A photo scanner is a device designed to convert physical photographs into digital images. It works by capturing the details of a photo using light and sensors, allowing users to save, edit, and share their memories easily. Many photo scanners come with features like automatic cropping and color correction to enhance the quality of the scanned images. These scanners can handle various photo sizes and formats, making them versatile for personal and professional use. Some models even include software for organizing and managing scanned images, which can be helpful for preserving family history or creating digital albums.