Skanlite
apps.kde.org
What it is
Skanlite is a free Linux application for scanning images with flatbed scanners. Supported scanners can capture photos, documents, transparent slides, and filmstrips. A preview and selection tool lets users define the final scan, and multiple selections can be taken from one image. Network scanners and batch scanning are supported. For saving, users may open a dialog for each image or save directly to a chosen folder with autogenerated names and format. Listed export formats are PNG, JPEG, JPG, JPEG 2000, and BMP. Linux installation is offered through Discover and other AppStream application stores, distribution package managers, and Flathub. The official page links to a handbook, forum, and bug-reporting route. Skanlite is published by KDE and listed under the GPL-2.0+ license. KDE says its software generally does not transfer device information except through explicit user action, while third-party distributors may modify software in privacy-affecting ways. The listed plan is free for desktop, with an 8 MiB download.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Skanlite is a simple image scanning application optimized for flatbed scanners.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- 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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kde.org
- License
- The Skanlite page lists the GPL-2.0+ license.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Headquarters
- Berlin, GermanyRead 28 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Founded
- 1996Read 28 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Maker
- The Flathub listing identifies KDE as Skanlite's publisher.Read 8 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
- Distribution
- The official page lists Linux installation through Discover and other AppStream application stores, distribution package managers, and Flathub.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Help and support
- The Skanlite page links to a handbook and a forum for help, and provides a bug reporting link.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Multiple selections
- It can scan multiple selections of an image.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Network scanners
- Skanlite supports network scanners.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Preview
- It provides a preview with a selection feature for the final scan.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Saving
- Users can choose a save dialog for every scanned image or save images immediately to a specified folder with autogenerated names and format.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
- Scan types
- With supported scanners, it can capture photos, documents, transparent slides, and filmstrips.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Supports photos, documents, slides, and filmstrips
- Preview with selectable scan area
- Batch and multiple-selection scanning
- Supports network scanners
- Exports PNG, JPEG, BMP, and more
Limits
- Linux desktop only
- No free trial is listed
- Scanner capabilities depend on supported hardware
- Third-party distributors may modify privacy behavior
Who it suits
It suits Linux users with supported flatbed or network scanners who need straightforward image capture and batch scanning. It is desktop-only and distributed through several Linux software channels.
Verdict
Skanlite covers basic scanning, selection, batch work, and common image exports on Linux. Verify scanner support and choose a distribution source whose software changes you understand.
Where Specifiction places it
- Scanner Software#19 of 227.2
- Document Scanning Software#23 of 267.0
- Photo Scanning Software#27 of 297.1