Scan and digitize your handwritten signature using these apps. Free and paid options for iPhone and Android.
Signature scanner apps capture your handwritten signature and convert it into a digital image you can use on documents. Here are the best options for iPhone and Android.
Quick Recommendation: Use Adobe Scan (free) for the best balance of quality and ease. For instant background removal, try PhotoRoom or remove.bg.
Quick Comparison
App
Platform
Cost
Background Removal
Adobe Scan
iOS, Android
Free
Manual
PhotoRoom
iOS, Android
Free
Automatic
CamScanner
iOS, Android
Free
Manual
Scanner Pro
iOS
$4.99
Manual
Microsoft Lens
iOS, Android
Free
Manual
1. Adobe Scan (Best Overall)
Adobe Scan captures high-quality scans with automatic edge detection.
Features
Feature
Status
Auto edge detection
✅
OCR text recognition
✅
Cloud sync
✅ (Adobe account)
Export formats
PDF, JPEG
Quality
Excellent
How to Scan Your Signature
Download Adobe Scan (free)
Sign on white paper with black pen
Open app and point at signature
Let auto-capture or tap shutter
Adjust corners if needed
Save as image
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
High quality scans
No auto background removal
Free with no limits
Requires Adobe account
Good edge detection
Large app size
Syncs with Adobe tools
Ads in free version
Best For
Quality scanning
Adobe ecosystem users
Regular document scanning
2. PhotoRoom (Best for Transparent Background)
PhotoRoom automatically removes backgrounds—perfect for signature images.
Features
Feature
Status
Auto background removal
✅ Excellent
AI-powered
✅
Export as PNG
✅ (transparent)
Batch processing
✅ Pro
Quality
Very good
How to Scan Your Signature
Download PhotoRoom (free)
Sign on white paper
Take photo with phone camera
Import into PhotoRoom
Background removes automatically
Save as PNG
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Auto background removal
Watermark on free
Very fast
Some features need Pro
High quality
Not a dedicated scanner
PNG export
Occasional AI errors
Best For
Getting transparent signatures quickly
No editing skills needed
Professional-looking results
3. CamScanner (Most Popular)
CamScanner is a well-established document scanning app with signature support.
Features
Feature
Status
Document scanning
✅
Image enhancement
✅
Cloud storage
✅
OCR
✅
Collaboration
✅
How to Scan Your Signature
Download CamScanner
Sign on white paper
Tap + to scan
Capture signature
Apply "Magic Color" for contrast
Crop and save
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Popular and reliable
Ads in free version
Good quality
Privacy concerns (past)
Many features
Subscription for best features
Cross-platform
Can be bloated
Best For
General document scanning
Users wanting familiar app
Cross-platform needs
4. Scanner Pro (Best for iPhone)
Scanner Pro by Readdle is the premium iOS scanning solution.
Features
Feature
Status
Smart scanning
✅
iCloud sync
✅
Workflows
✅
OCR
✅
Quality
Excellent
How to Scan Your Signature
Purchase/download Scanner Pro ($4.99)
Sign on white paper
Open app and scan
Use "Black & White" mode for signatures
Crop to signature
Export as image
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Best iOS quality
iOS only
No ads
One-time purchase
iCloud integration
No background removal
Fast and reliable
Not free
Best For
iPhone/iPad users
Quality-focused users
Those willing to pay once
5. Microsoft Lens (Best Free Option)
Microsoft Lens (formerly Office Lens) is completely free with no ads.
Features
Feature
Status
Document scanning
✅
Whiteboard mode
✅
Business card scan
✅
Office integration
✅
Quality
Good
How to Scan Your Signature
Download Microsoft Lens (free)
Sign on white paper
Use "Document" mode
Capture signature
Crop to signature only
Save as image
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Completely free
No background removal
No ads
Microsoft account helpful
Office integration
Basic features
Cross-platform
Not specialized for signatures
Best For
Budget-conscious users
Microsoft 365 users
Simple needs
Alternative: Online Tools
Remove.bg
Not a scanner, but perfect for removing signature backgrounds:
Scan/photograph your signature
Go to remove.bg
Upload image
Download transparent PNG
Best for: Background removal after scanning
Smallpdf
Go to smallpdf.com
Use signature tool
Draw or upload signature
Download
How to Get the Best Results
Before Scanning
Step
Why
Use white, unlined paper
Clean background
Use black pen (Sharpie best)
High contrast
Sign larger than normal
More detail
Good lighting
Clear capture
Flat surface
Even scan
While Scanning
Tip
Benefit
Hold phone parallel
No distortion
Fill frame with signature
Maximum resolution
Steady hands
Sharp image
Tap to focus
Clear signature
Multiple attempts
Choose best one
After Scanning
Step
How
Crop tightly
Remove extra space
Increase contrast
Darker signature
Remove background
Use PhotoRoom or remove.bg
Save as PNG
Preserves transparency
Comparison Table
App
Quality
Background Removal
Price
Platform
Adobe Scan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Manual
Free
Both
PhotoRoom
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Auto ✅
Free/Pro
Both
CamScanner
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Manual
Free/Sub
Both
Scanner Pro
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Manual
$4.99
iOS
Microsoft Lens
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Manual
Free
Both
Using Your Scanned Signature
In Documents
Application
Method
Microsoft Word
Insert → Pictures
Google Docs
Insert → Image
PDF (Mac Preview)
Tools → Annotate → Signature
PDF (Adobe Reader)
Fill & Sign
In E-Signature Platforms
Platform
How to Upload
DocuSign
Settings → Signature → Upload
HelloSign
Settings → Signature
PandaDoc
Profile → Signature
SignNow
Settings → Signature
In Email
Email Client
Method
Gmail
Insert → Image
Outlook
Insert → Pictures
Apple Mail
Drag image in
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app gives the best quality?
Adobe Scan and Scanner Pro produce the highest quality scans. For signature use, PhotoRoom is excellent because it automatically removes the background.
Do I need a paid app?
No. Adobe Scan and Microsoft Lens are completely free and sufficient for signature scanning. PhotoRoom has a free tier that works well.
How do I get a transparent background?
Use PhotoRoom (automatic) or scan with any app then upload to remove.bg for free background removal.
What resolution should I use?
Most apps use maximum resolution by default. Aim for at least 300 DPI for crisp signatures.
Can I scan multiple signatures?
Yes. Create different versions (full name, initials, formal) and save each separately.
Is my signature secure in these apps?
Reputable apps like Adobe Scan and Microsoft Lens have strong privacy practices. Avoid unknown apps with poor reviews.
Conclusion
Need
Best App
Best overall
Adobe Scan
Auto background removal
PhotoRoom
iPhone quality
Scanner Pro
Free, no ads
Microsoft Lens
Popular choice
CamScanner
Recommended workflow:
Scan with Adobe Scan (best quality)
Upload to remove.bg or use PhotoRoom (remove background)