MakeACopy
MakeACopy: A privacy-focused Android scanner for local OCR, searchable PDFs, and self-hosted workflows. Ranked #32 of 75 in Mobile Scanning Apps by our editors (5.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for android users wanting open-source OCR scanning.
At a glance
- Editor score5.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAndroid users wanting open-source OCR scanning
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- OCR includedYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Offline OCR with searchable PDF export
- Multipage scanning with page reordering and OCR review
- Integrates with SambaLite, paperless-ngx, Nextcloud, and Syncthing
Where it doesn't
- Android-only coverage excludes iOS users
- Local-first workflows do not provide cloud services
- OCR output may require review and correction
Our verdict on MakeACopy
MakeACopy is an open-source Android app for digitizing paper documents with a phone camera. It detects document edges, applies manual or automatic perspective correction, enhances images with grayscale, contrast, and sharpening filters, and performs OCR locally with PaddleOCR. The app suits Android users who want searchable PDFs, JPEG exports, and local document processing without cloud services, telemetry, or tracking. Multipage scanning, page reordering, and predefined-folder saving through Inbox mode also support regular scanning workflows.
Its standout strength is the combination of offline OCR and document management features. OCR review and correction gives users a way to refine recognized text before exporting a searchable PDF, while camera scanning and image enhancement cover the main capture steps in one app. The published feature set also includes local sharing, multipage PDF creation, JPEG export, and automatic or manual perspective correction. This makes MakeACopy a focused choice for turning paper documents into locally stored, searchable files rather than a broad cloud document platform.
MakeACopy also fits self-hosted workflows through integrations with SambaLite, paperless-ngx, Nextcloud, and Syncthing. Those connections can help move scanned files into existing local or self-managed systems, while the app’s offline approach keeps processing on the device. The trade-off is platform breadth: Android-only coverage rules out iPhone and iPad users, and the product’s local-first design is less suitable for teams seeking cloud-based collaboration or a cross-platform scanning service. Choose MakeACopy for open-source Android scanning with offline OCR and self-hosted destinations; choose an alternative if iOS support or cloud services are central requirements.
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MakeACopy pricing
MakeACopy fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| iOS app | No |
| Android app | Yes |
| OCR included | Yes |
| Searchable PDF | Yes |
| Auto capture | Not verified |
| Multipage PDF | Yes |
| Scan limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: SambaLite, paperless-ngx, Nextcloud, Syncthing |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
MakeACopy integrations
MakeACopy lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- SambaLite
- paperless-ngx
- Nextcloud
- Syncthing
Alternatives to MakeACopy
- Adobe ScanA capable free scanner with strong OCR and useful Adobe ecosystem connections.9.4
- Zoho ScannerA broad scanning app for Zoho users who need OCR, workflows, signing, and sync.9.2
- SmallpdfA broad PDF toolkit that adds OCR and scanning across web, desktop, and mobile.9.0
See all MakeACopy alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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