Which large-format scanner is right for your drawings, maps or artwork?
Answer six short questions and we will match you to a Contex or Colortrac scanner. We are an authorised reseller of both, so we can quote, set up and support it.
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Authorised reseller · Contex and Colortrac · 23 models from 24 to 60 in · Setup, training and support from Sydney
Every Contex and Colortrac model we supply
Each model we sell in Australia, side by side. Speeds are in inches per second (in/s). Model names open the datasheet (PDF). To ask about a model, use its Get a quote button.
Do not see what you need? Tell us what you scan and we will quote it.
Contex and Colortrac update their ranges from time to time, and we do our best to keep this page in step. Specifications can change without notice. Actual speeds vary with the computer, software and image settings. Model names open the manufacturer's datasheet (PDF). The datasheets are Contex and Colortrac documents, copied to this site in November 2026.
Large-format scanner questions, answered
Which large-format scanner is best for technical drawings?
For regular drawing work, the Contex IQ Quattro X (44 in) is Contex's scanner for large-format technical drawings. It scans colour at up to 17.8 inches a second and is rated for frequent use. The Colortrac SmartLF SCi (36 in) is designed for high volume. For occasional drawings, the Contex SD One X (24 in) is the compact, affordable choice. Start the finder to match a model to your sizes and volume.
What size scanner do I need for A0 drawings?
An A0 sheet is 841 mm wide, and originals feed in short edge first, so a 36 in (914 mm) scanner takes it. Arch E (36 × 48 in) drawings also fit a 36 in scanner. For wider originals, 42 in (1,067 mm), 44 in (1,118 mm) and 60 in (1,524 mm) scanners are available. Check maximum length too: the portable SmartLF Scan! scans up to 5 m at 200 dpi and the Contex SD One MF up to 1.27 m. Start the finder and it checks width and length for you.
Which scanner is best for maps, posters and colour?
The CCD scanners are the colour specialists: the Contex HD Ultra X (36, 42 or 60 in) and the Colortrac SmartLF SGi (36 or 44 in). Both take originals up to 15 mm thick. The Colortrac SmartLF SCi also comes in colour and enhanced colour versions, and suits high-volume maps and posters. See the comparison table to compare them side by side.
Which scanner can scan thick or mounted originals?
The Contex HD Ultra X and Colortrac SmartLF SGi take originals up to 15 mm thick. The Contex IQ FLEX flatbed has no thickness limit other than 10 kg on the glass. The contact-free HD Apeiron/42 has 254 mm of clearance above the table and take up to 20 kg. Most other models take originals up to 2 mm thick, and the SD One X and SD One MF up to 0.75 mm. Start the finder and tick thick originals to shortlist the right models.
Which scanner is best for artwork and delicate originals?
The Contex HD Apeiron/42 scans face up without touching the original, with a 42 × 60 in scan area, 1200 dpi optical resolution and FADGI 4-star compliance. For smaller delicate originals, books and textiles, the Contex IQ FLEX flatbed scans up to A2, or up to A1 with oversize scanning. Start the finder and choose delicate originals to see these models.
Can I copy large-format drawings as well as scan them?
Yes. The Contex SD One MF (36 in) is an integrated scanner and copier with a built-in touchscreen. The Contex ScanStation Pro bundles a scanner, a 22 in touchscreen, Nextimage Repro software and a stand. You supply the printer, and for the ScanStation Pro a PC as well. See the comparison table to see the scan-and-copy models.
Is there a portable large-format scanner?
The Colortrac SmartLF Scan! (24 or 36 in) weighs 5.2 or 7 kg and comes with a wheeled carry case. It can save to a USB stick, its own memory or a networked PC. The Contex SD One X is also light enough for one person to carry, at 9.5 to 14.6 kg. See the comparison table to see portable models next to the others.
What is the difference between CIS and CCD large-format scanners?
On the datasheets, the CCD models (Contex HD Ultra X and Colortrac SmartLF SGi) take originals up to 15 mm thick, while the CIS and SingleSensor models (IQ Quattro X, SD One, SmartLF SCi) take up to 2 mm or less. Contex positions CCD for colour accuracy and CIS for technical drawings and speed. If you scan mostly line drawings, CIS is usually enough. If colour and thick originals matter, look at CCD. Start the finder and it weighs up colour, thickness and budget for you.
How much does a large-format scanner cost?
The price depends on the model, the width and the software you need. We do not list prices online. Answer the questions in the finder and request a quote for your match, or open the comparison table and press Get a quote on any model.
Do you sell and support Contex and Colortrac scanners?
Yes. Vision and Beyond is an authorised reseller of Contex and Colortrac, and we set up your scanner, train your team and support you after the sale from Sydney. Send us a message to talk about your scanner.
Talk to us about your scanner
Send us what you scan, the widest original and how often. We reply with a recommendation and a quote.
- sales@vision-and-beyond.com.au
- Phone
- 02 4311 6379
- Post
- PO Box 441, Pyrmont NSW 2009
- Setup and trainingWe set up your scanner, show your team how to use it and support you after the sale.
- Buying guideNew to scanners? Read our guide to choosing the right scanner.
- Backlog scanningHave a room full of paper? We can run the scanning project for you.
- Capture and OCR softwareABBYY and Kodak capture software that reads your documents and pulls out the data.
- Document scannersKodak Alaris scanners for pages up to A3, from desktop to production. Kodak scanner finder.
Contex, Colortrac and SmartLF are trademarks of their respective owners. Vision and Beyond is an authorised reseller of Contex and Colortrac products. Contex and Colortrac update their ranges from time to time. We do our best to keep this page accurate and current, but specifications can change without notice.