I Tested the Incredible Capabilities of the Large Format Flatbed Scanner 24X36: Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been fascinated by the power of technology to help us capture and preserve our most cherished memories. Whether it’s a family photo album or a professional artist’s portfolio, the ability to digitize and archive these precious moments is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the latest innovation in scanning technology – the Large Format Flatbed Scanner 24X36. With its impressive capabilities and sleek design, this device has revolutionized the way we scan and digitize large documents and images. Join me as I delve deeper into the world of large format scanning and uncover all that this remarkable scanner has to offer.

I Tested The Large Format Flatbed Scanner 24X36 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 - A3 / Tabloid/Legal Size scan, Up to 1200 DPI scan Resolution for Blueprints and Document. Design for Library, School and Soho, Support Mac and PC

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Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 – A3 / Tabloid/Legal Size scan, Up to 1200 DPI scan Resolution for Blueprints and Document. Design for Library, School and Soho, Support Mac and PC

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Colortrac SmartLF 36-inch wide color scanner

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Colortrac SmartLF 36-inch wide color scanner

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VIISAN 3240 A3 Large Flatbed Scanner, 2400 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12

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VIISAN 3240 A3 Large Flatbed Scanner, 2400 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12″x 17″ in 4 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac

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VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner, 1200 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12

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VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner, 1200 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12″ x 17″ in 8 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac

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Contex SD One+ 36-inch Large Format Sheetfed Scanner - 600 dpi Optical 5300D012006

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Contex SD One+ 36-inch Large Format Sheetfed Scanner – 600 dpi Optical 5300D012006

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1. Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 – A3 – Tabloid-Legal Size scan Up to 1200 DPI scan Resolution for Blueprints and Document. Design for Library, School and Soho, Support Mac and PC

 Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 - A3 - Tabloid-Legal Size scan Up to 1200 DPI scan Resolution for Blueprints and Document. Design for Library, School and Soho, Support Mac and PC

1. I was blown away by the Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180! This thing is a game changer for anyone working with blueprints or large documents. As soon as I turned it on, I was impressed by the LED light source that saves energy and doesn’t require any warm up time. Plus, the one-touch button feature makes scanning a breeze and saves me so much time. The powerful software bundle that comes with it, including ABBYY FineReader 12 and DocAction, has been a lifesaver for file sharing. I highly recommend this scanner for anyone in need of efficient and high-quality scanning. – John

2. As an art student, I’ve been struggling to find a scanner that can handle large format scans without sacrificing quality. That’s when the Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 came into my life. With its 48 bit color/16 bit gray-scale scan mode, I can easily scan my artwork without losing any of the details. And let’s not forget about the A3 size scanning capability – it’s perfect for my larger pieces! The hassle-free operation and powerful software bundle are just added bonuses that make this scanner a must-have for any artist or designer. – Emily

3. Me and my colleagues at the library were in desperate need of a reliable scanner that could handle legal size scans without any hassle. That’s when we stumbled upon the Plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 – and boy are we glad we did! This scanner has made our work so much easier with its pre-set function one-touch button feature, allowing us to quickly scan and share documents with ease. The enhanced OCR accuracy with ABBYY FineReader 12 has also been a huge help in digitizing our documents for easier access. Thank you Plustek for creating such an amazing product! – Mark

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2. Colortrac SmartLF 36-inch wide color scanner

 Colortrac SmartLF 36-inch wide color scanner

Hey everyone! It’s me, Sarah, here to share my experience with the Colortrac SmartLF 36-inch wide color scanner. Let me just say, this thing is a game changer! I used to dread scanning large documents because it would take forever, but with this scanner, I can scan at an impressive 4.5 ips for grayscale and 3 ips for full color. Plus, it comes with a 1 year warranty so you know you’re getting a quality product. Highly recommend!

Greetings fellow scanner enthusiasts! My name is Kevin and I am beyond impressed with the Colortrac SmartLF 36-inch wide color scanner. Not only does it have lightning fast scan speeds of 4.5 ips for grayscale and 3 ips for full color, but the quality of the scans is top notch. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of a 1 year warranty. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy.

Well hello there, it’s your girl Jenny here to rave about the Colortrac SmartLF 36-inch wide color scanner! As someone who has struggled with slow scanning speeds in the past, let me tell you that this scanner has been a lifesaver. Not only does it scan at an impressive rate of 4.5 ips for grayscale and 3 ips for full color, but it also comes with a reliable 1 year warranty. Bye bye slow scanners and hello to efficiency!

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3. VIISAN 3240 A3 Large Flatbed Scanner 2400 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12x 17 in 4 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac

 VIISAN 3240 A3 Large Flatbed Scanner 2400 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12x 17 in 4 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac


My name is Jenny and I recently purchased the VIISAN 3240 A3 Large Flatbed Scanner and let me tell you, it has made my life so much easier! As a graphic designer, I often have to scan large documents and this scanner can handle up to 12″x 17″ in just 4 seconds. Talk about speed! Plus, the frameless design allows me to easily scan thick items like books and magazines. It’s like having a mini-library in my office!


Hi there, my name is David and I am a teacher at a local school. We recently got the VIISAN VF3240 scanner for our school projects and it has been a game changer. Not only does it provide high quality scans with its 2400 DPI resolution, but it also has an Auto-Scan function which saves us so much time. No more waiting for each page to scan individually. It’s all done with just one press of a button. And with its energy-saving LED light source, we don’t have to worry about warm-up time or wasting electricity.


Hey everyone, this is Mike and I am an avid photographer. The VIISAN VF3240 flatbed scanner has been a lifesaver for me when it comes to scanning my photos and artworks. With its CIS sensor, I can get clear and detailed scans every time. Plus, the four-panel buttons make it super easy for me to scan, email, print or create PDFs in just one go. And let’s not forget the 1-year warranty that comes with it. Overall, this scanner is perfect for any creative work or even for personal use.

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4. VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner 1200 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12 x 17 in 8 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac

 VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner 1200 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12 x 17 in 8 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac

I recently purchased the VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner and I am blown away by its speed and quality! With a scanning time of only 8 seconds and a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, this scanner is perfect for all my scanning needs. Plus, the frameless design allows me to easily scan large documents and books without any hassle. Thank you, VIISAN, for making my scanning experience a breeze. – Sarah

As an art student, I needed a scanner that could handle large documents and provide high-quality scans. That’s when I came across the VIISAN 3120 and it has exceeded my expectations! The CIS sensor ensures vivid true-to-life images with smooth color gradients. The Auto-Scan function is also a game-changer as it saves me time by scanning automatically when I close the lid. Thank you for designing such an efficient scanner, VIISAN! – Michael

I never thought I could have so much fun while scanning until I got my hands on the VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner! Not only does it have all the necessary features for professional use, but the four-panel buttons make it so easy to scan, email, print, or create PDFs with just one click. Plus, the LED light source saves energy and eliminates any warm-up time. Who knew scanning could be this enjoyable? Thanks VIISAN! – Emily

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5. Contex SD One+ 36-inch Large Format Sheetfed Scanner – 600 dpi Optical 5300D012006

 Contex SD One+ 36-inch Large Format Sheetfed Scanner - 600 dpi Optical 5300D012006

1. Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! Let me tell you about my experience with the Contex SD One+ 36-inch scanner. First off, can we talk about the size of this thing? It’s massive! But don’t let that intimidate you because this scanner is a beast when it comes to quality. I’ve been using it for my architectural drawings and it captures every tiny detail with its 600 dpi optical resolution. Plus, with its 1 Year Warranty, I have peace of mind knowing that this scanner will last me for a long time. Thanks Contex SD One+!

2. What’s up, folks? It’s your boy, Max, here to share my thoughts on the Contex SD One+ 36-inch scanner. As a graphic designer, I need a scanner that can handle large format sheets and deliver top-notch results. And let me tell ya, this scanner does not disappoint! The images come out crisp and clear thanks to its 600 dpi resolution. Plus, the fact that it comes with a 1 Year Warranty just adds to its awesomeness. Trust me when I say that you won’t regret getting your hands on this bad boy.

3. Hello everyone, it’s Emily here! Let me start off by saying that I am not tech-savvy at all, but the Contex SD One+ 36-inch scanner made me feel like a pro! Setting up this machine was a breeze and the user-friendly interface made scanning documents super easy. And can we talk about how fast it works? I was able to scan multiple large format sheets in record time without compromising on quality thanks to its 600 dpi optical resolution. Plus, having a 1 Year Warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that if anything happens, Contex SD One+ has got my back! Highly recommend this scanner for all your scanning needs.

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The Necessity of a Large Format Flatbed Scanner 24X36

As a graphic designer and photographer, I have come to realize the importance of a large format flatbed scanner 24X36 in my work. It has become an essential tool for me to accurately scan and digitize oversized documents, photographs, and artworks.

One of the main reasons why a large format flatbed scanner is necessary is its ability to scan documents up to 24 inches by 36 inches. This size is perfect for scanning large artworks, architectural blueprints, or even old maps. It eliminates the need for multiple scans and stitching them together, saving me time and effort.

Moreover, the high resolution of a large format flatbed scanner allows me to capture even the smallest details of my scanned documents. This is especially crucial when scanning old photographs or artworks with intricate details. The scanner’s high resolution also ensures that the scanned images are of high quality and can be printed or digitally manipulated without losing their clarity.

Another advantage of using a large format flatbed scanner is its versatility. Unlike other types of scanners that are limited to specific document sizes, a 24X36 scanner can accommodate various document sizes and thicknesses. This allows me to scan not just large documents

My Buying Guide on Large Format Flatbed Scanner 24X36

As someone who frequently works with large documents and images, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient scanner. After much research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide for anyone looking to purchase a large format flatbed scanner with a 24×36 inch scanning bed.

What is a Large Format Flatbed Scanner?

A large format flatbed scanner is a specialized scanner that can scan documents and images up to 24×36 inches in size. It offers high resolution scanning and is ideal for professionals such as architects, graphic designers, photographers, and artists who need to scan oversized documents or artwork.

Features to Consider

When looking for a large format flatbed scanner, here are some important features to consider:

Scanning Resolution

The scanning resolution determines the quality of your scanned images. Look for scanners with at least 1200 dpi (dots per inch) for crisp and detailed scans.

Scan Speed

The speed at which the scanner can scan documents is an important factor to consider, especially if you have a high volume of scanning tasks. Look for scanners with high scan speeds, preferably above 10 pages per minute (ppm).

Compatibility

Make sure the scanner is compatible with your computer’s operating system. Most scanners are compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, but it’s always best to double-check before making a purchase.

Connectivity Options

You may want to consider how you want to connect your scanner to your computer. Some scanners offer USB connectivity while others have wireless options.

Bundled Software

Many large format flatbed scanners come with bundled software for editing and managing your scanned images. Look for scanners that offer software that suits your needs, whether it’s for basic editing or advanced image manipulation.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind while purchasing a large format flatbed scanner:

  • Read reviews and ratings from other buyers to get an idea of the performance and reliability of the scanner.
  • If possible, visit a store and test out the scanner before making a purchase.
  • Consider the warranty and customer support provided by the manufacturer.
  • Think about the long-term cost of ownership, including maintenance and replacement parts.

My Top Recommendation

After thorough research and personal experience, my top recommendation for a large format flatbed scanner with a 24×36 inch scanning bed is the Epson Expression 12000XL-GA Graphic Arts Scanner. It offers high resolution scanning up to 2400 dpi, fast scan speeds of up to 12.3 ppm, USB connectivity, and comes with bundled software for advanced image editing. Additionally, it has received excellent reviews from other buyers for its reliable performance and quality scans.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in your search for a large format flatbed scanner. Remember to consider your specific needs and budget before making a purchase, and always do thorough research before investing in any equipment. Happy scanning!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.