GNOME Document Scanner
Simple, free scanning app for Linux from the GNOME project, formerly called Simple Scan.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Linux
Is GNOME Document Scanner free?
Yes, free and open source
- License:
- GPL-3.0+
Checked on GNOME Document Scanner's site Nov 8, 2026
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About GNOME Document Scanner
Document Scanner, long known as Simple Scan, is the default scanning app in GNOME and in many Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Fedora. It aims to be the easiest way to scan: pick text or photo mode, press scan, then crop or rotate pages, reorder them and save as a PDF or image files, or print and email the result. It uses the SANE framework, so it works with most scanners that Linux supports, including document feeders and network scanners. The app is free and open source under the GPL, maintained within the GNOME project, and installable from Flathub on distributions that don't ship it. Settings are deliberately minimal; there is no OCR, no advanced colour control and no film tools. It is the natural pick for a quick scan on a Linux desktop, and the thing people outgrow when they need NAPS2 or VueScan features.
Best for: Linux users who want quick document or photo scans with no setup.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free, open source and preinstalled on many distributions
- Very simple interface for everyday scanning
- Works with most scanners via SANE
Why people leave
- Linux only
- No OCR, so PDFs are not searchable
- No advanced colour or film scanning controls
GNOME Document Scanner vs VueScan, NAPS2 and Paperwork
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
Top GNOME Document Scanner alternatives
See all 4- 1
VueScan79.8Paid, but adds built-in drivers for scanners SANE doesn't support and serious film options.
- 2
NAPS268.8Also free and runs on Linux, adding OCR for searchable PDFs and a command-line mode.
- 3PaPaperwork52.6
Linux desktop app that scans, runs OCR and files your documents with search, if you want scanning plus a searchable archive.
- 4
Adobe Scan51.2Uses your phone camera instead of a flatbed and produces cleaned-up, searchable PDFs, handy when no scanner is attached.
Why people left GNOME Document Scanner
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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GNOME Document Scanner: common questions
What is GNOME Document Scanner?
GNOME Document Scanner: Simple, free scanning app for Linux from the GNOME project, formerly called Simple Scan. Best for linux users who want quick document or photo scans with no setup. Available for Linux.
Is GNOME Document Scanner free?
Yes. GNOME Document Scanner is free, open-source software.
Is GNOME Document Scanner open source?
Yes.
What platforms does GNOME Document Scanner run on?
GNOME Document Scanner is available for Linux.
What are the best alternatives to GNOME Document Scanner?
The highest-ranked GNOME Document Scanner alternatives right now are VueScan, NAPS2 and Paperwork. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
GNOME Document Scanner vs VueScan: what's the difference?
GNOME Document Scanner is free and open source; VueScan is a paid product. GNOME Document Scanner is open source and VueScan is not. Only VueScan runs on Windows and macOS.