Do you have stacks of old printed photographs tucked away in albums collecting dust? Those may contain precious memories from your childhood, school days, early career or with long lost friends. But over the years, the colors have faded, some have undergone wear and tear, and a few may have even been misplaced.
Digitizing those photos is the best way to preserve your memories for life. This article will explore the top 8 scanner apps that make the task incredibly easy using just your smartphone.
Why Go Digital With Old Photos?
Here are some great reasons to use a scanner app to digitize printed photographs:
1. Stop Further Deterioration
Once uploaded to digital format, your memories remain pristine forever, while printed photos continue to fade and get damaged over time. Digitizing creates a permanent backup.
2. Easy Organization
Scanner apps can directly save images into intuitive digital photo albums that can be chronologically arranged or tagged with names, dates, locations etc. Far easier than shuffling through physical albums.
3. Enhanced Sharing
Digitized photos can be easily shared with friends and family via messaging and social media apps in seconds. Creating printed copies or photobooks is also much simpler.
4. Save Storage Space
An entire collection of bulky photo albums can be condensed into image files occupying just gigabytes on a storage drive or in the cloud. And safely accessible from anywhere.
5. Retouch Old Photos
Many scanner apps provide built-in tools to fix discoloration, creases, tears etc. on old damaged photographs while digitizing them.
6. Format Flexibility
The digitized files can be converted to multiple formats like JPG, PNG, PDF etc. as per usage need – sharing online, taking prints, creating merchandise etc.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Photo Scanner Apps
Here are some key criteria that sets apart an average scanner app from an exceptional one:
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Image Quality: The digitized photos should preserve detail well and have minimal glares or blurring.
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Batch Scanning: Ability to scan multiple photos in one go without having to go one-by-one.
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Editing Tools: Availability of post-processing effects, frames, filters etc. to fix damaged photos.
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Cloud Backups: Option to autosave the scanned images to cloud services like Google Drive.
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Sharing & Integration: Provision to directly upload photos to social media, messaging, or album apps.
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Security: Safety measures to prevent private photos from being accessed by the app service provider.
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Pricing: One-time purchase or subscription cost involved for premium features.
Now let‘s look at the top 8 scanner apps for Android and iOS that will help digitize your old photo albums efficiently.
1. Google Photos: Best Overall Scanner App
As expected, Google‘s offering tops the chart with a very capable scanner along with its abundant storage and sharing capabilities.
Key Features
- Intuitive auto edge detection
- No-glare scans via multiple angles
- Smart auto-rotate and color correction
- Direct integration with Google Photos cloud storage and sharing features
- Completely free to use with no ads or watermarks
Ease of Use
The app provides step-by-step instructions on how to capture the photo edges correctly for automatic perspective correction. No manual cropping needed.
Image Quality
Excellent reproduction quality through automatic multi-angle scans to minimize glare.
Editing Tools
Basic brightness, contrast and color correction options. But main value is integration with Google Photos for further editing there.
Storage & Sharing
Scanned photos get saved directly in personal Google account storage. Easy sharing to social media via Google Photos app itself.
Security
Inherits the safety provisions for data in Google accounts like 2-factor authentication. But scanning relies on uploading to their cloud.
Pricing
100% free to use with unlimited storage. Revenue for Google comes from data insights for ads.
Verdict
With unparalleled integration into the Google ecosystem, this is undoubtedly the most seamless scanner app for Android and iOS users alike.
2. Microsoft Office Lens: Top Pick for Documents
While Office Lens is designed mainly for digitizing documents, it doubles up as an excellent scanner for old photographs as well.
Key Features
- Auto and manual picture enhancements
- Robust file export options including Word, PDF etc.
- OCR text extraction from images
- Integration with OneDrive cloud storage
- Completely free just like Google Photos
Ease of Use
Very simple interface. Enhancements mostly automated. Manual settings available for fine tuning scan output.
Image Quality
At par with Google Photos app. Minor echo effects in background at times.
Editing Tools
Limited to brightness, contrast and color improvement. Cropping also available.
Storage & Sharing
Seamless sync with OneDrive cloud storage. Easy sharing of digitized files via email or messaging apps in multiple formats.
Security
Encrypted data upload to OneDrive cloud storage for account holders.
Pricing
Free just like Google Photos. Monetized via data analysis.
Verdict
With robust cloud storage integration and output file format flexibility, Office Lens is the perfect scanner companion for professionals and businesses alongside home users.
3. PhotoScan by Photomyne: Best Restoration Capabilities
While not a market leader, PhotoScan comes loaded with advanced features specifically targeting old and damaged photos.
Key Features
- Scanning plus one-touch photo correction ability
- Multiple photo scanning in one go
- Curved edge recognition and auto-cropping
- Photo restoration tools for vintage prints
- 14-day free trial for premium
Ease of Use
Very simple photo scanning process. Enhancements take just an additional click after scanning.
Image Quality
At par with top players. Background noise in rare cases.
Editing Tools
Includes proprietary old photo fixing algorithms like deblur, colorize etc. Works nicely.
Storage & Sharing
Photos get imported into the app‘s cloud storage from where they can be shared via messaging/social media.
Security
Average protections for data in proprietary cloud storage according to privacy policy.
Pricing
14-day free trial followed by $7.99 per month subscription. Offers bulk and annual discounts.
Verdict
The premium pricing gets compensated by the exclusive restoration capabilities making this the best choice if the condition of old photos demands extra editing.
4. Pic Scanner: Best for Apple Users
This scanner app is designed exclusively keeping iOS platforms in mind with support for both iPhones and iPads.
Key Features
- Photos and documents scanning capabilities
- iCloud integration for storage
- Curated templates for creating collages, albums, calendars etc.
- Batch mode for bulk uploads
- 30-day free trial period for full access
Ease of Use
Simple workflows for scanning and directly saving photos to iCloud storage. Just point and click.
Image Quality
At par with the iOS competition. Marginally better dynamic range retention.
Editing Tools
Has a good range of filters and effects. Integration with Apple Photos allows further enhancements.
Storage & Sharing
Direct iCloud save option is convenient. Integration with iOS sharing menus enables fast uploads.
Security
Data saved to users‘ personal iCloud accounts. Average protections.
Pricing
$2.99 one-time purchase fee during discounts or $4.99 otherwise. Pay once, use forever.
Verdict
Deep Apple device integration coupled with storage and creative project templates make this the best scanner companion for iPhone/iPad users.
5. PhotoScan by Photomyne: Overall Runner-Up
This scanner app offers an ideal blend of features for efficient bulk digitization coupled with functional editing capabilities.
Key Features
- Batch mode for quick album digitizing
- Curve recognition for auto edge detection
- 20GB cloud storage and unlimited scans
- Collaborative albums for location-based family collections
- 30-day free trial period for premium
Ease of Use
Minimal taps needed for good quality scans. Clean and intuitive interface.
Image Quality
At par with top contenders in the segment. Margins lack fine detail at times.
Editing Tools
Has decent color correction capabilities. Integration with Photomyne‘s cloud editing available.
Storage & Sharing
Syncs directly with proprietary cloud storage from where sharing via chat/post is enabled.
Security
Standard data protections like Google Photos and Microsoft OneDrive.
Pricing
$8.99 per month subscription after 30-day complementary trial. Offers annual plans too.
Verdict
A reliable scanner app for bulk preservation of printed photographs into digital memories with the essential editing tools built-in.
6. Photo Scanner Pro: Best for High Resolution
This scanner truly lives up to its ‘Pro‘ tag by capturing and exporting images in exceptionally high resolutions meeting printing, merchandise and creative needs.
Key Features
- Scans up to 600 dpi resolutions
- Lossless PNG format exports
- Built-in album management capabilities
- Manual cropping and tuning options
- 14-day free trial for premium features
Ease of Use
Nicely designed workflows for scanning single or multiple photos together. Provides granular control.
Image Quality
The high resolution scans are its biggest USP. Captures excellent detail.
Editing Tools
Has versatile color correction and photo restoration algorithms. More edits via integrated Photos app.
Storage & Sharing
Can automate imports into Apple Photos app. Easy share sheet integration also available.
Security
No risks as all data gets imported locally into Photos app with user controls.
Pricing
$2.99 one-time charge during limited period discounts else $5.99. Unlock all features forever.
Verdict
Ideal for users wanting to create prints, merchandise, or archival records from the scans. The lossless high resolution exports make this a value buy.
7. Scanbot: Best for Editing and Annotations
Scanbot leaves behind basic scanning abilities for more creative functions suitable for graphic designers and digital content creators.
Core Features
- Layers support for advanced photo edits
- Pixel-precise annotation capabilities
- Signature/seal imprinting functionality
- Robust PDF editing and OCR options
- Emphasis on design and usability
Image Quality
Has average scanning capabilities in favor of editing functionality.
Tools Available
Very versatile set of annotation, drawing, signing, stamping and formatting tools ideal for documents/graphics.
Formats Supported
Allows exports as JPG, PNG along with PDF, DOC, PPT etc. making it suitable for varied use cases.
Security
Device-only permission. Does not access personal data or uploads without explicit consent.
Pricing
Subscription based: $6.99 per month/$47.99 annually after 7-day free trial.
Verdict
The unconventional features make Scanbot one of the most handy scanner apps for content creators, designers, artists and online publishers.
8. MyHeritage Photo Enhancer: Best Photo Restoration
As the name suggests, this app specializes in reconstructing damaged vintage photographs with professional grade results.
Key Capabilities
- Old photo defects identification and one click fix
- Intelligent photo colorization algorithms
- Face enhancement and beautification
- Photo animation effects to make still photos ‘live‘
- Social media export optimized sizes
Image Quality
Specializes in restoration hence lower emphasis on retention of original quality.
Photo Correction Tools
The auto enhancement works like magic, almost unreal. Manual options also extensive.
Formats Available
Lower resolution JPG, PNG for social media sharing.
Pricing
Freemium model: free basic editor + paid subscription for legacy image tools.
Free Tier Limitations
Watermarking on exports. Restrictions on image size and number of monthly scans/edits.
Verdict
The smart face recognition and one touch correction features make this a leading choice for restoring vintage family portraits.
Tips to Get the Best possible Scans
Follow these pro tips to ensure your irreplaceable old photos get digitized with optimal reproduction quality:
1. Ensure Adequate Ambient Lighting
Avoid dim environments. Open the light sources like windows and lamps to maximize ambient brightness for clear scans.
2. Keep Smartphone Steady
Instead of holding phone in hand, place it on a sturdy platform at appropriate height while scanning. This prevents shake and distortions.
3. Set Photograph Flat
The photograph print should lie completely flat when kept under the smartphone camera for reduced shadows and proper cropping.
**4. Get Maximum Area in Viewfinder
Frame photos appropriately within scanning viewport according to app guidelines for software to detect edges accurately.
5. Capture Multiple Angles/Sweeps
Slow horizontal sweeps across photographs from different vertical angles allows apps to stitch a sharp glare-free composite.
6. Adjust Contrast Presets
In case shadows or washed out bright areas still persist, tune built-in filters to balance contrasts and lighting.
Common Problems and Fixes
You may face a few scanning challenges with extremely old or damaged photographs:
Faded Colors
- Use color enhancement, contrast correction filters
- Enable Camera RAW mode for vivid color separation
Creases and Cracks
- Gently smooth out physical defects for scanning
- Use post-process touch up tools like clone stamp
Stains or Marks
- Carefully clean the photo with soft cloth before scanning
- Retouch properties help cover up stubborn defects
Issues Scanning Negatives
- Invert filter helps convert negatives
- Dedicated negative conversion apps do it better
Going Beyond Photos
These versatile scanner apps offer much more functionality useful for:
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Documents: Scan important documents, ID cards etc. to digital copies for safekeeping.
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Receipts: Maintain purchase records by quickly scanning expense receipts.
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Whiteboards: Preserve meeting notes taken on whiteboards via classroom/office scans.
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Slides/Negatives: Convert old slides and photo negatives sitting in storage to viewable pictures.
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Books: Save rare book excerpts accessible forever by scanning fragile physical copies.
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Artwork: Create digital portfolios of paintings, drawings etc. for publishing online.
Most apps provide OCR features to extract text from scans into editable formats. Handy for maintaining searchable archives and making illustrations re-purposable.
Backing up Your Scanned Memories
It is equally important to have reliable backups of the digitized old photographs safe from device failures or deletions.
Here are some good options to consider:
Cloud Services
- Google Photos
- iCloud
- OneDrive
- Dropbox
Storage Drives
- External Hard Drives
- USB Flash Drives
- Memory Cards
Multiple Devices
- Phones
- Computers
- Tablets
- Cloud Accounts
Closing Thoughts…
Take out those faded old albums, digitize the golden memories using these apps, and rediscover nostalgic moments stuck in time forever!
It just takes a few minutes to set up scans and ensure your priceless family photos get passed on digitally to future generations irrespective of what happens to the physical prints.
Now go ahead, fire up that smartphone camera, let the scanner apps do their magic, and take a trip down memory lane!
