Large format scanning is the process of digitizing oversized documents using an LFD scanner. The process converts oversized paper documents to small and easy to manage, access, and distribute digital files in .PDF, .TIFF, .DWG, .DXF, and .JPEG formats.
Watch the video or read the transcript below to find out the benefits of and why you need large format scanning.
Video Transcription
What’s Considered Large Format?
There are 2 main paper size standards used around the world: ANSI and the international ISO series. In the United States, ANSI is used and anything classed ANSI B or above is considered “large format.”
The North American ANSI standard divides paper sizes into 5 main classes, or more specifically ANSI size classes A–E.
| ANSI Class | Paper Size |
| ANSI A | 8.5″ x 11″ |
| ANSI B | 11″ x 17″ (2 ANSI A sheets) |
| ANSI C | 17″ x 22″ (4 ANSI A sheets) |
| ANSI D | 22″ x 34″ (8 ANSI A sheets) |
| ANSI E | 34″ x 44″ (16 ANSI A sheets) |
Common Large Format Documents
Any documents that are ANSI B or higher are typically classed as large format, including:
- Blueprints
- Maps
- Posters
- Banners
- Engineering drawings
- Circuit diagrams
- Architectural drawings
Benefits of Large Format Scanning
With the name “large format,” an obvious benefit of scanning large format documents is the reduction in size. However, scanning comes with other benefits as well.
Boosting Productivity
It’s easier to store, find, send, and access digital files. Even 10 minutes searching for paper files can quickly add up to a large amount of wasted time. However, a keyword search can quickly track down documents which saves a lot of time.
Simplified Storage and Management
Papers—especially large ones—are difficult to manage and keep organized. This means they’re often boxed and kept in back rooms or other areas.
With digital files, they can all be securely stored in one easy-to-manage place like a cloud platform.
Central Storage and Indexing
As documents are scanned, the new digital copies are stored into central locations like cloud platforms or other document management systems.
Files are indexed during scanning, so you can sort them by name, date created, file type, and other categories.
Keyword Search and Accessibility
Instead of removing rubber bands and sifting through papers, digital large format documents that are indexed can be found and accessed using a simple keyword search.
Secure Backups and Archiving
Many large-format documents need to be kept for extended periods of time. Additionally, it only takes a right-click to create a spare copy, so files can be easily and regularly backed up to a separate drive or server.
Have Large Format Documents to Scan?
Record Nations has a network of scanning service partners across North America. Join Amazon, Google, and other companies we’ve helped find scanning for their large format documents and other services today.
Start the process by filling out the form to the right, using the live chat button, or giving us a call at (866) 385-3706. Afterward, you’ll receive quotes from top professionals in your area, and you can choose the best one for you.
