Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Adobe Scan VS MakeACopy

Compare Adobe Scan VS MakeACopy and see what are their differences

Adobe Scan logo Adobe Scan

Scan anything into a PDF using your mobile device.

MakeACopy logo MakeACopy

MakeACopy is an open-source document scanner app for Android that allows you to digitize paper documents with OCR functionality. The app is designed to be privacy-friendly, working completely offli...
  • Adobe Scan Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-30
  • MakeACopy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2026-05-06

Adobe Scan features and specs

  • High-Quality Scanning
    Adobe Scan uses advanced imaging technology to deliver high-quality scans, ensuring that text and images are captured clearly and accurately.
  • Integrated OCR
    The app includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities, which allow scanned text to be converted into editable and searchable content.
  • Integration with Adobe Ecosystem
    Adobe Scan easily integrates with other Adobe products like Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Cloud, making it seamless to manage and edit documents.
  • Auto-Detection Features
    The app automatically detects boundaries, adjusts perspective, and enhances the clarity of scanned documents, reducing the need for manual adjustments.
  • Cloud Storage
    Documents scanned using Adobe Scan can be automatically saved to Adobe Document Cloud, ensuring they are backed up and accessible from anywhere.

Possible disadvantages of Adobe Scan

  • Requires Adobe Account
    Users need an Adobe account to access all features, which could be a hindrance for those looking for a more straightforward, no-sign-up-required option.
  • Subscription Costs
    While the app is free to use, accessing advanced features may require a subscription to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, which can be costly.
  • File Size
    Scanned documents can result in relatively large file sizes, which could be an issue for users with limited storage space on their devices.
  • Occasional OCR Errors
    Although the OCR feature is generally reliable, it can occasionally make errors, especially with handwritten text or unusual fonts.
  • Device Compatibility
    Certain features may not be available on all devices or operating systems, potentially limiting its usability for some users.

MakeACopy features and specs

  • Simple and focused utility
    MakeACopy is a straightforward Java-based tool designed for a single clear purpose: creating backup copies of files. Its simplicity makes it easy to understand and use without a steep learning curve.
  • Open source
    The project is open source and hosted on GitHub, allowing users to inspect the code, contribute improvements, and use it freely without licensing costs.
  • Java-based portability
    Being written in Java, MakeACopy can run on any platform that supports the JVM (Windows, macOS, Linux), providing cross-platform compatibility without needing platform-specific builds.
  • Lightweight
    The tool is lightweight and minimal, without heavy dependencies or bloated features. It does what it needs to do without unnecessary overhead.
  • Checksum verification support
    The tool supports checksum/hash verification to ensure file integrity when making copies, which adds a layer of reliability and data safety to the copy process.

Possible disadvantages of MakeACopy

  • Limited community and support
    The project has a very small community with minimal stars, forks, and contributors on GitHub, meaning users may struggle to find help or community-driven improvements.
  • Sparse documentation
    The project has limited documentation, which can make it difficult for new users to understand all available features, configuration options, and how to integrate it into their workflows.
  • Limited features compared to alternatives
    Compared to well-established backup and file copy tools (such as rsync, robocopy, or rclone), MakeACopy offers a much narrower set of features and capabilities.
  • Minimal active development
    The repository does not appear to have frequent updates or active ongoing development, which raises concerns about long-term maintenance, bug fixes, and compatibility with newer Java versions.
  • No GUI interface
    The tool appears to be command-line only, which may not appeal to users who prefer graphical interfaces for managing file backup operations.

Analysis of MakeACopy

Overall verdict

  • MakeACopy is a solid, privacy-focused open-source document scanner for Android that performs all processing locally on-device, making it a trustworthy choice for users who value data control and free software.

Why this product is good

  • Fully open-source and free, allowing transparency and community contributions
  • Processes documents entirely on-device with no cloud uploads, protecting privacy
  • Includes OCR capabilities for making scanned documents searchable
  • Exports to common formats like PDF, keeping your workflow flexible
  • No ads, trackers, or hidden data collection typical of proprietary scanner apps

Recommended for

  • Privacy-conscious users who want local-only document processing
  • Open-source software enthusiasts who prefer FOSS alternatives
  • People who need a simple, no-cost document scanning and OCR solution
  • Android users seeking an ad-free scanning app without subscriptions

Adobe Scan videos

Adobe Scan vs Office Lens - Comparing Features and Quality

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Use the Adobe Scan App
  • Review - Adobe Scan vs CamScanner (2020) - Which One is for You?

MakeACopy videos

No MakeACopy videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Adobe Scan and MakeACopy)
OCR
81 81%
19% 19
Office & Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
PDF Tools
77 77%
23% 23
Tool
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Adobe Scan seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Adobe Scan mentions (3)

  • In search of a tool to digitize my handwriting
    I use Adobe Scan to scan stuff: receipts, handwritten notes, mail to save, etc. Source: about 5 years ago
  • PSA: How to Have Hand-Drawn Art Look as Computerized as Computer Art
    Use a PDF scanner app on your phone. However, do NOT use iOS Notes' scanning function. I recommend Adobe Scan, as it eases the process of converting the PDF into an image file. Source: over 5 years ago
  • The best way to store these cards is in an acid-free envelope or pouch. They allow gases to disperse freely.
    Both the Adobe Scan and Microsoft Lens scanner apps work really well: https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/mobile/scanner-app.html. Source: over 5 years ago

MakeACopy mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of MakeACopy yet. Tracking of MakeACopy recommendations started around May 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Adobe Scan and MakeACopy, you can also consider the following products

OpenScan - FOSS Document Scanner

OSS Document Scanner - Open-source mobile solution for document management; scan, recognize text, and share as PDF with ease.

Genius Scan - On The Go.

Adobe Acrobat DC - Make your job easier with Adobe Acrobat DC, the trusted PDF creator. Use Acrobat to convert, edit and sign PDF files at your desk or on the go.

FairScan - Office & Productivity and Photos & Graphics

Scanner Pro - Scanner Pro turns your iPhone into portable scanner in your pocket.