Side by side

PaperStream Capture 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.

PaperStream Capture

Free plan Windows

PaperStream Capture offers configurable document scanning and separation for compatible scanner workflows. Confirm scanner and driver compatibility before relying on it, especially for ARM-based Windows 11 PCs.

Visit PaperStream Capture

ScanMole

Free plan APILinux

ScanMole 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 ScanMole

The facts

	PaperStream Capture	ScanMole
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	API, Linux
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Not published
Plans published	1	None
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	pfu-us.ricoh.com	github.com
On document scanning software	#7 of 26	#11 of 26

PaperStream Capture: what it does well

Separates documents using multiple rules
Includes searchable PDF output
Administrators can lock scanning profiles
Lists FTP and SharePoint linkage
Free download listed for compatible fi Series scanners

What to know first

Requires PaperStream IP TWAIN or ISIS connectivity
ARM-based Windows 11 support has model and driver limits
Designed for compatible scanners

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.

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