A good scan helps preserve the detail and color you worked to create. The right scanner depends first on your artwork’s size, then on how much control you need over the final image.
These nine options range from compact flatbeds for smaller originals to A3 models for larger pieces, plus photo scanners for artists who also work with film. Use the guide below to narrow the field before comparing individual models.
Best 9 Scanners for Art Prints Picks for 2026
Best for Small Art Prints
- 4800 dpi resolution
- Single-cable USB Type-C setup
- Fits listed sizes up to 8.5 x 11.69 inches
Best For: Letter-size art prints and compact workspaces
Best for Large Artwork
- 12 x 17-inch scan area
- CCD flatbed with LED lighting
- TWAIN and WIA support
Best For: Large prints and A3-sized drawings
Best for Oversized-Print Stitching
- 4800 dpi optical resolution
- Included stitching software
- USB-powered with vertical kickstand
Best For: Smaller prints with occasional oversized artwork
Compact Everyday Pick
- 2400 x 2400 dpi optical resolution
- Auto Scan Mode detects originals
- Slim, USB-connected flatbed
Best For: Individual flat artwork on a compact desk
Detail and Stitching Pick
- Stated 4800 dpi optical resolution
- Software stitches oversized images
- USB-powered with removable lid
Best For: Flat illustrations and artwork scanned in sections
Large-Format Pick
- Scans flat art up to about 11.98 x 16.8 inches
- 1200 x 1200 dpi optical maximum
- Needs space and flat originals
Best For: Single-pass scans of flat A3-size artwork
Detail-Focused Pick
- 6400 dpi resolution
- Dual-lens scanning system
- 4.0 Dmax for tonal detail
Best For: Detailed prints and subtle shadow gradations
Compact Artwork Pick
- 4800 dpi optical resolution
- 8.5-by-11.7-inch scan area
- USB-powered, lightweight design
Best For: Letter-size art in small workspaces
Print-and-Film Pick
- 6400 dpi optical resolution
- Scans prints and 35 mm film
- Separates multiple photo scans
Best For: Mixed print and film archives
Best for Small Art Prints – Canon CanoScan LiDE 400
Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 Slim Scanner, 7.7" x 14.5" x 0.4", Document & Photo Scanner, Black
Check Price On AmazonAmong scanners for art prints, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 is a compact option for artwork that fits its listed 8.5 x 11.69-inch paper size. Its 4800 dpi resolution and 48-bit color depth give you room to capture detail, while the single USB Type-C cable handles both power and data.
Best For: Artists scanning letter-size prints or smaller in a space-conscious setup.
Pros:
- 4800 dpi resolution and 48-bit color depth.
- USB Type-C connection supplies power and transfers data through one cable.
- EZ buttons and auto scan mode simplify routine scans.
Cons:
- Listed paper size does not accommodate larger artwork in one scan.
- CIS flatbed scans one item at a time.
Choose this model when detailed scans of smaller prints matter more than a large scanning bed. Its slim design and included vertical stand also make storage easier.
Best for Large Artwork – Plustek OpticPro A320E
If your search for scanners for art prints centers on size, the Plustek OpticPro A320E offers a 12 x 17-inch scanning area. Its large-format flatbed can accommodate A3-sized drawings and prints, reducing the need to scan artwork in sections.
Best For: Artists who need to scan larger prints, drawings, or other flat originals up to 12 x 17 inches.
Pros:
- 12 x 17-inch scan area handles A3-sized and wide-format paper.
- CCD sensor and LED light source.
- TWAIN and WIA support helps it work with compatible scanning software.
- Can scan multiple printed images at once and save them as separate PDF files.
Cons:
- Its 24.53-inch width requires substantial desk space.
- Linux and SANE driver users are advised to ask the seller before purchase.
The oversized bed is the main reason to pick this scanner. Confirm your available space and software compatibility before buying.
Best for Oversized-Print Stitching – Epson Perfection V39
The Epson Perfection V39 is a practical choice among scanners for art prints when you want 4800 dpi optical resolution in a USB-powered flatbed. Its included Scan n Stitch Deluxe 2 software offers a way to work with oversized prints and artwork by combining scans.
Best For: Artists scanning smaller originals regularly who also want software for stitching larger artwork.
Pros:
- 4800 dpi optical resolution captures fine detail.
- Included stitching software supports oversized prints and artwork.
- USB-powered design needs no AC adapter.
- Built-in kickstand saves space when the scanner is stored vertically.
Cons:
- Oversized pieces require multiple scans and stitching rather than a single pass.
- Its CIS flatbed holds one original at a time.
This model makes the most sense if a large-format flatbed is unnecessary but you occasionally need to digitize bigger pieces. The removable, high-rise lid also helps with books and albums.
Compact Everyday Pick – Canon CanoScan LiDE 300
For smaller artwork and photo originals, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 300 is a compact option among scanners for art prints. Its flatbed scans one item at a time, with 2400 x 2400 dpi optical resolution and USB connectivity.
Best For: Artists digitizing individual, flat originals who want a compact USB scanner.
Pros:
- 2400 x 2400 dpi optical resolution for capturing image detail.
- Auto Scan Mode detects what you place on the scanner.
- Slim 1.7-inch profile is easy to accommodate on a desk.
Cons:
- Scans one original at a time.
- USB connectivity only; no wireless connection is listed.
This is a practical choice when desk space and straightforward scanning matter more than handling oversized artwork.
The Epson Perfection V39 II is worth considering among scanners for art prints when you need to digitize illustrations or photos and occasionally piece together an oversized image. Its stated 4800 dpi optical resolution and included Epson ScanSmart stitching feature give it useful options for creative work.
Best For: Artists scanning flat illustrations and photos, including larger pieces they can scan in sections.
Pros:
- Stated 4800 dpi optical resolution for detailed scans.
- Epson ScanSmart can stitch scans of oversized images.
- USB-powered, compact design and a removable lid add flexibility.
Cons:
- Oversized art requires multiple scans and stitching rather than a single pass.
- Scans one item at a time.
Choose this model if software-assisted stitching suits your workflow; a larger flatbed is more direct for art you do not want to scan in sections.
Among scanners for art prints, the VIISAN VF3120 stands out for its A3-size flatbed: it accepts flat originals up to approximately 11.98 x 16.8 inches. That makes it a more direct fit for larger drawings or prints that would otherwise need sectional scans.
Best For: Artists digitizing flat artwork up to A3 size in a single scan.
Pros:
- A3-size scanning area accommodates larger flat artwork.
- Maximum 1200 x 1200 dpi optical resolution and 48-bit color depth.
- Auto-Scan can start a scan when the lid closes.
- Listed 8-second A3 color scan speed at 200 dpi.
Cons:
- CIS sensor requires flat paper images; raised or three-dimensional items may scan blurry.
- Its approximately 21.65 x 24.8-inch footprint needs substantial desk space.
- Reaching 1200 dpi requires the supplied ViiScan software; WIA supports up to 600 dpi.
The larger bed is the main reason to buy it. Check that your originals lie flat and that you have room for the scanner before choosing it over a smaller model.
Detail-Focused Pick – Epson Perfection V850 Pro
Among scanners for art prints, the Epson Perfection V850 Pro is a substantial flatbed option for capturing fine detail and subtle tonal changes. Its 6400 dpi resolution, dual-lens system, and 4.0 Dmax make it worth considering when image quality takes priority over a compact setup.
Best For: Artists digitizing detailed prints with smooth gradations and shadow detail.
Pros:
- 6400 dpi resolution supports detailed scans.
- Dual-lens system selects between two lenses for the scan.
- 4.0 Dmax supports smooth tonal gradations and fine shadow detail.
Cons:
- At 20.9 pounds and 19.8 inches wide, it needs dedicated desk space.
- Listed operating-system support covers older Windows and Mac OS X versions; check compatibility with your current computer.
Choose this model if tonal range and detail matter most, but confirm software compatibility before committing to its larger footprint.
Compact Artwork Pick – Epson Perfection V19 II
The Epson Perfection V19 II is a compact choice among scanners for art prints when your originals fit its 8.5-by-11.7-inch scan area. Its 4800 dpi optical resolution suits detailed artwork and illustrations, while USB power keeps the setup simple.
Best For: Artists scanning letter-size artwork or illustrations in a small workspace.
Pros:
- 4800 dpi optical resolution captures fine image detail.
- Scans artwork and illustrations up to 8.5 by 11.7 inches.
- Lightweight, USB-powered design with one-touch buttons.
Cons:
- Artwork larger than 8.5 by 11.7 inches will not fit in a single scan.
- CIS sensor and 24-bit external color depth may be limiting if your workflow requires different capture specifications.
This is the practical pick for smaller originals and an uncluttered desk; check the scan-area limit before choosing it for larger prints.
Print-and-Film Pick – Epson Perfection V550
For artists comparing scanners for art prints alongside film originals, the Epson Perfection V550 offers 6400 dpi optical resolution and a built-in transparency unit. It can handle prints as well as 35 mm slides, negatives, and film.
Best For: Artists digitizing prints and 35 mm film in the same workspace.
Pros:
- 6400 dpi optical resolution supports detailed scans and enlargements.
- Built-in transparency unit scans 35 mm slides, negatives, and film.
- Auto edge detection crops multiple photos into separate files.
- Digital ICE reduces the appearance of dust and scratches on film.
Cons:
- At 19.09 inches wide and 9.6 pounds, it is less compact than a small flatbed.
- Digital ICE dust-and-scratch removal is specified for film, not art prints.
The V550 makes particular sense if your archive mixes artwork and film; for print-only work, weigh whether you need its transparency features.
How We Picked These Scanners for Art Prints
We focused on flatbed models because they let artwork lie still against the glass, avoiding the rollers used by sheet-fed scanners. The selection covers different original sizes, optical-resolution specifications, and workflows, from simple USB-powered scanning to dedicated photo and film features. This is a comparison of listed capabilities, not a claim that every model produces identical color or sharpness in practice.
Quick Comparison: Start with Artwork Size
For artwork that fits a standard letter-size scanning bed, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 300 and LiDE 400 and Epson Perfection V19 II, V39, and V39 II are compact starting points. If your originals need an A3-size bed, look at the Plustek OpticPro A320E or the 3120 A3 flatbed scanner. The Epson Perfection V850 Pro and V550 are worth considering when your work also involves photographic film or negatives.
Check each model’s scannable area, not just its exterior dimensions or an A3 label. If your art is larger than the glass, you may need to scan it in sections and stitch the images together, or use a professional capture service.
Key Buying Factors for Scanners for Art Prints
Resolution and Intended Print Size
Optical resolution matters more than an interpolated DPI figure, but higher numbers alone do not guarantee a better print. For same-size reproduction, a clean scan around 300 pixels per inch at the original’s dimensions is a useful starting point; enlargements need more captured detail. Scan a small test area before committing to a large batch.
Color, Paper Texture, and Original Condition
Accurate color requires more than a scanner specification. Use consistent scan settings, turn off aggressive automatic corrections when they alter the artwork, and compare the file against the original on a calibrated display. Glossy surfaces, raised paint, and textured paper can create reflections or shadows against flatbed glass. Fragile or heavily textured originals may be better photographed with controlled lighting.
Workflow and Software
Check that the scanner’s software supports your computer and lets you adjust exposure, color, cropping, and file format. Save a high-quality master file before making smaller files for sharing or print ordering. Film holders and film-specific features are useful only if you actually scan transparencies; they are not necessary for ordinary paper artwork.
Who Should Buy Which Scanners for Art Prints?
Choose a compact flatbed if most of your work fits its glass and you want a simple way to digitize drawings, small prints, or reference material. Choose an A3 model if scanning larger originals in one pass will save you frequent stitching. Consider the V850 Pro or V550 if film scanning is a meaningful part of your workflow, while checking current software compatibility before purchase. For gallery-quality reproductions, very large pieces, or originals that should not touch glass, budget for a professional art-photography or scanning service instead.