What is scanner in computer

Published: 27 Apr 2025

Sometimes, we lose our papers or drawings and feel very sad. But don’t worry! A scanner can help you save your important work safely on a computer. Today, we will learn what is scanner in computer and how it can help us. If you’re curious about other devices that help us interact with computers, check out our detailed guide on input devices of computer to learn more!

Table of Content

What is scanner in computer?
How Does a Scanner Work?
Types of Scanners
Uses of Scanner in Computer
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Scanner
Conclusion
FAQs about the scanner

What is scanner in computer?

A scanner is a machine that copies pictures or papers and saves them on a computer. It takes a photo of the paper and changes it into a digital file. You can see the scanned file on your computer screen. A scanner helps you keep your important documents safe and secure. It is an important device that makes work easy and fast.

How Does a Scanner Work?

A scanner works by copying a picture or paper and saving it inside the computer. It shines a light on the paper and captures the image. Then, the scanner changes the image into a digital file that you can open and see on your computer screen. This way, you can keep your papers safe and even print them later if you want.

Here are the simple steps of how a scanner works:

Step 1: You place the paper or picture on the scanner’s glass surface.
Step 2: The scanner shines a bright light on the paper to see it clearly.
Step 3: The scanner’s sensors capture the image or words from the paper.
Step 4: The scanner changes the captured image into a digital file.
Step 5: The computer saves the file, allowing you to open, share, or print it at any time.

Types of Scanners

Scanners come in different types. Each type helps us in a special way to copy and save papers or pictures.

Here are the main types of scanners:

Flatbed Scanner: You place the paper on a glass surface, and it scans like a photocopy machine.
Handheld Scanner: You move this small scanner by hand over the paper to scan it.
Sheet-fed Scanner: This scanner pulls the paper inside and scans it.
Drum Scanner: This scanner utilizes a spinning drum to produce high-quality images.
3D Scanner: It scans real objects and makes a 3D digital copy of them on the computer.
Barcode Scanner: It reads black and white lines (barcodes) on products and shows the information on a computer

Uses of Scanner in Computer

Scanners help us in many ways in our daily life. They make it easy to save papers, pictures, and even small objects on a computer. Let’s see how scanners are useful to us.

Here are some common uses of scanners:

Saving Important Documents: You can scan and keep your important papers safe on your computer.
Sharing Pictures: You can scan old photos and send them to family and friends.
Making Copies: A scanner helps you make copies of drawings, homework, and notes.
Storing Receipts: You can scan shopping receipts to keep a record of your purchases.
Reading Barcodes: Stores use barcode scanners to read prices and product details quickly.
Scanning Artwork: Artists scan their drawings and paintings to share them online.
Creating Digital Books: Scanners help turn real books into digital books for easy reading.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Scanner

A scanner is a very helpful device, but like everything, it has some good and bad sides. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of using a scanner.

Benefits
Scanners save documents digitally. You can share files quickly. It makes backups of important papers. Old photos are safe when scanned. Scanners save time in offices. You can copy images clearly. It helps store records easily. You can edit scanned documents. Scanning helps organize work. Scanners store books as digital files.

Drawbacks
Scanners can be expensive. Scanning large files takes time. Some scanners need a lot of space. Scanners are hard to carry. Image quality can be low. Extra software may be needed. Some scanners are slow. You may need to buy extra parts. Scanners can break easily. Thick books are hard to scan.

Conclusion

So guys, it’s time to finish up! In this article, we’ve covered what a scanner is in a computer in detail. Scanners are super helpful, and I recommend using one to keep your papers and photos safe. If you don’t have a scanner, consider asking for one as a gift or using one at your local library. Go ahead, start scanning your files today, and enjoy how much easier it makes things!

FAQs about the scanner

Here are some common questions about scanners

What is the main use of a scanner?

The main use of a scanner is to copy documents, pictures, or drawings and save them on a computer. It changes physical items into digital files. You can then store, share, or print them easily.

Can a scanner copy a photo?

Yes, a scanner can easily copy a photo. You place the photo on the scanner’s glass, and it makes a digital copy of it. This copy can be saved and shared on a computer.

What is the difference between a scanner and a printer?

A scanner makes a copy of something and saves it on a computer, while a printer prints copies from a computer. In simple words, a scanner brings information in, and a printer sends it out. Both work together to help you with documents and pictures.

Can a scanner scan any type of paper?

A scanner can scan most types of paper, such as documents, photos, and receipts. However, some scanners may not be able to handle thick or large papers. Always check the scanner’s size limits before scanning.

Can I scan a book with a scanner?

It depends on the scanner. A flatbed scanner can scan book pages if you open the book and place it carefully. However, scanning thick books can be difficult or require special equipment.

Why do I need a scanner for my computer?

A scanner helps you digitize documents, photos, and important papers, allowing you to save them on your computer. It’s a great way to keep things organized and share files easily. It also prevents documents from getting lost or damaged.

Are scanners hard to use?

No, scanners are easy to use! Most scanners only require you to place a document on the glass and press a button to scan. The instructions that come with your scanner will guide you through the process.

How does a scanner turn images into digital files?

A scanner uses light to capture an image or document. The light is reflected back, and sensors inside the scanner change the image into a digital file that you can see on your computer. This digital version is easy to save, share, and print.

Do scanners need to be connected to a computer?

Yes, most scanners require a connection to a computer to save the scanned files. Some scanners may have built-in memory and can save directly to a USB drive. Always check the scanner’s instructions for connection details.