As the landscape of education has constantly been reshaped, digitizing textbooks has become one of the most essential things students, researchers, and professionals can do. That’s because the process allows the users to store and access the content on multiple devices, making studying even more efficient. Additionally, digital textbooks can serve as backups in case of damage or loss of the physical copies.
In this article, discover how digitizing textbooks can benefit users through accessibility, portability, preservation, searchability and even sharing. Not only that, learn how you can scan a textbook using your smartphone with Scanner App.
Why Scan a Textbook?
There are several reasons why you should start scanning your textbook as soon as you can. It can reduce cost, smoothens workflow, and even make it sharable. Below are some great examples you should know:
Save Time and Space
While they may look good when you display them in your home, physical textbooks take up a lot of space and are a hassle to carry. By digitizing them, you can easily access the textbooks on a phone, tablet, or laptop. This saves you not only space but energy as well as you won’t have to put in large amounts of effort just to bring them with you.
Create Searchable and Editable Copies With OCR
Scanning apps and online services also come with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology that lets you convert scanned text into editable and searchable files. This enables users to easily copy and paste content from the textbook. Additional features include being able to search specific terms and even translate text.
Share Textbook Content Easily
Unlike physical copies, digital textbooks can easily be shared with peers. This makes it so that collaborative study sessions are more efficient and effective. Instead of passing around heavy books, students can send PDFs in just a few clicks.
What Are the Tools Needed to Scan a Textbook?
Scanning Apps
The most convenient way you can scan textbooks is through a smartphone scanning app. They ensure clear and high-resolution scans while giving you the portability that you need. Some of the best options in this category include:
- Adobe Scan
- CamScanner
- Microsoft Lens
- Municorn Scanner App
Hardware Scanners
If available or if you want to have a dedicated scanning machine, flatbed scanners or books scanners are great options. These include:
- CZUR Book Scanner (specifically designed for scanning books without damaging spines)
- Traditional flatbed scanners from Epson and Canon
Preparing to Scan Your Textbook
Before you do start scanning, there is a preparation process that you must undergo. This is to ensure that the textbook will not be damaged and that you get high-quality results.
Step 1: Flatten the Pages Without Damaging the Spine
Start by opening the textbook and gently placing it on a flat and stable surface. Make sure to avoid pressing down too hard as opening books too wide can damage the binding.
Step 2: Use Clips or Weights to Keep Pages Open
Next, use clips or paperweights to keep the pages from flipping while you scan them. This is to ensure and maintain the proper alignment while preventing blurred images.
Step 3: Remove Obstructions Like Sticky Notes or Bookmarks
Finally, before you start scanning, remove any and all sticky notes, bookmarks, or folded pages to ensure that the view of the content isn’t obstructed by an object.
Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning a Textbook
Now you’re ready to start scanning your textbook. There are a total of three methods involving your smartphone, a flatbed scanner, and a dedicated book scanner.
Using a Smartphone Scanner App
- Download and Open Scanner App
- First, go to Scanner.biz on your local browser or search the Scanner App on the App Store
- Download it on your device and grant the necessary permissions
- Align the Textbook Page Within the App’s Frame
- Follow the preparation guide above and open your book to the desired page
- Hold your smartphone steady and ensure all necessary text fits within the frame
- Capture and Scan
- Tap the capture button and use the auto-edge detection to crop unnecessary parts
- Adjust brightness and contrast if needed to make text clearer
- Save the Scan
- Save your scan as a PDF for multi-page documents or JPG for single pages
- Save to cloud storage or your local device
Using Flatbed Scanner
- Place the Textbook Page
- Gently position the book on the scanner bed without pressing too hard
- Ensure the page is placed correctly on the scanning area
- Adjust the Settings
- Set the resolution to 300 dpi or more for clear, readable text
- Scan Each Page and Save Files
- Start scanning your textbook
- Save files in a numbered sequence for easier organization
- Export scans in PDF or PNG format
Using a Book Scanner
- Set up the Textbook
- Ensure correct positioning of the textbook
- Make sure the scanner is well-lit and stable
- Adjust settings to automatic or manual scanning
- Scan With Your Preferred Option
- Use auto-page or manual scanning options
- Some scanners offer automatic page turning for efficiency
- Export the Files
- Export scans in your preferred format: PDF, Word, or text formats
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to scan textbooks?
The best way to scan textbooks is with a dedicated book scanner. However, if you have no hardware, using smartphone scanning apps like Scanner App is another very reliable option.
What is the app that scans textbooks?
Considered as the best app that scans textbooks in the market, Scanner App should be your top choice. It supports batch scanning, has OCR technology, automatic edge detection, and more! Not to mention, it has a free trial and a very cost-effective subscription plan.
Is it legal to scan a textbook for personal use?
Yes, scanning textbooks for personal use is generally legal as long as it complies with fair use policies. The trouble lies when you start distributing scanned copies without permission from the publisher.
