July 10, 2026
From “One-Touch PDF” to a Category-Defining Icon
Celebrating 25 Years of ScanSnap
Since its launch on July 10, 2001, ScanSnap, the image scanner developed and marketed by PFU Limited (President and CEO: Eiji Hirahara; hereinafter “PFU”), has transformed the way people capture, organize, and use information. What started as a pioneering one-touch document scanner has grown into a globally trusted brand with cumulative worldwide shipments exceeding 7.89 million units(1). Today, as ScanSnap celebrates its 25th anniversary, it continues to evolve how paper and digital information work together in an increasingly AI-driven world.
For 25 years, ScanSnap has remained true to its founding vision: making paper digitization simple and accessible for everyone. As the way people work has evolved, ScanSnap has continuously adapted to new needs, supporting everything from document digitization and accounting workflows to cloud-connected productivity, hybrid work, and now AI-powered information management.
Looking ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, PFU will continue to help users unlock the value of information by connecting paper, digital workflows, and AI, making information easier to capture, organize, and use.
ScanSnap began sales of its first model, the ScanSnap fi-4110EOX, in Japan on July 10, 2001, as a personal image scanner. Over the past 25 years, ScanSnap has focused on one-touch operation that anyone can use with confidence. Guided by the principles of simplicity, speed, and compact design, it helped pioneer the personal document scanning market for individual users, SOHOs, and freelancers.
In 2007, PFU released the compact S300, followed by the S1500 in 2009, which helped popularize book digitization(2) among consumers in Japan.
The mobile S1100, released in 2010, enabled users to scan wherever they were, rather than being tied to a desk.
In 2012, PFU introduced the SV600, capable of contactless scanning of books, documents, and other originals without causing damage, as well as the iX500, the first ScanSnap model with Wi-Fi connectivity. In 2015, ScanSnap Cloud further expanded the user experience by enabling direct cloud storage from Wi-Fi-enabled scanners without the need for a PC.
In 2018, the iX1500 introduced intuitive touchscreen operation to the ScanSnap lineup. This evolution continued with the launch of the flagship iX2500 in 2025.
With the iX2500, PFU introduced the ScanSnap Go feature, allowing users to connect instantly by simply holding a smartphone near the scanner.
Throughout its history, ScanSnap has continued to make digitization
faster, easier, and more accessible.
By continuously adapting to changing ways of working, including document digitization, mobile computing, cloud services, remote and hybrid work, and now AI-powered workflows, ScanSnap has remained at the forefront of information management while evolving into an essential gateway between paper and digital information.
ScanSnap will continue to uphold its core principle of making paper digitization simple and accessible for everyone. In the age of AI, ScanSnap will help transform paper-based information into digital knowledge that can be organized, shared, and used more effectively, enabling users to unlock even greater value from their information.
As ScanSnap enters its next chapter, PFU remains committed to delivering new value through innovation in information capture and management.
Comment from Yasunori Miyauchi, Corporate Senior Vice President and Head of Document Imaging Business Group, PFU Limited
ScanSnap’s 25th anniversary would not have been possible without the continued support of our customers, who have incorporated ScanSnap into their daily work and lives, as well as our valued sales partners. On behalf of everyone at PFU, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.
For 25 years, ScanSnap has remained committed to its founding vision of enabling anyone to convert paper documents into digital information at the touch of a button. In doing so, it has helped make paper digitization simple, accessible, and practical for millions of people around the world.
We are proud that ScanSnap has helped customers transform a wide range of paper-based information, including documents, business cards, receipts, handwritten notes, and cherished memories, into digital information that can be organized, shared, and put to use.
As we enter the age of AI, the value of information will increasingly depend not only on digitization, but also on how easily information can be extracted, organized, and transformed into actionable knowledge. We believe ScanSnap has an important role to play in helping users bridge the gap between paper and AI-powered workflows.
Looking ahead to the next 25 years, ScanSnap will continue to combine its hallmark simplicity with emerging technologies, delivering new ways for customers to capture, organize, and unlock the value of information in their work and everyday lives.
ScanSnap is used by customers around the world. For the latest product news, updates, and information from your region, please visit your local ScanSnap website and follow ScanSnap on social media.
Japan: https://x.com/ScanSnapJP
USA: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/scansnap-us/
EMEA: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/pfu-emea-limited-ricoh
ASIA: https://www.facebook.com/RicohImageScannerAsia
China: https://www.pfu-sz.com.cn
PFU Limited was founded in Japan in 1960. Based on the skills acquired through computer development, we develop and supply document imaging related products and services, such as image scanners. We also provide support services for building and operating IT infrastructures that contribute to the safety and security of our customers.
We at PFU will continue to evolve our edge devices to contribute to our customers' business process reforms and Digital Transformation, provide the services that support them, and contribute to the development of a sustainable world.
For more information, please visit https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/global/
About Ricoh
Ricoh is a global integrator in workplace transformation, operating in approximately 200 countries and regions and headquartered in Tokyo. Supporting customers’ value creation, Ricoh offers workplace services and solutions that empower organizations to work smarter through advanced technologies—including AI— together with long-standing expertise rooted in printing. Ricoh also operates commercial and industrial printing businesses and delivers new solutions leveraging inkjet technology. In the financial year ended March 2026, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,608 billion yen (approx. 16.4 billion USD).
For 90 years since our founding, Ricoh has upheld its mission and vision of empowering individuals to find Fulfillment through Work—and that commitment continues today. By understanding and transforming how people work, we unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future.
For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com
Notes
- (1)Units shipped by PFU from July 2001 through the end of May 2026 (according to PFU)
- (2)Materials such as newspapers, magazines, books, and other copyrighted works may not be scanned without the permission of the copyright holder, except where permitted by applicable copyright laws, such as for personal use or other limited uses recognized by law. For business use, permission from the copyright holder may be required. Users are responsible for complying with applicable copyright laws and any relevant policies or regulations of their organization when using ScanSnap.
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