A flatbed scanner is a device used to digitize documents and images by placing them on a flat glass surface. It uses a light source and sensors to capture the details of the original material, converting it into a digital format. Flatbed scanners are commonly used in homes and offices for scanning photographs, books, and various documents. These scanners are known for their high-quality output and versatility. They can handle different sizes of materials, from small photos to larger documents. Many flatbed scanners also come with additional features, such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for converting scanned text into editable formats.