Side by side
ExactScan vs ScanMole
Both stand on document scanning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose ExactScan if you need a scanning workflow with profiles, broad scanner-driver support, and searchable PDFs. Pro is the relevant option for OCR and batch document tools; look at Enterprise if you need its high-speed scanner support or added barcode formats. The 14-day trial requires a purchased license key to unlock.
Visit ExactScanScanMole combines desktop and command-line scanning for Linux paperwork workflows, with OCR and PDF/A output. Check its Linux and Python requirements, and note the documented duplex limitation on the tested ScanSnap iX100.
Visit ScanMoleThe facts
| ExactScan | ScanMole | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | ExactScan: €80, paid once | Not published |
| Plans published | 3 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | exactscan.com | github.com |
| On document scanning software | #15 of 26 | #11 of 26 |
ExactScan: what it does well
- Supports more than 500 scanner drivers, plus TWAIN and ImageCapture.
- Creates searchable PDFs during scanning.
- Profiles can save scan settings and destinations.
- AppleScript can access profiles and monitor processing status.
- Pro OCR supports 26 listed languages.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- The 14-day trial requires a purchased license key to unlock.
- The maker advises closing other apps that have exclusive scanner access.
- Enterprise features require the 250.00 EUR one-time license.
ScanMole: what it does well
- Creates searchable PDFs with OCR.
- Supports batch duplex scanning and blank-page removal.
- Produces PDF/A output by default.
- CLI offers filename templates and a versioned JSON event protocol.
- Works with SANE-supported scanners, including driverless eSCL devices.
What to know first
- Requires Python 3.12 or later.
- Installation support starts at Debian 13 and Ubuntu 24.04.
- ScanSnap iX100 duplex requests scan only the front side.
Alternatives to ExactScan Alternatives to ScanMole The whole list