PaperScan vs Q-Dir

PaperScan is a Windows scanning application that acquires documents through TWAIN and WIA and includes OCR for searchable output. It accepts more than 100 input formats and supports PDF-OCR output in more than 60 languages. Image tools include deskewing, rotation, border and punch-hole removal, blank-page removal, color adjustment, filters and effects. Annotation options include highlights, freehand marks, shapes, lines, pens, rubber stamps, text, sticky notes and a ruler. It can save to SharePoint on-premises or online, send email through Outlook, read encrypted PDFs, create encrypted PDFs and support digital signatures. Output options include PDF/A, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, DOCX, XLSX and other listed formats. The Free Edition allows 10-page batch scanning or import. Home Edition costs $79, paid once for unlimited batch work; Professional single license costs $149 as a one-time purchase for one user on one computer. Home and Professional trials include all features for 30 days without a credit card, then require a license key to continue.

Q-Dir is a free Windows file manager that provides an alternative to Windows File Explorer. Its four-window layout supports browsing with tabs, and users can save up to 64 folder combinations as favorites. Files can be moved or copied between Q-Dir views and other Explorers through drag and drop or clipboard copy and paste. Filtering options include color filters, extension highlighting and file filtering; a quick preview is also available. Display choices include large icons, tiles, lists, details and thumbnails. The product page lists ZIP, FTP, cabinet, network and system folders, as well as shortcuts, among supported types. Explorer views can be exported to XLS, CSV, TXT or HTML. Q-Dir is freeware for company, business and private use. It has installer and portable ZIP downloads; the portable version runs without installation and can be carried on a USB stick or other memory device. Listed systems include Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7 and Windows Server, with x64 and x32 support. Its license permits redistribution of unmodified copies but prohibits selling the software.