Key takeaways
- Book mode photographs an open spread and splits it into left and right pages automatically.
- Curved-page flattening straightens the text lines that bend toward the spine.
- Never press a book flat on a copier — a phone scan protects the binding.
- Add OCR to turn the scanned book into a searchable PDF.
Photocopying a book means pressing it face-down on the glass, which cracks the spine and still leaves a dark, blurred strip in the middle. A phone held above the book is gentler and, with the right processing, gives better results.
Use Book mode
Osd-Scan has a dedicated Book mode for open books:
- Open Scan to PDF and select Book.
- Open the book on a table and hold it gently with your fingertips near the outer edges.
- Frame both pages of the spread. The blue outline finds the outer edges of the book.
- Hold still until the photo is taken, turn the page and repeat.
- Each spread is split into a left page and a right page in the correct reading order.
Flatten the curved lines
Text near the spine bends because the paper curves. Osd-Scan follows the top and bottom edges of each page and flattens the curve, so lines become straight again. If a page still looks wavy, open it and check that Flatten curved page is on in the Adjust tab.
Light the book well
- Face a window or place a desk lamp in front of the book, not behind you.
- Two light sources from the left and right reduce the gutter shadow.
- Avoid the flash on glossy art books; it creates hotspots.
Keep the book safe
- Never force the book fully open. A 120–150° angle is enough.
- Rest the book on a folded towel to support the spine.
- Turn pages from the corner, slowly.
Turn the scans into a searchable e-book
After scanning, enable Recognize text (OCR) and choose the book's language. You get a PDF where you can search for words and copy quotes — ideal for study notes. Learn more in make a scanned PDF searchable.
Long books: work in chapters
Scan one chapter per session and save each as its own PDF. When you're done, merge them in order. Need to fix the order or remove a blurry page? Use Organize PDF.
Respect copyright
Scanning your own book for personal reading or research is generally fine. Sharing the scans or uploading them publicly usually isn't. When in doubt, keep scans for yourself.
With Book mode you can digitize recipes, textbooks and family albums in an afternoon — without harming a single spine.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to scan a book?
Scanning a book you own for personal use is allowed in many countries, but sharing or publishing copyrighted books is not. Check the rules where you live.
How do I avoid the dark shadow in the middle of the book?
Light the book from the front or from both sides, open it as flat as is safe, and keep the Auto color filter on — it removes most of the gutter shadow.
Can I scan only one page of the spread?
Yes. Use Document mode and frame just the page you want.
How many pages can I scan?
There's no page limit. Very long books are easier to manage in chapters and then merged.