LookScanned alternative: Scan Effect compared
LookScanned is a well-known open-source tool that makes PDFs look scanned. Scan Effect does the same job with a different focus: it imitates what printing and photocopying leave on paper, not just the scan. Both are free for everyday use and both process files in your browser. This page is written by the team behind Scan Effect, so weigh it accordingly.
At a glance
| Scan Effect | LookScanned | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, no account | Free standard scans; paid Pro for bulk and API |
| Where files are processed | In your browser | In your browser (the API is a separate online service) |
| Input | PDF and images (JPG, PNG, WebP) | PDF, images and many document types, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel |
| Output | PDF, or JPG images (ZIP for multiple pages) | |
| Effects | 4 presets with previews on your own file, plus over 20 settings: toner spread, printer streaks, specks, paper texture, yellowing, folds, tilt, blur, noise, uneven light, dust, edge shadows | Color or grayscale, blur, noise, rotation, paper tone, brightness, contrast |
| Signatures and stamps | Draw, type in a handwriting font, or upload a photo; stamps from a photo of your own stamp. Applied before the “scan”, so they tilt and blur with the page | Supported, with adjustable style and position |
| ID card front and back on one page | Yes | Not listed on its site |
| Watermark and PDF metadata | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes (MIT) |
LookScanned details are taken from its website and GitHub page in October 2026. Check them there before you decide.
Where LookScanned is the better choice
- You want to open Word, PowerPoint or Excel directly. Scan Effect needs a PDF first; see Word to scanned PDF.
- You need open source to audit the code or host it yourself.
- You need a watermark, PDF metadata, bulk processing or an API.
Where Scan Effect is the better choice
- You want it to look printed or photocopied, not only scanned. Toner spread, streaks, specks and folds are separate settings, and the Photocopy preset combines them.
- You need an ID card copy. ID card copy puts the front and back on one A4 page.
- You need JPG images, for example for a form that only accepts pictures. Multiple pages download as a ZIP.
- You work in Chinese too. The whole tool, including handwriting fonts for typed signatures, is available in Chinese at jiandanly.com.
- You want to choose by eye. Each preset renders a small preview of your own page, and you can hold a button to compare with the original.
Other options
Have the paper in hand? A phone’s document-scan mode gives you a real scan. How to make a scanned copy compares four ways, with and without a scanner.
A processed file only looks like a scan. Use it only for your own documents or ones you are authorized to handle, and never to forge certificates or deceive anyone.
FAQ
Is there a free alternative to LookScanned?
Yes. Scan Effect is free with no account. It makes PDFs and images look scanned in your browser and exports PDF or JPG.
Does Scan Effect upload my files?
No. Everything runs in your browser and your files never reach a server.
Can Scan Effect open Word files?
Not directly. Export the document as a PDF first, then add the PDF. LookScanned can open Word files directly.
Which tool looks more like a photocopy?
Scan Effect has a Photocopy preset that adds toner spread, streaks and specks. Try both on the same page and compare.
Related tools and guides
- PDF to ScanMake a PDF or image look scanned
- Image to ScanTurn photos and screenshots into scans
- ID Card CopyFront and back on one A4 page
- Word to Scanned PDFMake a Word document look scanned in 3 steps
- How to Make a Scanned Copy4 ways, with or without a scanner