Best Scanning Software: NAPS2 - Not Another PDF Scanner

takeahike

This is a follow-up to a thread I created on DSLR. There is a new stable release of 3/21/25, v8.1.1, that is the end product of prior v8.xx betas and stables, so it is a good time to recreate the thread. Prior 7.xx stable versions are now superseded. As I said previously, IMO this is the best scanning software around, period, free or paid, and does everything to cover an area that is often problematic. It is free and open source, but I don’t use it primarily because it is free but because it is the best. Be happy not only with the price but because it will serve you best, and if you can swing it make a donation. IMO, don’t pay for stuff that is not only pricey but is crap, and be happy here! Supports Windows, macOS and Linux.

DOWNLOAD CHANGELOG

RayGeode

takeahike IMO, don’t pay for stuff that is not only pricey but is crap, and be happy here!

I immediately thought of “…… not only pricey but steals your soul and sells your data “

takeahike

March 29, 2025
Now v8.1.2. Same links as in OP or use internal updater.

takeahike

Now v8.1.4. Same links as in OP or use internal updater.

px_eliezer_

“NAPS2 - Not Another PDF Scanner”

Agree, excellent, use it all the time.

Guy54435

takeahike Thanks downloaded portable in case I have a need for it in the future.

david3

I just discovered this here and I’ve started using it on linux. It’s really nice. I’d never heard of it before. Thanks!

takeahike

david3

You’re welcome. I found it just searching one day after years of hassling with crap software that I could barely get to work. In fact, IIRC, when I got the AIO printer, scanner, etc., I now have and called the manufacturer about getting the scanner to work they said that software for that wasn’t even included! Just the same old story that free and open source apps are not only priced right but because the motivation behind their production is quality and not profit the quality often exceeds the commercial stuff by leaps and bounds. Seems like the only reason many profit making organizations exist is just for that and therefore emphasize only their bottom line with quality taking a back seat. With apps like NAPS2 that do the job so well I always make a donation that is certainly deserved.

david3

I noticed there’s a new version of NAPS2, v8.2.1 (August 31).

https://www.naps2.com/download

https://github.com/cyanfish/naps2/blob/master/CHANGELOG.md

takeahike

Now v8.3.1 July 21, 2026. Same links as in OP. This looks like a hotfix from yesterday’s update to v8.3.0. See Github

Windows: Fixed a crash with dark mode enabled
Mac: Fixed an error with some scanners
Sane: Fixed an error with some scanner options

takeahike

Now v8.3.2 July 22, 2026. Same links.

The first page scanned is now auto-selected
Mac: Fixed error with save/import
Linux: Fixed error with invalid cwd