What Are Flatbed Scanners Used For?
A flatbed scanner converts pictures, documents and three-dimensional objects into a digital image that can be stored and manipulated on your computer. You place the object to be scanned on top of a glass plate and under hinged or removable cover. A scanning head moves under the plate to scan all parts of the object.
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Consistency
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You can define or crop a scanning area only once, but scan it under different settings. Because the object never moves, each uses the same definition as the previous ones, thus avoiding mismatched crop marks.
Pages
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Pages from books and magazines can be scanned without damage. Open the book to the page you want, lay it on the glass plate and hold it in place with the scanner cover.
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Fragile Objects
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Fragile documents such as old pictures or maps avoid any damage. You can assemble and disassemble the pieces on the glass plate without any moving part disturbing them.
Film
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Many flatbed scanners have slide and negative holders, which saves you from having to buy a separate device just to scan these film types.
Three Dimensions
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Flatbed scanners can photograph three-dimensional objects such as coins or instructions on a box. However, because the scan head has a fixed focus, it only makes clear images of those parts closest to the glass plate.
Disadvantage
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Because you need to lay each page individually on the plate, a stack of individual sheets cannot easily or quickly be scanned. In this case, use a sheet-feed scanner with automatic document feed.
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