Top 5 Questions Asked When Choosing a Scanner for a Mac

Compatibility can be an important consideration when choosing a scanner to use with a Mac. Many Mac users have the following questions about selecting an imaging device. Get answers to five of the most frequently asked questions about scanners and software for Mac.

What Is a Mac Scanner?

The top question Mac users ask is why only select scanner models are compatible with these systems. The short answer is that the software sold with scanners, any firmware on these devices and the drivers that enable a computer to communicate with a scanner only have built-in compatibility with specified systems.

Any model of scanner will clearly state whether it supports this type of hardware and software under the specifications. The full line of ScanSnap® scanners are compatible with Mac computers and portable iOS devices. If you choose the best scanner for Mac, all you have to do to start scanning is set the device up and install drivers and software.

Wireless Capabilities?

Another common question involves wireless capabilities. Some printer models allow for wireless connectivity, which makes it possible to send captures from the scanner directly to your Mac or iOS device without connecting any cables.

The ScanSnap® iX100, iX1300 and iX1600 scanners all feature Wi-Fi connectivity. These models are the best options when you need a printer that works with Mac and iOS devices and allows for wireless connections. 

Which Imaging Software?

Software gives you control over the images you scan, including the ability to edit captures and specify destinations for saved scans. It is important to choose a scanner that supports software compatible with Mac. It can be more of a challenge to find FADGI compliant scanners that are compliant with these systems

If you choose to buy a ScanSnap® scanner, you can use the Home, Manager, Connect and Cloud software designed for these models. ScanSnap® Home makes it easy to scan and organize captures in MacOS, iOS or iPadOS. You can specify destinations for scans in Manager, run a wireless scanner from a mobile device with Connect or upload scans with ScanSnap Cloud®.

Scan-to-Cloud Functionality?

ScanSnap Cloud® works with a Mac to streamline the process of uploading captures to any supported cloud service. The ScanSnap® iX1600 scanner also features Direct Scan-to-Cloud functionality.

If you have Wi-Fi connectivity and a ScanSnap Cloud® account, you can use the iX1600 to scan documents and images directly to the cloud without connecting a Mac or iOS device. This feature makes imaging tasks faster and more convenient and provides access to captures anywhere at any time.

Ongoing Compatibility?

You should always consider the possibility of future compatibility when purchasing peripherals to use with your Mac. This support depends on the version of MacOS and the specifications of the device. A ScanSnap® scanner or wireless portable monitor are both smart choices for long-term compatibility.

A scanner compatible with Mac systems will come with or provide access to the drivers and software necessary to capture, process, store and share digitized documents and image captures. ScanSnap® scanners and software work with a Mac right out of the box.