Wide Format Scanning

The 4 Best Large Format Scanners for 2025

Before we delve into the top contenders for large format scanners in 2025, let’s establish some criteria for what constitutes a “large format” scanner. While some manufacturers might define it as a device capable of handling documents larger than the standard letter size (8 1/2″ x 11″), others reserve the term for scanners designed specifically for architectural or engineering plans, blueprints, maps, artwork, and similar oversized materials.

In this post, we’re setting a clear parameter: a large format scanner must be capable of scanning documents that are 24″x36″ or larger. Furthermore, we’ll be presenting our top picks in four distinct categories: fine art scanner, flatbed scanner, CCD scanner, and CIS scanner. For clarification of CCD & CIS technology please read our post What are CCD & CIS, And How Do They Differ?.  We’ll also provide our Runner-up picks for each as well.  And we provide our rationale for each.  Links on this post take you to the full product brochure for each scanner.

So here are our top recommendations for 2025:

Best Fine Art Scanner – Contex HD Apeiron/42

HD Apeiron 42 Fine Art Scanner

Why we like it:

It’s the newest CCD (Charged Couple Device) technology, offering contact-free scanning with a table conveyance system, so nothing touches the surface of the artwork.  It has adjustable natural day light LEDs with no UV/IR radiation that provides extremely accurate color matching and very cool 3D effects.  It can scan up to 42″×60″ and 5.1″ height at up to 1200 dpi optical resolution (for more about resolution, please read our post What Is DPI; And How Does It Impact Scanning & Printing?).  It scans at 6 inches per second at 300 dpi, which seems quick, it’s extremely accurate up to 0.1% +/- 1 pixel, it offers an easy to use version of the intuitive NextImage scanner operating software that allows for saving images in most of the widely accepted file formats, and has an adjustable arm to allow the user to rotate the 22” touchscreen monitor.  This Contex HD Apeiron/42 scanner provides exceptional quality and a two year warranty.

What we don’t love:

What’s really not to like!  This scanner offers great quality, is easy to use, and doesn’t compromise the original art work; this is a fine scanner!  Yet, weighing in at 412lbs and at 135.8″×61.3″×62″ (WxHxD) in highest position, this scanner takes up some space and is not conducive to changing its location.  With an MSRP of $43,995 (before the Overland Blueprint discount) this is a considerable investment.

Runner-Up Fine Art Scanner – WideTEK®36ART

What we like:

This scanner also offers contact-free scanning utilizing CCD technology and LED light source with integrated optical diffusor no IR/UV radiation.  It can scan originals up to 36″×60″×3.9″ and offers an optional table extension up to 87.6″.  It can scan up to 600 dpi optical resolution.  And can scan at 1.66 inches per second at 300 dpi.

What we don’t like:

Priced at approximately the same price as the Contex HD Apeiron/42, the scan area is smaller, the technology doesn’t seem as robust, it has significantly lower optical resolution, and scans at 3.6 times slower.

Best Flatbed Scanner – Contex IQ FLEX

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Why we like it:

With a Flatbed of 18″×24″ one would think that this scanner wouldn’t qualify due to the scan area; but wait, with the optional NextImage scanner operating software, this scanner has the ability to scan double its size (24″x36″ in two scans and it perfectly stitches the image together).  So it can originals up to 24″×36″ at up to 1200 dpi optical resolution.  It’s easy to use with the full image area color scanning speed of 6 seconds at 200 dpi, it’s extremely accurate up to 0.1% +/- 1 pixel, this flatbed scanner is equipped with a touchscreen computer the size of a small tablet PC allowing the user to scan & annotate, simply mark-up changes to drawing on the touchscreen, and offers connectivity via wireless or gigabit Ethernet.  This Contex IQ FLEX flatbed scanner offers great scan quality and comes with a two year warranty.

What we don’t love:

Although it doesn’t seem to compromise on quality, it does utilize CIS technology.  It has a MSRP of $7,396 with optional NextImage scanner operating software (before the Overland Blueprint discount).  And like most flatbed scanners the scan area is limited to 24″x36″.  This flatbed scanner is not compatible with Mac operating systems.

Runner-Up Flatbed Scanner – MicroTek LS-4600

What we like:

This is a large 33” x 47” flatbed scanner that utilizes CCD technology.  The two-way LED light source can be powered on immediately, requiring zero warm-up time (may require optional software).  It can scan up to 600 dpi optical resolution, has 4″ depth of field to scan heavy or thick objects, and is TAA compliant.

What we don’t like:

It has an expensive MSRP of $56,995!  Optional software enhances features and optional trolley with casters allows for the scanner to be relocated.  These seem to be quite necessary, which certainly adds to the cost of ownership.

2nd Runner-Up Flatbed Scanner – Kurabo K-IS-A1FW PLUS

What we like:

Released in 2016 this flatbed is actually 24″x36″ that utilizes CCD technology.  So it can originals up to 24″×36″ at up to 800 dpi optical resolution.  With the full image area color scanning speed of 17.5 seconds at 400 dpi.

What we don’t like:

In technology years, 2016 seems fairly old.  It also has an expensive MSRP of $55,500!  Not calculated in the scan time is the 4.5 seconds for the scan head to return to its home position. This flatbed scanner only has a one year limited warranty.

Best CCD Production Scanner – Contex HD Ultra X

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The Contex HD Ultra X is a series of roll-fed scanners that differ by model number based on size (36″, 42″ or 60″ wide) and color scanning speed (8.9 or 17.8 inches per second at 200 dpi).  Since all models within the series have the same technology, we are highlighting them as if they were one.

Why we like them:

These are roll-fed scanners that are easy to use and scan incredibly fast!  They can scan at 17.8 inches per second at 200 dpi in black & white.  In our document scanning service bureau, these production scanners are faster than our really quick operators!  These scanners offer face-down scanning, have an optical resolution of 1200 dpi, are extremely accurate up to 0.1% +/- 1 pixel, have a soft handling mode, and we can make adjustments to the images after having been scanned without pulling the paper through the scanner a second time. These scanners feature instant-on functionality by utilizing optimized LED lights, so no waiting for the scanner to warm-up.  They detect the width automatically. The HD Ultra X finds the paper width as it scans. No wasted time. No more backwards and forwards movement of document while feeding it into the scanner. Just load and scan.  This scanner can scan thin tracing paper, regular bond paper, mylar, and even items that are mounted on foam or gator board; it can scan items that are up to 0.6″ thick!  With the Contex HD Ultra X scanners image quality is exceptional, they offer easy integration (via software) with most all inkjet printers, and these scanners come with a two year warranty.

What we don’t love:

These scanners start at $9387 MSRP + stand + software; however, we often offer bundled promotions that include the stand & software.  Common with all roll-fed scanners, maintaining scanned originals neatly in the catch basket can be a challenge; although our optional Repro Stacking Stand resolves this and greatly improves operator efficiency.  These scanners are not compatible with Mac operating systems.

Runner-Up CCD Production Scanner – Colortrac SmartLF SGi

The Colortrac SmartLF SGi is also a series of roll-fed scanners that differ by size (36″ or 44″ wide). Since all models within the series have the same technology, we are also highlighting them as if they were one.

What we like:

These are roll-fed scanners that can scan at 13 inches per second in black & white, the color models scan color at 4 or 8 inches per second (at 200 dpi).  These scanners also offer face-down scanning, have an optical resolution of 1200 dpi, and are extremely accurate up to 0.1% +/- 1 pixel. These scanners feature instant-on functionality by utilizing LED lights, so no waiting for the scanner to warm-up.  This scanner can also scan items that are up to 0.6″ thick!  These scanners can be upgraded from monochrome to color to faster color, and also come with a two year warranty.

What we don’t like:

The most robust model is somewhat comparable to the lower end model of the Contex HD Ultra X series.  Pricing is not publicized, so dealers can charge whatever they want; we believe that these scanners offer less value for the money.  Scan speed is slower.  Colortrac also does not offer a 60″ wide version.  These scanners may appear to be less durable.  These scanners are also not compatible with Mac operating systems.

Best CIS Production Scanner – Contex IQ Quattro X

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The Contex IQ Quattro X is also a series of roll-fed scanners that differ by model number based on size (36″or 44″ wide) and color scanning speed (8.9 or 17.8 inches per second at 200 dpi).  Since all models within the series have the same technology, we are highlighting them as if they were one.

Why we like them:

These are roll-fed scanners that are easy to use and scan incredibly fast!  They can scan at 17.8 inches per second at 200 dpi in black & white.  In our document scanning service bureau, these production scanners are also faster than our really quick operators!  These scanners offer face-up scanning, have an optical resolution of 1200 dpi, are extremely accurate up to 0.1% +/- 1 pixel, have a soft handling mode, and we can make adjustments to the images after having been scanned without pulling the paper through the scanner a second time. These scanners feature instant-on functionality so no waiting for the scanner to warm-up.  Image quality can be summed up as, “What you see is what you get”.  The The Contex IQ Quattro X scanners are very simple to operate, and offer easy integration (via software) with most all inkjet printers, and these scanners also come with a two year warranty.

What we don’t love:

These scanners start at $5424 MSRP + stand + software; however, we often offer bundled promotions that include the stand & software.  Common with all roll-fed scanners, maintaining scanned originals neatly in the catch basket is challenging, and with face-up scanning this can become more challenging.  These scanners are also not compatible with Mac operating systems.

Runner-Up CIS Production Scanner – Most others

The rest of the field pretty much encompasses the runner-ups.  Factors involved are (or the lack thereof) the following: ease of use, ease of integration, price, value, quality, durability, and warranty.

In Summary

In the scope of large format scanning there is an array of powerful options to cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you’re an artist, architect, or simply seeking to digitize oversized documents, there’s a scanner on this list that is certain to handle the work. Yet it’s wise to assess your specific needs and workflow, and select the scanner that aligns best with your goals.  It may be one that has been discussed herein, or it may be another, remember, those herein are the best in our opinion, you may not require the best.  We feel that with any of these top selected options, that the selected scanner should be well equipped to handle the type of oversized scanning with precision and efficiency for the classification of scanning outlined herein.

If you are in the market for a large format scanner; or want some help in deciding which specific scanner maybe right for your particular needs, call our experts at (602) 224-9971 or contact us now, we’re happy to help!