Hey 👋 welcome to my list of the best scanners for artwork!
I am a working artist, and I’ve tried different scanners to digitize my watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paintings. I’ve also collected suggestions from my artist friends and from YouTube videos where other artists share experiences with their art scanners.
I hope my guide helps you get the right one for your art, too!
Overview: Best Scanners for Artists
My Pick and Best Value Art Scanner for Artists (Watercolors, Oil, Acrylics, Gouache and Mixed-Media)
• CCD Scanning technology
• Max 6400 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/external
• Optical Density: 3.4 Dmax
An alternative option if you can't get Epson Perfection V600 above because they have the same specs
• CCD Scanning technology
• Max 6400 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/external
• Optical Density: 3.4 Dmax
Best Budget Scanner for Artists
• CIS Scanning technology
• Max 4800 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/external
• Portable size and weight
• USB-C
Best Epson Budget Scanner for Art
• CIS Scanning technology
• Max 4800 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/24-bit external
• Portable size and weight
Best Value A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner for Artwork
• CCD Scanning technology
• Max 1600 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/24-bit external
Best alternative to A320L model above with 800DPI
• CCD Scanning technology
• Max 800 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/24-bit external
Best Budget A3 Large Format Art Scanner for Artists
• CIS Scanning technology
• Max 1200 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/24-bit external
Alternative Budget A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner for Artwork
• CIS Scanning technology
• Max 2400 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/24-bit external
Best Professional A3 Large Format Art Scanner for Artists
• CCD Scanning technology
• Max 2400 DPI optical resolution
• Color Bit Depth: 48-bit internal/external
• Optical density: 3.8 Dmax
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My Pick & Best Value: Epson Perfection V600
Best Value Art Scanner for Artists (Watercolors, Oil, Acrylics, Gouache, and Mixed-Media)
A4/8.5″x11″ Flatbed color photo scanner || CCD scanning technology || 6400 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/external color bit depth || 2009 model
Epson Perfection V600 is the most popular and appreciated scanner by watecolor artists. They appreciate its reliability, durability, and high-quality scans that capture the colors and details accurately. These qualities in combination with its price make Epson V600 the best value scaner for digitizing artworks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Price | ➖ A4/8.5″x11″ scan area size |
| ➕ CCD scanning technology | ➖ Not portable |
| ➕ 6400 DPI optical resolution | |
| ➕ 48-bit internal/external color bit depth | |
| ➕ Dependable and durable | |
| ➕ Consistent high-quality artwork scans | |
| ➕ Popular among artists |
What do the artists think?
Watercolor artist Sandra Eide uses Epson Perfection V600 to digitize her watercolor illustrations.
Alternative: Epson Perfection V550
An alternative option if you can't get Epson Perfection V600 above because they have the same specs
Epson Perfection V550 is a “newer twin” of Epson V600 above. They are almost identical albeit a couple of small design differences. Get it if you are not able to get V600.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ CCD scanning technology | ➖ Price |
| ➕ 6400 DPI optical resolution | ➖ A4/8.5″x11″ scan area size |
| ➕ 48-bit internal/external color bit depth | ➖ Not portable |
| ➕ Reliable and durable |
What do the artists think?
Watercolor artist Katie, also known as Hidden Fauna, uses Epson Perfection V550 Photo Scanner for digitizing her traditional artwork, specifically, the beautiful watercolor paintings she sells as prints in her Etsy shop.
Budget Pick 1: Epson Perfection V39 II
Best Epson Budget Scanner for Art
A4/8.5″x11″ Flatbed color image scanner || CIS scanning technology || 4800 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth || 2023 model
Epson Perfection V39 is the most popular art scanner among artists who are digital nomads or who use it a secondary scanner while they travel. It provides high-quality and color accurate scans at a very affordable price!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Price | ➖ A4/8.5″x11″ scan area size |
| ➕ 4800 DPI optical resolution | ➖ CIS scanning technology |
| ➕ Portable size and weight (great for digital nomads) | ➖ 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth |
| ➕ Removable scanner lid | |
| ➕ Popular among artists |
What do the artists think?
A digital nomad graphic designer and illustrator, Claudia Orengo, is very satisfied with the Epson V39 scanner, along with her positive experience with other Epson scanners she has used.
Budget Pick 2: Canon CanoScan LIDE 400
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Best Budget Scanner for Artists
A4/8.5″x11″ Flatbed color image scanner || CIS scanning technology || 4800 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/external color bit depth || 2018 model
Canon LIDE 400 is one of the most popular scanner for artists who are on a budget. With its price below ±$100 it’s extremly affordable, but at the same time provides artists with high-quality scans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Price | ➖ A4/8.5″x11″ scan area size |
| ➕ 4800 DPI optical resolution | ➖ CIS scanning technology |
| ➕ 48-bit internal/external color bit depth | |
| ➕ Portable size and weight (great for digital nomads) | |
| ➕ Lid with hinges to accommodate sketchbooks | |
| ➕ USB-C connection | |
| ➕ Popular among artists |
What do the artists think?
Urban sketching artist Teoh, also known as Parkablogs, shares his review of Canon LIDE 400.
Best Scanner for Large Artwork: Plustek OpticPro A320L
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Best Value A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner for Artwork
A3/12″x17″ Flatbed color image scanner || CCD scanning technology || 1600 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth || 2017 model
Best alternative to A320L model above with 800DPI
A3/12″x17″ Flatbed color image scanner || CCD scanning technology || 800 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth || 2017 model
Plustek OpticPro A320L is the best value A3 art scanner (or large format art scanner) because compared to high end Epson and Canon A3 scanners it has affordable price, decent technical specifications and based on artists’ experience it produces high-quality scans with accurate color reproduction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Price (compared to professional A3 scanners) | ➖ 1600 DPI optical resolution |
| ➕ A3/12″x17″ scan area size | ➖ 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth |
| ➕ CCD scanning technology | ➖ Not portable |
| ➕ Manageable size and weight | |
| ➕ Well built |
What do the artists think?
A mixed-media markers and pencils artist, Priscila Flores, shares her experience with Plustek OpticPro A320E, which is a less powerful model compared to OpticPro A320L.
Budget Large Format Art Scanner: Plustek OpticSlim OS1180
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Best Budget A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner for Artwork
A3/12″x17″ Flatbed color image scanner || CIS scanning technology || 1200 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth || 2020 model
Plustek OS1180 is THE budget A3 scanner for artists because compared to other large format scanners it’s very affordable while at the same time delivering decent quality scans with accurate enough color reproduction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Price (compared to professional A3 scanners) | ➖ 1200 DPI optical resolution |
| ➕ A3/12″x17″ scan area size | ➖ CIS scanning technology |
| ➕ Lightweight considering it’s A3 scanner | ➖ 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth |
| ➕ Well built | ➖ Not portable |
What do the artists think?
A comic book artist, EldenDraws shares his experience with scanning his art using the Plustek OpticSlim 1180 scanner.
Alternative Budget A3 Art Scanner: VIISAN VF3240 A3 Art Scanner
Alternative Budget A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner for Artwork
A3/12″x17″ Flatbed color image scanner || CIS scanning technology || 2400 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/24-bit external color bit depth
VIISAN A3 scanner offers a good value for artists by giving you a large scan area, acceptable color accuracy, and an easy workflow without the high price of pro-grade CCD models.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ A3/12″x17″ scan area | ➖ CIS scanning technology |
| ➕ Up to 2400 DPI optical resolution | ➖ 24-bit color output |
| ➕ 48-bit color input | ➖ Lower Dmax than CCD scanners |
| ➕ Good color reproduction for collage, illustration, and mixed media |
What do the artists think?
Collage artist Leah shares her experience with the VIISAN A3 flatbed scanner, saying it delivers clear, accurate scans and a comfortable workflow for larger artwork.
Professional: Epson Expression 12000XL A3 Large Format Scanner
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Best Professional A3 Large Format Art Scanner for Artists
A3/12″x17″ Flatbed color photo scanner || CCD scanning technology || 2400 DPI optical resolution || 48-bit internal/external color bit depth || 2017 model
At its price, Epson Epxression 12000XL is an art scanner for professional artists and for art studios. Professional artists appreciate its large scanning area size so it streamlines their workflow and consistently delivers color accurate and hiqh-quality scans!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ A3/12″x17″ scan area size | ➖ Price suitable only for professional artists and studios |
| ➕ CCD scanning technology | ➖ Huge size and weight |
| ➕ 2400 DPI optical resolution | |
| ➕ 48-bit internal/external color bit depth |
What do the artists think?
A comic book artist David Finch shares his experience using the Epson Expression 12000XL scanner for scanning his comics.
Main Criteria for Choosing an Art Scanner
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The scanning process for an artist is very different from what many others do, so we need to focus on the best scanner for artwork and artists, not just another document scanner.
All of the scanners on my list meet the below criteria!
Type of Scanner
Flatbed scanners are best for artists. They handle various media types and sizes without damaging the artwork.
Unlike sheet-fed or handheld models, flatbeds have a glass surface, making them safer for delicate pieces, sketchbooks, or textured work.
Look for one with a detachable lid. This helps when scanning thicker items like canvas boards or bound sketchbooks, keeping the image sharp even if the artwork doesn’t lie completely flat.
With the lid on, they also scan loose sheets and photos with care and clarity.
Scan Area Size
Most scanners come in A4 (8.5 x 11″) or A3 (12 x 17″).
If you work on larger pieces, an A3 scanner is ideal. It lets you scan the whole artwork in one go, saving time and preserving quality.
With an A4 scanner, you’d need to scan in sections and stitch them together, which can be time-consuming and may affect color, alignment, and image quality.
Also, if your artwork has texture or thickness, make sure the scanner can handle that.
Scan Quality or Optical Resolution in DPI
The optical resolution of a scanner is its true, physical ability to capture detail, measured in DPI (dots per inch). It depends on the scanner’s optics and mechanics. For example, the Epson V600 has a max optical resolution of 6400 DPI.
In simple terms: higher DPI = more detail and better color accuracy.
That said, 600 DPI is more than enough for most artists, especially if you’re scanning artwork at its original size for prints or portfolios.
Only go higher (1200–2400 DPI) if you plan to enlarge the artwork or need museum-level quality.
Color Accuracy
A good art scanner should reproduce colors as accurately as possible. Since this is hard to measure, look at the scanner’s tech specs.
CCD vs. CIS
These are the two main types of scanning tech.
CCD (Charged Coupled Device)
Best for color accuracy and detail. Used in high-end scanners. It uses mirrors and lenses to capture the image, which makes it bulkier and more expensive—but the quality is worth it.
CIS (Contact Image Sensor)
Cheaper, smaller, and more energy-efficient. Uses LED lights and has no complex optics. Great for portability, but it usually has lower color accuracy and struggles with textured or uneven artwork.
If accurate color and depth matter most, go with CCD. If budget and size matter more, CIS can work.
Color Bit Depth
Bit depth is the amount of color data a scanner can capture per pixel.
Look for 48-bit internal/external in the specs. This means the scanner captures and saves full color data, 16 bits per channel (red, green, blue), allowing for over 281 trillion possible colors.
“Internal” is what the scanner captures. “External” is what gets saved in the final file. Both should be 48-bit for the best color accuracy and depth or 48/24 at minimum.
Optical Density (Dmax)
Dmax measures how well a scanner captures the full range of tones, from light to dark. A higher Dmax means better detail in shadows and highlights.
This matters for all types of artwork – watercolor, oil, gouache, drawings, especially if your piece has strong contrast or subtle color shifts.
A scanner with a high Dmax, like the Epson V600, will do a better job preserving those details and tones in the final scan.
Summary: Best Scanner To Digitize Your Artworks
I choose the Epson Perfection V600 color photo scanner as the best art scanner for artists because it consistently provides me with high-quality scans with accurate color reproduction, and it’s the most popular scanner among artists who digitize their artworks.
For other use cases, here is the full list of the best art scanners for artists today:
- #1 My Pick & Best Value: Epson Perfection V600
- #2 Alternative: Epson Perfection V550
- #3 Budget Pick: Canon CanoScan LIDE 400
- #4 Alternative: Canon CanoScan LIDE 300
- #5 Epson Budget Pick: Epson Perfection V39
- #7 Best Value A3 Large Format Pick: Plustek OpticPro A320L
- #8 Budget A3 Large Format Pick: Plustek OpticSlim OS1180
- #9 Alternative: Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 All-in-one Printer Scanner
- #10 Professional Pick: Epson Expression 12000XL A3 Large Format Scanner
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Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
