Skanlite
Skanlite is a free Linux image-scanning application optimized for flatbed scanners.
What Skanlite is
Skanlite is a free Linux image-scanning application optimized for flatbed scanners. With supported scanners, it can capture photos, documents, transparent slides and filmstrips. A preview and selection tool lets users choose the area for the final scan, and it can handle multiple selections from one image. Skanlite also supports network scanners and batch scanning. For saving, users can choose a dialog for each image or send scans directly to a chosen folder with autogenerated names and format. Listed export formats include PNG, JPEG, JPG, JPEG 2000 and BMP. Linux installation is available through Discover and other AppStream application stores, distribution package managers and Flathub. The Skanlite page lists the GPL-2.0+ license and links to a handbook, forum and bug-reporting route. KDE says its software generally does not transfer information from users’ devices except through explicit user action, while noting that third-party distributors may modify software in ways that affect privacy. Flathub identifies KDE as publisher.
Good
- Free plan for desktop use.
- Supports network scanners and batch scanning.
- Preview supports selecting the final scan area.
- Can save directly with autogenerated names and format.
- Offers PNG, JPEG, JPEG 2000 and BMP export.
Watch out
- Available platform listed is Linux only.
- Capturing slides and filmstrips depends on scanner support.
Who it suits
Skanlite suits Linux users who need to scan images with a flatbed or network scanner. It can also suit people scanning multiple selections or batches.
Verdict
Skanlite provides a focused set of scanning and saving options at no cost. Check that your scanner is supported and that Linux fits your setup.
Plans and prices
From Skanlite's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Skanlite | Free | Desktop only · 8 MiB download |
The facts
Each one read from Skanlite's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Distribution
- The official page lists Linux installation through Discover and other AppStream application stores, distribution package managers, and Flathub.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Help and support
- The Skanlite page links to a handbook and a forum for help, and provides a bug reporting link.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The Skanlite page lists the GPL-2.0+ license.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Multiple selections
- It can scan multiple selections of an image.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Network scanners
- Skanlite supports network scanners.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Preview
- It provides a preview with a selection feature for the final scan.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- KDE says its software generally does not transfer information from users' devices except as a result of explicit user action, while noting that third-party distributors may modify software in ways that affect privacy.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Skanlite is a simple image scanning application optimized for flatbed scanners.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Saving
- Users can choose a save dialog for every scanned image or save images immediately to a specified folder with autogenerated names and format.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Scan types
- With supported scanners, it can capture photos, documents, transparent slides, and filmstrips.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1996checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Berlin, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The Flathub listing identifies KDE as Skanlite's publisher.checked 8 Oct 2026
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