Scanners are devices that can digitize images, text, or other documents and convert them into an electronic format. Essentially, scanners work similarly to photocopiers in that they scan the object being scanned with an optical sensor and then convert that information into digital data. There are several types of scanners, including flatbed scanners that place documents on a flat surface and then move the scanner arm across the object, or feed scanners that automatically pull documents through the scanner. There are also specialized scanners for specific applications, such as 3D scanners for creating 3D models of objects. Scanners are used in many applications, from archiving documents to creating digital artwork. They are also an important part of multifunction devices that combine printing, scanning and copying functions in a single device.