 4800dpi, USB 2.0, 25 - 19200 dpi
2. Epson Perfection V600
Bit Depth – 48 Bit | Scan Resolution – 6400 DPI || Scan Speed – Up to 23 PPM | Connection Interface – USB
Epson Perfection V600 is one of the best art scanners overall. The Epson Perfection V600 captures every detail clearly and precisely. This scanner has the best features when it comes to being able to highlight details and colors.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Excellent color and image quality | ➖Does not have an automatic scan feature |
| ➕High scan resolution | |
| ➕Able to scan multiple kinds of artworks | |
| ➕Portable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Create extraordinary enlargements from film: 6400 x 9600 dpi for enlargements up to 17 Inches x 22 Inches. Maximum Scan Area 8.5 x 11.7 inches. TPU 2.7 x 9.5 inches
- Remove the appearance of dust and scratches from film: Digital ICE for Film
- Remove the appearance of tears and creases from photos: Digital ICE for prints
- Restore faded color photos with one touch: Epson easy photo fix included
- Scan slides, negatives and medium format panoramic film: Built in transparency unit
3. Epson Expression 12000 XL
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Bit Depth: 48 Bit | Scan Resolution: 2400 DPI || Scan Speed: Up to 30 PPM | Connection Interface: USB
Epson Expression 12000 XL is the best large format scanner in the market. This means that this scanner will be able to easily scan larger artworks. Considering its 2400 x 4800 DPI resolution, you’re guaranteed that every artwork you’ll scan will have high resolution.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕High resolution | ➖Expensive |
| ➕High-speed scanning | |
| ➕Able to scan multiple kinds of artworks | |
| ➕Portable device |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Professional large-format scanning — accommodates reflective media up to 12. 2" X 17. 2".
- Extraordinary image quality — 2400 x 4800 dpi resolution, micro Step drive technology and a 3. 8 Dmax for brilliant clarity and detail.
- Enhanced color with the colorful II imaging system — combines superior image processing, a fast warm-up LED lamp, and Epson MatrixCCD technology for bold, vibrant scans.
- One-touch color restoration — Epson’s exclusive easy photo fix technology restores faded color photos in a snap and offers automatic dust removal.
- Batch scanning for increased productivity — scan multiple printed images at one time and save files to a PC or Mac.
4. Epson V39
Bit Depth: 48 Bit | Scan Resolution: 4800 DPI || Scan Speed: Up to 10 PPM | Connection Interface: USB
Epson V39 is the best artwork scanner for beginners because of how it’s very compact and easy to use. It’s actually so compact, it’s one of the slimmest art scanners on this list. Despite its size, you can scan large artworks by removing the lid. This allows you to scan thick books or scan artworks in bulk.
Considering its price point, it gives you a lot of value for your money because of its high resolution. It also has an auto-scanning function that allows you to scan a file from emails or cloud storage providers.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕High-quality images | ➖Scanning speed is low |
| ➕Easy to use | |
| ➕Budget-friendly |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- High quality scanning for photos and documents : 4800 dpi optical resolution (1) for amazing clarity and detail
- Preserve priceless memories: Restore, archive and share family photos for generations to come
- Scan to Google Drive and other cloud services (2): Epson Document Capture Pro and Easy Photo Scan software included
- Convenient: Easy to use buttons for scan jobs, plus a space saving built in kickstand for vertical placement
- Scan over sized prints, documents and artwork : ArcSoft Scan n Stitch Deluxe 2 included (3)
5. Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII
Bit Depth: 48 Bit | Scan Resolution: 9600 DPI || Scan Speed: Up to 25 PPM | Connection Interface: USB
What makes the Canon CanoScan 9000F MKII Photo, Film, and Negative Scanner one of the best art scanners for artwork is its high resolution. With an impressive 9600 DPI, you’ll be able to capture even the finest details of artworks.
Aside from its high resolution, it also has an auto-scanning feature. This will allow you to easily scan a lot of artworks and documents.
As for colors, this scanner will be able to capture vivid colors because of its 48-bit color depth. This makes your scanned artworks feel realistic. Finally, it also has FARE Level 3 technology. This ensures that the documents you scan won’t be accidentally damaged during the scanning process.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Has a very high resolution | ➖The lid isn’t that flexible which sometimes becomes problematic while scanning thick artworks |
| ➕High-speed scanning | |
| ➕Able to scan multiple kinds of artworks | |
| ➕Auto scanning |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- My Image Garden Software handles photo and document scanning and organizes your files in a simple and friendly way so you can get the most out of them
- FARE (Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement) Level 3: This built-in retouching technology delivers automatic correction to photos and film, removing much of the dust and scratches while restoring...
- Zero warm-up time and offers lower power consumption with super-efficient white LEDs
- Auto Scan Mode automatically adjusts settings by detecting what you're scanning
- OS Compatibility : Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS X v10.6.8 to 10.7
6. Epson DS50000 A3 Scanner
Bit Depth: 48 Bit | Scan Resolution: 9600 DPI || Scan Speed: Up to 25 PPM | Connection Interface: USB
Epson DS50000 A3 Scanner is great for industrial use as it can scan a large number of files. It’s also a large-format scanner so it can scan documents up to 11.7″ x 17″. This makes it easy to scan different kinds of artwork.
The scanning speed is also relatively fast so you can finish quickly if you have a lot of artwork to scan.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Compatibility | ➖May overexpose artworks during scanning |
| ➕Quick scanning speed | |
| ➕Able to scan multiple kinds of artworks | |
| ➕Auto cloud storage |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Large-format scanning: scan documents up to 11.7" x 17".
- Minimize Downtime: 3-year limited warranty includes Advance Exchange with free Next-Business-Day Replacement.
- Achieve remarkable results: 4-line CCD sensor (RGB and black) provides vivid color and crisp, sharp text.
- Integration: Compatible with your software - comes with both TWAIN and ISIS drivers.
- Network Capable: Turn the DS-50000 into a secure networked workgroup scanner using the optional Epson Network Scan module.
7. Plustek A3
Bit Depth: 48 Bit | Scan Resolution: 1200 DPI || Scan Speed: Up to 30 PPM | Connection Interface: USB
Plustek A3 is one of the best art scanners on this list in terms of ease of use. It doesn’t require much effort to master operating this device. Aside from that, it also has an auto-scanning feature that will help speed up the process if you’re scanning lots of artwork.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Auto-scan | ➖Not a good document scanner |
| ➕Color accuracy | |
| ➕Scan multiple images (photos) |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- ✔WE SCAN SIZES - A3 11.69""x 17" Large Format Scanning
- ✔NO MORE WAITING - LED Light Source, Save Energy, No Warm Up
- ✔HASSLE-FREE OPERATION - Pre Set Function One-Touch Button for Your Quick Use.
- ✔POWERFUL SOFTWARE BUNDLE - Enhanced OCR Accuracy with ABBYY FineReader 12, and DocAction for File Sharing
- ✔SCAN MODE - 48 bit Color /16 bit Gray-Scale for Scan Art, Documents and Other Items
8. Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner
Bit Depth: 48 Bit |Scan Resolution: 9600 DPI | Connection Interface: USB
Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner has an extremely good value for your money with its dynamic range. What this means is that it has good contrast between the darkest and brightest color tones.
This scanner can also capture vivid colors because of its 48-bit color depth. This will give you realistic and highly accurate colors when you scan artworks. Pair this feature with 9,600 DPI and you get a highly accurate, vivid, and detailed scan of your artworks.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Auto-focusing | ➖Not budget-friendly |
| ➕High color accuracy | |
| ➕High-quality images |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Pro quality color & detail - get unparalleled scans W/ 6400 dpi resolution & Adv
- Remarkable tonal range - 4.0 Dmax for smooth gradations & fine Shadow detail
- Exclusive dual lens system - selects from 2 lenses for optimum results
- Operating systems: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XP professional x64 Edition and Mac OS X 10.6.X, 10.7.X, 10.8.X, 10.10.X
09. Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600
Best user-friendly art scanner for artists
Bit Depth: 16 bits | Scan Resolution: 1,024 × 768 pixels | Compatibility: Mac and PC | Scan Speed: Up to 40 PPM | Connection Interface: USB, Wi-Fi
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 is the best scanner for its user-friendly interface. It features an intuitive 4.3-inch touch screen for scanning and data utilization. It also allows you to customize your scanner according to your requirements with the 30 default and 30 customizable profiles with icons using color, icons, or letters.
Its user-friendly interface enables you to scan documents easily with its automatic document feeder which is steady and versatile. It comes with an Ultrasonic Sensor and the Brake Roller to provide superior reliability for various paper types and feeds papers individually to prevent feeding errors.
It is compatible with all smart devices or cloud services even without a PC. It allows you to directly connect with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for flexibility and convenience wherever you want.
It allows sharing a single license among four users which also allows customizing each profile according to an individual’s requirements through its easy touch screen options. Auto-facial orientation and red-eye reduction also allow you to scan 4″ x 6″ photos in under a second.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Auto-facial orientation and red-eye reduction | ➖ You cannot scan plastic cards |
| ➕Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity | |
| ➕Ultrasonic Sensor and the Brake Roller for reliability |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Optimized user experience: ScanSnap iX1600 features an intuitive 4.3inch touch screen for complete end to end scanning and data utilization
- Customize your preference: The scanner supports up to 30 customizable profiles; Customize the profile on the touch screen based on your scanning needs and personalize scanning icons using color, icons...
- Scan anywhere you want whenever you want: Wi-Fi compatibility allows you to directly connect to your smart devices or cloud services without a PC, and allows for flexible placement wherever its...
- Ideal for team sharing: One scanner supports up to 4 user licenses each allowing user profile and icon customizations
- Preserve Photo Memories: Scan 4" x 6" photos in under a second with intelligent features such as auto facial orientation and red-eye reduction
10. Canon IMAGEFORMULA R40 scanner
Best art scanner with a compact design
Bit Depth: 24 bits | Compatibility: Mac and PC | Scan Speed: Up to 40 PPM | Connection Interface: USB
The Canon IMAGEFORMULA R40 scanner is an office document scanner that is simple and easy to use. It helps you to increase productivity wherever you are as it is compact and fits in most office settings. With its powerful bundled software, it converts many documents and artwork into searchable digital files.
It can handle many different documents like receipts, photos, business cards, reports, contracts, long documents, and thick or thin documents. It is fast and efficient, as it can scan documents with up to 40 pages per minute, with a 60-sheet automatic feeder, and one-touch operation. It is compatible with Windows and Mac which includes TWAIN drivers.
It includes Canon CaptureOnTouch software for easy scanning, Readiris PDF and OCR software, and Cardiris business card software for free.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Compatible with Windows and Mac | ➖ It lacks network and mobile productivity |
| ➕Simple, compact, and easy to use | |
| ➕Includes bundled software for easy usage |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Stay organized: Easily convert your paper documents into searchable digital formats
- Reliably handles many different document types: Receipts, photos, business cards, reports, contracts, long documents, thick or thin documents, and more
- Fast and efficient: Scans both sides of a document at the same time, in color, at up to 40 pages per minute, with a 60 sheet automatic feeder, and one touch operation
- Broad compatibility: Windows and Mac TWAIN driver included
- Easy Setup: Simply connect to your computer using the supplied USB cable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top 2 scanners for artwork?
Canon CanoScan LiDE220 and Epson Perfection V600
What DPI does a scanner need to have for a good quality image?
A scanner should have 600 - 900 DPI for the quality of the image to be good enough for an artist.
What type of scanner should a professional use?
A flatbed scanner that can scan large files of size A0 would be the best choice for professionals.
How do I scan large files or documents?
Flatbed scanners are helpful in this case.
Can watercolor, acrylic, or oil paintings on canvas be scanned?
Yes, these can absolutely can be scanned by scanners that have high resolution and color accuracy.
When it comes to digitalizing artworks, which is better, photography or scanning?
Scanning would be the best since they tend to capture more details.
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- Best Printer for Cardstock
- Best Printers for Art Prints
- Best Printers for Graphic Designers
- Best Art Easels for Artists
Best Art Scanner for Artwork
Art has become a very important aspect of our lives. It’s expressed in so many different forms and it continuously evolves into something new. We use art scanners to document all of these and save them for future generations.
We have discussed the things that you should look for when purchasing the best art scanner. This includes the following:
The scanners recommended on this list are some of the best art scanners currently available in the market. There’s also a wide variety to choose from so you’re guaranteed to find something that will fit your needs.
Have a fun time scanning artworks!