Microsoft Lens - PDF Scanner for Android is a productivity app that enables users to capture and digitize documents, whiteboards, and business cards. The app comes from a trusted name in technology, Microsoft, and is available for free download on Google Play Store. With an average rating of 4.5 stars and over 10 million installs, the app has become a popular choice for people looking to streamline their document scanning process. In this review, we will explore the app's features and functionality, pros and cons, and compare it to similar apps in the market.
Features
1. Document Scanning
The primary function of Microsoft Lens is to scan documents and save them as PDF files. The app uses the camera on the user's phone to capture the document, and then it uses advanced algorithms to enhance the image quality. The app's edge detection feature automatically crops out the unwanted portions of the document, making it look like it was scanned using a traditional scanner. Users can also choose to scan in color or black and white, depending on their preference.
2. Whiteboard Scanning
In addition to document scanning, Microsoft Lens can also scan whiteboards and convert them into digital images. The app recognizes the edges of the whiteboard and removes any background noise, so only the whiteboard content is captured. Users can choose to enhance their images to improve readability and adjust the image's color temperature. This feature is particularly useful for students, teachers, and professionals who frequently work with whiteboards during meetings and presentations.
3. Business Card Scanning
Another feature that sets Microsoft Lens apart from its competitors is the ability to scan business cards and convert them into contact information. Users can scan the card, and the app will automatically detect and extract the name, phone number, email, and any other information from the card. This information is then organized into a contact card, which can be saved to the user's contacts or exported as a VCF file.
Pros
1. Free and Easy to Use
Microsoft Lens is available for free to all Android users and is easy to download and install from the Google Play store. The app has an intuitive user interface that requires no prior experience using document scanner apps.
2. Advanced Image Enhancement
The app's advanced image enhancement features help improve the quality of scanned images, making them look like they were scanned using a traditional scanner with real-life sophisticated functionalities.
3. Multiple File Formats Supported
Microsoft Lens supports multiple file formats, including PDF, JPG, and PNG. This flexibility enables users to choose the format that is best suited for their needs.
Cons
1. Limited Editing and Annotation Capabilities
The app's editing capabilities are limited to basic cropping, rotation, and color adjustment. More advanced editing and annotation tools are not available in this app, which may be a drawback for some users who need more editing software and functionalities.
2. Built-In Workspace Limitations
The app only offers a built-in workspace for a limited number of documents. The user may periodically need to transfer files from this built-in workspace to maintain enough space to create new documents.
3. Duplication and Storage Limitations
The app does not have automatic synchronization with cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Therefore, users have to manually transfer their scanned documents to a cloud storage service, which may lead to duplication or limited storage space issues.
Comparison to Similar Apps
When compared to similar apps like Adobe Scan and CamScanner, Microsoft Lens holds its own in terms of features and functionality. The app's edge detection feature automatically crops out the unwanted portions of the document, and the app’s whiteboard scanning feature is excellent. Despite its limited editing functionalities, Microsoft Lens provides an optimal solution for both professional and student users with advanced features like image enhancement and business card scanning.
Tips for Using Microsoft Lens
Ensure proper light conditions before capturing document images.
Always keep your phone camera stable for maximum clarity.
Use the app’s annotation tools to add highlights, text, and signature on essential documents for any customization needs.
Save your documents in the cloud to ensure multiple device access at all times.
Customize the app settings to suit user preferences and needs.
Conclusion: Recommended App
In conclusion, Microsoft Lens - PDF Scanner for Android is a reliable and user-friendly app that provides exceptional document scanning services. The app's edge detection features significantly improve the image clarity from other standard scanner apps. With advanced features like whiteboard and business card scanning, this app is a kind of a sweet deal of productivity for students and professionals alike. It has some limitations when it comes to editing as compared to other scanner apps, but it is still impressive regarding quality and service. We highly recommend trying this app if you are looking for free document scanning apps.
Updated 03-06-2023
Overview
Microsoft Lens - PDF Scanner for Android is a productivity app that enables users to capture and digitize documents, whiteboards, and business cards. The app comes from a trusted name in technology, Microsoft, and is available for free download on Google Play Store. With an average rating of 4.5 stars and over 10 million installs, the app has become a popular choice for people looking to streamline their document scanning process. In this review, we will explore the app's features and functionality, pros and cons, and compare it to similar apps in the market.
Features
1. Document Scanning
The primary function of Microsoft Lens is to scan documents and save them as PDF files. The app uses the camera on the user's phone to capture the document, and then it uses advanced algorithms to enhance the image quality. The app's edge detection feature automatically crops out the unwanted portions of the document, making it look like it was scanned using a traditional scanner. Users can also choose to scan in color or black and white, depending on their preference.
2. Whiteboard Scanning
In addition to document scanning, Microsoft Lens can also scan whiteboards and convert them into digital images. The app recognizes the edges of the whiteboard and removes any background noise, so only the whiteboard content is captured. Users can choose to enhance their images to improve readability and adjust the image's color temperature. This feature is particularly useful for students, teachers, and professionals who frequently work with whiteboards during meetings and presentations.
3. Business Card Scanning
Another feature that sets Microsoft Lens apart from its competitors is the ability to scan business cards and convert them into contact information. Users can scan the card, and the app will automatically detect and extract the name, phone number, email, and any other information from the card. This information is then organized into a contact card, which can be saved to the user's contacts or exported as a VCF file.
Pros
1. Free and Easy to Use
Microsoft Lens is available for free to all Android users and is easy to download and install from the Google Play store. The app has an intuitive user interface that requires no prior experience using document scanner apps.
2. Advanced Image Enhancement
The app's advanced image enhancement features help improve the quality of scanned images, making them look like they were scanned using a traditional scanner with real-life sophisticated functionalities.
3. Multiple File Formats Supported
Microsoft Lens supports multiple file formats, including PDF, JPG, and PNG. This flexibility enables users to choose the format that is best suited for their needs.
Cons
1. Limited Editing and Annotation Capabilities
The app's editing capabilities are limited to basic cropping, rotation, and color adjustment. More advanced editing and annotation tools are not available in this app, which may be a drawback for some users who need more editing software and functionalities.
2. Built-In Workspace Limitations
The app only offers a built-in workspace for a limited number of documents. The user may periodically need to transfer files from this built-in workspace to maintain enough space to create new documents.
3. Duplication and Storage Limitations
The app does not have automatic synchronization with cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Therefore, users have to manually transfer their scanned documents to a cloud storage service, which may lead to duplication or limited storage space issues.
Comparison to Similar Apps
When compared to similar apps like Adobe Scan and CamScanner, Microsoft Lens holds its own in terms of features and functionality. The app's edge detection feature automatically crops out the unwanted portions of the document, and the app’s whiteboard scanning feature is excellent. Despite its limited editing functionalities, Microsoft Lens provides an optimal solution for both professional and student users with advanced features like image enhancement and business card scanning.
Tips for Using Microsoft Lens
Conclusion: Recommended App
In conclusion, Microsoft Lens - PDF Scanner for Android is a reliable and user-friendly app that provides exceptional document scanning services. The app's edge detection features significantly improve the image clarity from other standard scanner apps. With advanced features like whiteboard and business card scanning, this app is a kind of a sweet deal of productivity for students and professionals alike. It has some limitations when it comes to editing as compared to other scanner apps, but it is still impressive regarding quality and service. We highly recommend trying this app if you are looking for free document scanning apps.