FairScan
by FairScan
What FairScan is
FairScan is a free, open-source Android app for scanning documents and saving or sharing PDFs. Automatic capture detects a document, crops its edges, and enhances the image. OCR creates searchable PDFs in more than 100 languages. Processing happens on the device, and FairScan says scans are neither uploaded nor synced. The app uses the camera; internet access is needed only for optional OCR language downloads, while Android 9 and earlier may use storage when exporting PDFs. PDFs can be saved to folders supplied by compatible storage apps such as Nextcloud or Google Drive, or shared with apps such as OneDrive. Other Android apps can call an experimental scan-to-PDF intent, although behavior may change and backward compatibility is not guaranteed. Manual controls cover page rotation and ordering, edge adjustment, and color or greyscale choices. FairScan reports no personal-data collection, analytics, or advertising. There are no page limits, watermarks, or sharing restrictions. Downloads are linked through Google Play, F-Droid, and GitHub.
Who it suits
FairScan suits Android users who need local document scanning, searchable PDFs, and unrestricted sharing. It is also suitable for users seeking open-source software without analytics or advertising.
What it does well
- OCR supports more than 100 languages
- Processing stays on the device
- No page limits or watermarks
- Open source under GNU GPLv3
- Exports and shares through other apps
What to know first
- Available only on Android
- Manual adjustments are limited
- Scan-to-PDF intent is experimental
- Older Android versions may need storage access
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| FairScan | No page limits · no watermarks · no restrictions on sharing | Free |
As fairscan.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
FairScan covers core scanning, OCR, PDF export, and sharing without page or watermark limits. Its Android-only availability and limited manual controls define the fit for users on other platforms or needing extensive editing.
Facts from FairScan's own pages
- Android app
- Yes · fairscan.org, 23 Sept 2026
- App integration
- Other Android apps can invoke an experimental scan-to-PDF intent; its behavior may change and backward compatibility is not guaranteed. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Auto capture
- Yes · fairscan.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Automatic scanning
- It automatically detects documents, crops them, and enhances images. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Availability
- The maker says FairScan is currently available only for Android. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The maker links to Google Play, F-Droid, and GitHub releases for downloads. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · fairscan.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- France · fairscan.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Users can save PDFs to folders provided by compatible storage apps such as Nextcloud or Google Drive, or share PDFs with apps such as OneDrive. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- iOS app
- No · fairscan.org, 23 Sept 2026
- License
- FairScan is open source under the GNU GPLv3. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Limits
- Manual adjustments are limited to rotating and reordering pages, adjusting document edges, and choosing color or greyscale. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Local processing
- Document processing happens on the device, and FairScan says it does not upload or sync scans. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Multipage PDF
- Yes · fairscan.org, 23 Sept 2026
- OCR
- OCR can create searchable PDFs and supports more than 100 languages. · play.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- The app uses the camera, uses internet only for optional OCR language downloads, and on Android 9 and below uses storage to export PDFs. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FairScan is an Android app for scanning documents and saving or sharing them as PDFs. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Searchable PDF
- Yes · fairscan.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Security and privacy
- The privacy policy says FairScan collects no personal data and includes no analytics or advertising services. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker lists [email protected] for questions or feedback. · fairscan.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where FairScan stands on Freedom251
- Scanner apps#42 of 76
- Mobile Scanning Apps#46 of 76