For years, a heavy, leather-bound scrapbook sat on my shelf, a silent testament to decades of family history. Filled with oversized newspaper clippings, large-format photographs, and children’s artwork taped carefully to fading construction paper, it was a treasure I was terrified to lose. Every so often, I’d pull it down, intending to digitize its contents, only to be stopped by the frustrating limitations of my standard A4 scanner. Cropping, stitching multiple scans together, and wrestling with delicate, brittle pages became a project-killer. This scrapbook, and the countless others like it in homes and archives, represents a common problem: how do we preserve the parts of our history that don’t conform to standard paper sizes? This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safeguarding irreplaceable items from the ravages of time, fire, or flood. The challenge lies in finding a tool that can handle these awkward dimensions without compromising on quality or breaking the bank.
- Image Sensor: CCD
- Optical Resolution: 800 dpi
What to Consider Before Buying a Large-Format Document Scanner
A large-format scanner is more than just an office peripheral; it’s a key solution for archivists, artists, genealogists, and anyone tasked with preserving media that defies the constraints of typical office equipment. Its main benefit lies in its ability to capture an entire large document, photograph, or artwork in a single, high-resolution pass. This eliminates the tedious and often imperfect process of digitally stitching multiple smaller scans, preserving the integrity and context of the original item. From architectural blueprints and historical maps to entire scrapbook pages and delicate textiles, these scanners unlock the potential to create faithful digital archives of physically cumbersome items. The Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner is designed specifically to meet this need, offering a generous scan area that caters to these unique demands.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of digitizing a collection of oversized or fragile materials. This includes librarians, local historians, graphic designers scanning original artwork, or families wanting to preserve generations of photo albums without disassembling them. They value accuracy, detail, and the time saved by single-pass scanning. Conversely, this type of scanner is likely overkill for someone who primarily needs to digitize stacks of standard A4 invoices or letters. For those users, a more compact and faster Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) scanner would be a far more efficient and space-saving choice. The sheer physical footprint of a large-format scanner means it’s not a casual purchase for a crowded home office.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A large-format scanner is, by definition, large. The Plustek Opticpro A320E measures 62.3 cm wide by 40 cm deep. This is a significant chunk of desk real estate. Before you even consider a purchase, measure your intended workspace to ensure you have not only enough room for the unit itself but also adequate space around it to comfortably place and remove large documents from the glass platen.
- Capacity/Performance: For flatbed scanners, performance isn’t about pages per minute, but resolution (DPI) and scan speed. Higher DPI means more detail but also larger file sizes and slower scans. The A320E’s 800 dpi optical resolution is a great sweet spot, providing ample detail for archival purposes without creating unmanageably huge files. Also, consider the sensor type; the A320E’s CCD sensor is superior for capturing textured or uneven surfaces compared to the more common CIS sensors.
- Materials & Durability: Weighing in at 7.5 kg, this is a substantial piece of equipment. The build feels robust and designed for stationary, long-term use. Look for a sturdy chassis that won’t flex and a high-quality glass platen that resists scratching. The durability of a flatbed scanner is crucial as it lacks the complex moving parts of an ADF but must withstand the placement of various, sometimes heavy, objects on its surface.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The key usability features are the software interface and any physical controls. The A320E features one-touch scan buttons, which are excellent in theory but depend entirely on the bundled software for functionality. Keeping the glass clean is the primary maintenance task; a simple wipe with a lint-free cloth and a suitable cleaner will ensure your scans remain free of dust and smudges for years to come.
While the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner is an excellent choice for its specific purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including compact and ADF options, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- IMPRESSIVELY SHARP - Produce incredibly sharp, high-resolution scans of any photo or document in just 8 seconds thanks to Canon’s unique LiDE technology.
- SMALL AND COMPACT DESIGN: The small and compact design, makes the DSmobile DS-640 ideal where space is limited, A great option for reception areas and working on the go
First Impressions: Unboxing a Purpose-Built Behemoth
The arrival of the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner is an event. The box is substantial, and lifting the 7.5 kg unit out immediately communicates that this is a serious, purpose-built tool, not a flimsy office accessory. There’s no complex assembly required; it’s a matter of removing the packaging, unlocking the scanner head for transport, connecting the power brick and USB cable, and installing the software. The scanner itself has a clean, professional aesthetic, dominated by the expansive A3 (12″ x 17″) glass platen. On the right-hand side, a row of seven one-touch buttons promises streamlined operation for common tasks like scanning to PDF, email, or a specific folder. The overall build feels solid and stable, designed to sit firmly on a desk and handle the careful placement of delicate, oversized materials. Compared to the sleek, vertical designs of modern ADF scanners, the A320E is a throwback to a classic flatbed design, scaled up to impressive proportions. It’s a device that clearly prioritizes function and scanning area over a minimal footprint, and for its target audience, that’s exactly the right choice. You can explore its design and dimensions further online.
What We Like
- Expansive 12″ x 17″ (A3) scanning area is perfect for oversized documents, artwork, and photo albums.
- High-quality CCD sensor captures excellent depth and detail, especially on textured surfaces.
- 800 dpi optical resolution provides a great balance between detail and manageable file sizes.
- Broad compatibility with Windows, Mac OS, and even LINUX (via SANE drivers).
- Solid, robust build quality feels durable and stable during use.
Limitations We Found
- Bundled software can be clunky and lacks advanced calibration options.
- Struggles to capture fine detail in very bright white or high-key areas of an image.
- Unit is very large and heavy, requiring significant dedicated desk space.
Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure
A scanner’s true worth is only revealed through rigorous testing with a variety of challenging materials. We put the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner through its paces, digitizing everything from delicate, century-old photographs and large watercolour paintings to entire pages from cluttered family scrapbooks and oversized architectural drafts. Our goal was to push its capabilities and see where it excelled and where it fell short, moving beyond the spec sheet to real-world performance.
The Heart of the Machine: A3 Scanning Area and CCD Sensor Quality
The single greatest strength of the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner is, without a doubt, its enormous scanning bed. The ability to place an entire A3 sheet, a large fan magazine, or a full scrapbook page onto the platen and capture it in one go is a game-changer. During our testing, we digitized several pages from a 40-year-old family album. We were able to capture the entire page—photos, handwritten captions, and even the page’s hole punches—in a single, high-resolution scan. This process, which would have required at least four separate scans and painstaking digital stitching on an A4 scanner, took mere seconds. As one user confirmed, “My album pages look great (and don’t require further cropping unless I go back to eliminate the hole punches).” This capability alone can justify the investment for anyone undertaking a large archival project.
Underpinning this is the CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor. Unlike the CIS (Contact Image Sensor) technology found in most all-in-one printers and cheaper scanners, a CCD sensor uses a lens and mirror system that gives it a greater depth of field. This is crucial. It means the scanner can accurately capture detail not just from flat paper, but also from items with texture and depth, like the curled edges of old photos, the texture of canvas, or the raised ink on a print. We found it did an admirable job capturing the subtle textures of watercolour paper and the slight three-dimensionality of photos layered in a scrapbook. However, this is also where we encountered a significant limitation, one echoed by a user who was trying to scan paintings. In our tests with high-contrast artwork, the scanner struggled to retain detail in the brightest white areas, causing them to “blow out” into a flat white with no texture. While we could mitigate this slightly with software adjustments, it confirms that for professional art reproduction where every nuance of paint on canvas is critical, this scanner may fall short. For general archival work, however, the CCD sensor is a distinct advantage.
Resolution and Speed: Finding the Sweet Spot
The A320E features an 800 dpi optical resolution, a specification that might seem low compared to some other models on the market. For example, its predecessor, the A320L, boasted a 1600 dpi sensor. However, we found this to be a very practical and well-chosen specification. For the vast majority of archival tasks, scanning above 600 dpi yields diminishing returns and creates exponentially larger file sizes that are cumbersome to store and process. We found that scanning a full A3 colour document at 300 dpi took roughly 10-12 seconds and produced a crisp, clear image perfect for digital records. Bumping this to 600 dpi for a detailed photograph extended the scan time to around 30 seconds but yielded a file rich enough for significant enlargements. One user, who had replaced an A320L, noted this exact point: “I don’t need more than 600 dpi and the Toshiba element appears to deliver high quality scans so for the difference in price the A320E is very attractive for me.” We agree wholeheartedly. The 800 dpi ceiling provides more than enough detail for archiving photos, documents, and even detailed line art, making it a pragmatic choice that prioritizes quality where it matters without getting lost in spec-sheet wars. This balance of resolution and performance is a key feature that makes the scanner so effective for its intended purpose.
Software and Usability: Power Meets Frustration
This is where our experience with the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner became more complicated. On the surface, the hardware is simple and effective. The one-touch buttons are a fantastic idea, promising a workflow where you can simply place a document, press a button, and have a perfectly scanned PDF or image appear in your chosen destination. The reality, however, depends entirely on Plustek’s DocAction (for Windows) or MacAction (for Mac) software, and here, we found room for improvement.
The software provides basic control over resolution, colour mode, file format, and scan destination, and programming the one-touch buttons is straightforward enough. However, it lacks the finesse and advanced features of more mature scanning suites from competitors. We encountered the same issue reported by a user who found the scanner was including about a quarter-inch of the unit’s inner plastic frame in a full-platen scan. They asked, “Where in the software am I able to re-calibrate the positioning of the scanned area?” The answer, frustratingly, is that there are no simple micro-adjustment or calibration tools available. This means any such inaccuracies have to be corrected manually by cropping every image post-scan, which negates some of the convenience the scanner is supposed to provide. Furthermore, another user described the software as “seriously inadequate” for programming the button functions, a sentiment we understood after trying to set up more complex workflows. While the core scanning function works reliably through the TWAIN driver in programs like Photoshop or Affinity Photo, the bundled software feels like a missed opportunity to create a truly seamless user experience.
What Other Users Are Saying
Aggregating feedback from other owners provides a well-rounded picture of the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner. The overwhelming sentiment is positive among those using it for its core purpose: digitizing large-format media. Many, like the user tackling 50+ family photo albums, express delight at finally having a tool to handle their long-delayed archival projects, stating, “So far, I am very happy I made the investment and bought this scanner.” The speed, simplicity, and ability to handle entire pages are recurring themes of praise. One person found it “quick, accurate and simple” for their 40-year digitization project.
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. A significant point of criticism revolves around the software and specific imaging limitations. The lack of fine control over the scan area and the perceived inadequacy of the button-programming software are noted frustrations. More critically for artists, the issue of capturing detail in bright white areas was a deal-breaker for at least one user, who noted that “the white area appears solid white with absolutely no details” when scanning a painting. Finally, as with any piece of electronics, there is the potential for quality control issues. One unfortunate buyer received a unit that was dead on arrival and wouldn’t power on at all, a stark reminder to test any new equipment thoroughly upon receipt.
How Does the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner Compare to the Alternatives?
The Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner exists in a specialized niche. To understand its value, it’s essential to compare it not to other large-format flatbeds, but to the more common ADF document scanners that dominate the market. These alternatives prioritize speed and volume for standard-sized paper, a completely different use case.
1. Canon ImageFORMULA DR-C225 II Document Scanner
- Stay organized: Easily convert your paper documents into digital formats (searchable PDF, JPG, and more) or scan directly to the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, QuickBooks Online,...
- Space saving design: Upright, with top feed and top eject, and a built in cable organization system. Supported Operating Systems - Windows 7/8/8.1/10 Service Pack 1 or later (32-bit/64-bit) or later,...
The Canon ImageFORMULA DR-C225 II is a compact, vertical-path ADF scanner built for the busy office environment. Its strength lies in its ability to rapidly digitize stacks of A4 documents, boasting impressive speeds and duplex (two-sided) scanning in a single pass. Its J-path paper feed saves an incredible amount of desk space compared to the Plustek. Someone who needs to clear out filing cabinets full of invoices, contracts, and standard letters would find the Canon infinitely more efficient. However, it is completely incapable of scanning books, photographs, fragile items, or anything larger than a standard legal-sized document, making it unsuitable for the archival tasks the Plustek excels at.
2. ScanSnap iX1600 Document Scanner WiFi Touchscreen
- Gives you even more time back - It can be hard work keeping a business in shape, and everyone can do with a bit more time back at the end of the day. The ScanSnap iX1600 was designed to help anyone...
- Flexible and intuitive - The iX1600's 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen delivers the future of scanning now. Instead of choosing what you want to do each time you scan a document, with one touch, the...
The ScanSnap iX1600 represents the pinnacle of modern ADF scanning technology. It’s incredibly fast, highly intelligent, and boasts a user-friendly touchscreen and robust WiFi connectivity that allows for seamless scanning directly to cloud services or mobile devices. Its software is widely regarded as best-in-class for its intuitive interface and powerful organizational tools. For a paperless office workflow dealing with high volumes of mixed documents (receipts, business cards, A4 reports), the ScanSnap is a productivity powerhouse. The trade-off is the same as the Canon: it’s an ADF scanner. It cannot handle bound books, oversized artwork, or delicate historical documents that can’t be fed through its rollers. It’s a specialist in a different field.
3. Doxie Pro DX400 Duplex Document Scanner
- [Fast and Powerful] High quality scans of documents, invoices, statements, receipts, reports, business cards, photos, drawings, sketches, classwork, homework, and more!
- [Two-Sided Scanning] Crisp duplex scans of your two-sided paper, with features like text recognition, automatic cropping, rotation, and contrast boost. Collapsible document feeder and direct feed slot...
The Doxie Pro DX400 focuses on portability and simplicity. It’s a small, compact duplex ADF scanner designed for those who need to scan on the go or have very limited desk space. It’s perfect for consultants, remote workers, or home users who need to digitize receipts and documents without the bulk of a traditional office scanner. While it’s a capable performer for its size, it shares all the limitations of its larger ADF cousins. Its capacity, speed, and document size handling are all geared towards standard paper. The Doxie is for people who value mobility and convenience for everyday documents, whereas the Plustek is for those who need a stationary, high-quality solution for extraordinary ones.
Our Final Verdict on the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner
After extensive testing and careful consideration, our verdict is clear: the Plustek Opticpro A320E 12″x17″ Scanner is an exceptional tool for a very specific job. It is not an all-purpose office scanner. It is a specialist device built for the archivist, the artist, the scrapbooker, and the historian who has been stymied by the physical limitations of standard A4 scanners. Its massive A3 platen and high-quality CCD sensor are its standout features, enabling the fast, simple, and high-fidelity digitization of oversized and textured materials that would otherwise be impossible to capture cleanly. While its bundled software could be more refined and it may not be the ideal choice for professional art reproduction requiring extreme dynamic range, its performance in its core function is outstanding.
If your primary need is digitizing stacks of standard paper, you should look elsewhere. But if you have boxes of oversized photos, precious family albums, or a portfolio of large-format artwork you need to preserve, this scanner is not just a good choice—it’s one of the best value-for-money solutions available. It solves a difficult problem with confidence and quality. For anyone ready to finally tackle that oversized archival project, the Plustek Opticpro A320E is a highly recommended investment in preserving your history.
Last update on 2025-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API