OpenBook
by OpenBook
What OpenBook is
OpenBook is Windows desktop software that converts printed materials into speech or large print on a computer. It is designed for people who are blind or have low vision and need access to books, assignments, bills, and PDF documents. Optical character recognition turns printed or graphic-based text into editable electronic text. OpenBook can read converted text in many languages and lets users adjust font, size, character spacing, and colors. It scans bound books while maintaining pagination and supports automatic page capture. The software can play DAISY and other audio files, emboss Braille documents, and export to applications such as Microsoft Word. It requires a TWAIN- or WIA-compatible flatbed scanner or a Freedom Scientific camera, including the PEARL document camera. Windows 11, 10, and 8.1 are listed as supported.
Who it suits
OpenBook suits blind or low-vision users who need Windows software for scanning, reading, enlarging, exporting, or embossing printed material. It requires compatible scanning hardware.
What it does well
- Converts printed text with optical character recognition
- Reads text in many languages
- Offers adjustable large-print display settings
- Exports documents to Microsoft Word
- Supports Braille embossing and audio files
What to know first
- Windows-only platform
- Requires compatible scanner or camera hardware
- No free plan
- Perpetual license price is listed as $1100.00 USD once
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Perpetual License | OpenBook scanning and reading software | On request |
| OpenBook Perpetual License | Perpetual license | $1,100, paid once |
As freedomscientific.com lists them, read 21 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
OpenBook combines scanning, OCR, speech, display customization, Braille output, and Word export for Windows users. Buyers should confirm hardware compatibility and license details before purchase.
Facts from OpenBook's own pages
- Audio support
- The software supports listening to DAISY and other audio files. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Export and Braille
- Users can emboss Braille documents directly from OpenBook and export to applications such as Microsoft Word. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- No · freedomscientific.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Hardware requirements
- OpenBook requires a TWAIN- or WIA-compatible flatbed scanner or a Freedom Scientific camera; the product page also describes use with the PEARL document camera. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Clearwater, Florida, United States · freedomscientific.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Supported inputs
- both · freedomscientific.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The software is designed for people who are blind or have low vision and need access to printed and electronic materials. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- International versions
- Spanish, French, and German downloads are listed, and international versions require international ILM authorization; users are directed to contact their distributor for pricing information. · support.freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- License terms
- The EULA says a licensed user may install OpenBook on more than one machine but use it on only one machine at a time. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Low vision display
- Users can adjust text font, size, character spacing, and colors on screen. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- OCR
- Optical character recognition converts printed or graphic-based text into editable electronic text. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Operating system
- Freedom Scientific lists Windows 11, 10, and 8.1 support in the features section and provides a Windows download for OpenBook 9.0.1768 in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. · support.freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Primary platform
- desktop · freedomscientific.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- OpenBook converts printed materials into speech or large print on a computer, including books, assignments, bills, and PDF documents. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Scanning
- OpenBook can scan bound books while maintaining pagination and supports automatic page capture. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Speech
- OpenBook can convert printed text to natural-sounding speech in many languages. · freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Technical support
- Software technical support is available by phone Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 7 PM Eastern Time. · support.freedomscientific.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Word export
- Yes · freedomscientific.com, 21 Sept 2026
Where OpenBook stands on Freedom251
- OCR software#40 of 40