A scanner is a computer peripheral device that converts physical items such as photographic prints, artwork, documents, or film into digital files. It works by capturing the image with a light-sensitive sensor and translating it into electronic data that can be viewed, edited, stored, or printed on a computer.
Scanners are widely used in photography, graphic design, and archiving to digitise images for editing, restoration, and backup purposes. High-quality scanners can preserve fine detail, accurate colour, and tonal range, making them essential tools for photographers looking to convert film negatives, slides, or printed photographs into digital format.