Freedom251 › Mobile Scanning Apps
Scanly
What Scanly is
Scanly is a free, open-source Android app for scanning documents and barcodes. Its offline OCR uses PaddleOCR PP-OCRv6 through ONNX Runtime on the device, so scanning and text recognition can work without an account, API key, or internet connection. Optional AI scanning handles handwriting, forms, receipts, tables, and complex layouts through a provider and model you select. Supported providers include Gemini, Mistral OCR, OpenRouter, Hugging Face, NVIDIA, Groq, Cerebras, Cloudflare Workers AI, OpenAI, Claude, and custom OpenAI-compatible endpoints. AI scans and translations need a network connection, while offline OCR and barcode scanning do not. Results can be translated into 18 languages, summarized at three detail levels, or exported as PDF, Word, Markdown, CSV, or JSON. Barcode actions include opening links, joining Wi-Fi, calling, messaging, saving contacts, adding events, and product lookups. Scan history and offline processing remain on-device.
Who it suits
Scanly suits Android users who want offline document and barcode scanning, with optional provider-based processing for complex material. It also fits users needing multiple export formats or barcode actions.
What it does well
- Offline OCR runs on the device
- Supports many optional AI providers
- Exports PDF, Word, Markdown, CSV, JSON
- Barcode actions include Wi-Fi and contacts
- API keys use Android Keystore encryption
What to know first
- Android only; no iOS app
- AI scans and translations require internet
- AI provider use sends content externally
- Installation requires downloading and sideloading APK
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free, open-source Android app; selected providers have bundled free-tier credentials | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Scanly combines offline Android scanning with optional AI processing and broad export choices. It is most suitable when on-device privacy matters and Android is your platform.
Facts from Scanly's own pages
- AI providers
- Supported providers include Gemini, Mistral OCR, OpenRouter, Hugging Face, NVIDIA, Groq, Cerebras, Cloudflare Workers AI, OpenAI, Claude, and custom OpenAI-compatible endpoints. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- AI scanning
- Optional AI scanning can transcribe handwriting, forms, receipts, tables, and complex layouts using a provider and model the user chooses. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Android app
- Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Barcode actions
- Barcode actions can open links, join Wi-Fi networks, call numbers, send messages, save contacts, add calendar events, and look up supported products. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Data routing
- AI requests go from the device directly to the selected provider, and Scanly says it does not operate an intermediary server or proxy. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Device requirement
- The stated build requirements include an Android 7.0 (API 24) or newer target device. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Exports
- Results can be exported as PDF, Word, Markdown, CSV, or JSON. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Installation
- The project says to download the latest APK from GitHub Releases and notes that sideloading may require allowing installation from the browser or file manager. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- iOS app
- No · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Key security
- Personal API keys are encrypted with AES-GCM using Android Keystore. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- License
- Scanly is licensed under Apache License 2.0. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Network requirement
- AI Scan requires a network connection, while offline OCR and barcode scanning do not require one for scanning. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- OCR included
- Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Offline OCR
- PaddleOCR PP-OCRv6 runs on-device through ONNX Runtime without requiring an account, API key, or internet connection. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Offline OCR, barcode detection, exports, and scan history stay on-device; content is sent to a selected provider only when the user starts an AI scan or translation. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Scanly is a private, offline-first document and barcode scanner for Android. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Translations and summaries
- Results can be translated into 18 languages or summarized in short, medium, or detailed form. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where Scanly stands on Freedom251
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