Verdict: Being a great alternative to the best photo scanning services, VueScan may be also called one of the best photo scanning software in 2020.It is a free trial app used to scan documents, photos, slides and films on the most popular OS, like Windows, Linux and Mac OS. This program is compatible with more than 5600 models by 42 manufacturers and may help you out if your scanner doesn’t. Super nice scanning software, saved me from buying a new scanner. Fujitsu refuses to support my old - still perfectly working - scanner on Mac OS Catalina, but VueScan brought it back to life. It even offers more settings and is much faster than the original software. Thank you so much, Hamrick Software, you made my day! See review on Facebook. Best free antivirus software. But if you just want to scan your Mac for infected files and make sure new downloads aren’t carrying a virus payload, AVG’s free product is a fine choice.
A lot of people say that there are no free programs for Mac OS but this list of free scanning software (some are not but almost) says otherwise.
Document scanning software helps you create a computer copy of any physical document. The application must have full compatibility with Macintosh operating system to maximize its features. Here are 10 document scanning programs designed for Mac OS users.
10. VueScan
VueScan is compatible with almost 2,300 scanning devices in the market. There are versions designed for different operating systems but it’s more popular for Mac users. It saves scanned documents in several formats like JPEG, PDF, and TIFF while allowing you to choose between 2 user interfaces: express and advance. The software is available online where you can choose from 2 editions: standard and professional.
9. ExactScan
The program removes unnecessary functions that are not required for scanning documents. It’s simple and easy-to-use, making it perfect for scanning documents. The newest version includes color adjustments and automated image cropping. Multiple users can create separate user profiles to keep preferred configurations.
8. PDF Studio
If you want to directly save a physical document into a PDF file, then the PDF Studio is the best choice. It allows you to access and edit PDF files even without using third party programs like Adobe Reader. It has scan-to-PDF feature which is very convenient when scanning documents for email attachments. You can buy full license online but free trials are available too.
7. Readiris
Editors will greatly benefit from Readiris because it automatically converts documents into editable files. It maintains the document’s overall format which is perfectly great. Although its interface is not stunning, it comes with easy-to-follow wizard when scanning. Try its demo version and enjoy its IHQC (Intelligent High-Quality Compression) technology and OCR engine.
6. PDFPen
PDFPen allows you to add genuine signature to scanned documents without the need to print and re-scan the document. You can access PDF files and edit them with this software or you can directly scan a physical document and edit it afterwards. This is perfect for signature-requiring documents that you need to send via email. Download the free trial first before buying its full license from the official website.
5. DocScanner
You can use your DSLR camera as a document scanner using this almost free scanning software. It automatically transforms image files into editable PDF documents with high accuracy on texts and images within the photo. It uses the 3D accelerated hardware of your Mac to perform scanning operations quickly. You can easily get it via Mac App Store and it’s available in almost 13 languages.
4. PDFScanner
PDFScanner is perfect for multi-tasking operations such as organizing or deleting files while scanning of documents is still in the process. It saves scanned documents into PDF files to help you maximize your system storage. You can even change the output file format through the preferences menu. The program runs on different versions of Mac operating systems and you can download it via App Store.
3. Neat
Neat is completely compatible with its cloud server, allowing you to upload your scanned documents online for quick access anywhere. It automatically creates reports of important documents such as a database of receipts, business cards, and recipes. It can also save multiple pages in one file to save more storage spaces when needed. You can order the software in a form of physical CD or download it and save it in your Mac computer.
2. iDocument Plus
Based from iDocument 2, this software has new functions such as data organization and file sharing. It allows you to scan documents, receipts, and invoices that you can store in your personal digital libraries. The Plus edition comes with colorful themes, allowing you to personalize your user experience. Buy it online or download its 15-day trial for free.
1. Presto! Page Manager 9 SE
Presto! Page Manager is fully compatible with Evernote and Google cloud servers. You can easily drag and drop scanned documents or images to deliver them into appropriate applications. The software uses a multi-threading technology to enhance its stability and performance when scanning. It’s available in both free trial and license purchase.
Your Turn
Did we forget your favorite free scanning software? Share it with us or vote for your favorite free scanning software for Mac through the comments section below.
We clean our rooms and clothes so why not our Macs? But who can waste the entire day digging through folders and files? There are so many places like music, videos, apps and email downloads, and countless more locations on your Mac where junk and clutter accumulates. In 2020 cleaning your Mac is easier than ever. Which is why millions of people download free and low-cost Mac cleaning software.
To start off, we've made a quick comparison chart about best Mac cleaners for Mac.
| Rating | Name | Features | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CleanMyMac X | Best cleaning and antimalware functionality in one tool | Link |
| 2 | Disk Doctor | Quick scan and deep cleaning of all kinds of junk | Link |
| 3 | Gemini 2 | Finds duplicate and similar files everywhere on your Mac, including Photos, iTunes, and external drives. | Link |
A handy cleaner may prove that your Mac is still alive and can actually perform at its best. In this article we’ve brought together some of the best Mac cleaning solutions around to clean, optimize, and maintain Macs that are available in 2020.
Top 10 best cleaners for Mac: Free and premium versions
1. CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X takes the first place with good reason — this cleaner combines features of both cleaning software and antimalware tool. Its Smart Scan promises a “nice and thorough scan of your Mac.” It does what it says, detecting junk like user cache files and system logs, checking your Mac for malicious software, and speeding up your MacBook. Looks like, there is a threat in my system, that I need to get rid of:
Frankly speaking, CleanMyMac X is Tesla Roadster among other Mac cleaners. And it does a great job revealing your junk and other clutter, uninstalling unneeded apps and their leftovers, and keeping your Mac’s system clean and optimized. Another pro is that CleanMyMac X is Apple-notarized, which means it’s safe for your Mac. You can download its free version right here.
Price: $39.95
Free version: Available here
2. Disk Doctor
Disk Doctor is developed in the UK and was awarded the 'Mac Gem’ award by MacWorld in 2013. CNET and other tech journalists also praise functionality. As of 2020, it still looks like a useful tool for Mac cleaning that removes junk slowing down and reducing the computing power of your Mac.
Price: $2.99
Free version: N/A
3. Gemini 2
Gemini 2 is the duplicate finder that allows you to free up gigabytes of storage and organize your files. In just a few minutes.
It quickly scans every corner of your Mac and weeds out useless copies. No matter what type of file it is: a photo, music track, or a doc… Gemini will definitely find it. And once the scan is done, you can remove the duplicates in a click. Or review results to make sure nothing important gets deleted.
If you remove something by accident, it takes just a click to put it back. And to make sure things like that never happen again, you can exclude specific files and folders from scan. Try out the free version right here.
Price: $19.96
Free version: Available here
4. Onyx
OnyX is a french Mac cleaning solution developed by Titanium software. It weighs only 5 MB but that doesn’t mean its capabilities are limited. OnyX is a tool that programmers will have a lot of fun with. With it, you can peek under the hood of your macOS and automate a whole list of jobs, like disk cleanup and cache removal. You can even tweak the color of folders on your Mac, and even make them invisible. Deservedly, it's among the best free Mac cleaners.
OnyX is one of the best Mac cleaners because it cleans many specific under-the-surface files, like inner databases and logs. If you know what is XPC cache is, you’ll probably like this app. But for us, ordinary Mac users who came here for the design and glossy buttons, OnyX will require some learning time.
Those who use OnyX say it is stable and reliable. There is no dedicated customer service (because OnyX is free software), but you shouldn’t be worried. The only likely damage is you accidentally deleting files by yourself.
Price: Free cleaner
5. DaisyDisk
DaisyDisk gives you a visual representation of your Mac folders, making it easy to see what is taking up space and delete the folders you don't need. All you need to do is select a drive, DaisyDisk will scan it, then you can delete everything that is wasting valuable space. It comes with a free and premium version.
Price:$9.99
Free version: Trial version available
6. AppCleaner & Uninstaller
If you only need to uninstall apps on Mac, AppCleaner is a good pick. AppCleaner only removes applications, plugins, and widgets, which are again, small apps. AppCleaner works in a familiar drag & drop mode. Its interface is also clean and easy to understand for a newbie.
After feeding the apps to AppCleaner, you should visit the Leftovers section of the app to erase their remains. Why we place AppCleaner & Uninstaller among free Mac cleaner tools? Because it is 100% free. Whether you will fully clean your Mac using it, is a different question.
AppCleaner & Uninstaller is created by FreeMacSoft, also the makers of LiteIcon, an icon customizer for Mac.
Price: Voluntary donation
7. Smart Mac Care
If you launch Smart Mac Care, it will look hauntingly familiar to other free Mac cleaner apps. Not only features will be called the same, everything up to the fonts, will be identical to some other app you’ve just used. That’s not a minus, though. You can still free up a lot of space with Smart Mac Care.
Smart Mac Care operates by a logic of “scans.” There is a Junk Scan, Malware Scan, Privacy Scan, etc. Just like Mac Booster, Smart Mac Care removes duplicates scattered in various locations on your Mac. There’s also a Memory Optimizer feature that promises to free up RAM on your Mac. In a word, Smart Mac Care resembles every other generic product whose only difference is in packaging. This is supported by the fact that we couldn’t find any credible third-party reviews for this app.
On another skeptical note: to uninstall Smart Mac Care you have to enter your admin password. This is not the case with other Mac cleaners we’ve used.
Price: $56.62 per year
Free version: Demo available
8. Drive Genius
Drive Genius is labeled a “Mac monitoring software.” It’s a whole suite of tools that provide powerful disk diagnostics. It’s hard to list a thing that this software doesn’t do. You can scan for malware, secure-erase files, customize icons — it’s dozens of apps in one body. What makes Drive Genius unique is, probably, its search for corrupted files and inconsistencies on your drive. If your Mac is an old one, keeping it in good health will be easier with Drive Genius.
In a free version, you can use just a fraction of tools, notably a DiskPulse utility. This is an automatic Mac health checker that notifies you before your hard drive fails. Unlike Mac cleaners that merely scan, it is able to repair damage on your disks, which makes it a real deal. Be prepared that hard drive scan may take some time, but the results are worth it. Also note that Drive Genius is not available for macOS Catalina (as of the beginning of 2020).
Price: $299 for Professional edition
Free version: Limited Lite edition is available
9. CCleaner
Originally created in 2004 by Piriform, CCleaner comes with a free and professional version, focusing on businesses and business customers. CCleaner is a cross-platform tool, for PCs, Macs, Android, and it has a Cloud, Network and Technician tool, depending on what you need and the platform/software you use.
The premium version comes with a lot more features, including real-time alerts, free updates, and dedicated support. Although created for PCs in the early days, CCleaner does well to identify unwanted files on a Mac, so that users can select and delete the files and folders they don't need to free up space. As a cleaner for Mac, customers are pretty happy with the results of CCleaner.
Price: $19.95
Free version: Available
10. Sensei
The Sensei app is a relatively new app on the market, but it can be another useful tool for your Mac. The Sensei software developers call the app “Pro Mac Cleaner” on their website. I would call it a performance controlling tool.
Sensei presents a detailed picture of how your Mac performs. In the Dashboard, you can find out information about your MacBook, check your CPU’s current temperature, and see how much of your RAM is used. Cooling gives you exact information on your Mac’s fans' speed.
Its Clean option helps to get rid of user cache, logs, large files, etc. The Uninstaller feature allows you to delete apps from your Mac and remove their traces. It doesn’t list pre-installed apps from Apple, such as Safari or Calendar, but it shows every app you have installed on your Mac.
Free Scanning Software Mac
Surely, you can clean up your Mac manually, but using dedicated software will save you tons of time.
Price: $29 per year
Free version: Available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t my Mac clean itself?
Your macOS also has a built-in Mac cleaner, which Apple called Optimized Storage. Though its capabilities are limited, it gives you basic directions on where to start the cleanup. But for a thorough system cleanup and removing malware, you’ll need a dedicated Mac cleaner app.
Can Mac cleaner apps delete my important files?
Typically, best Mac cleaner apps have a protection built-in. They will usually select only those files that are safe for deletion.
Will Mac cleaners slow down my Mac?
Some cleaners try to get into your Login items, thus creating an extra burden on processor. On a flip side, the reliable Mac cleaner apps might even speed up your Mac. They remove all the outdated junk files giving your Mac an extra boost.
Mac cleaning apps you should avoid
Above we've touched the trusted Mac cleanup solutions but there are many that work on the dark side. Malwarebytes lists Advanced Mac Cleaner Pro and similar tools as unwanted applications. Here are some signs that should warn you against using scam Mac cleaners.
Signs of Mac cleaner scam:
- 'Your Mac is infected' intrusive message
- An app is installed as part of different app
- An app finds 2323 (the number is an example) threats on your Mac
- Mac cleaner redirects your search page
Be safe and happy cleaning.
Best Free Scanning Software For Mac Os
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