A software box in red and white, with photos on the cover showing people using a scanner and computer.

OpenBook

by Freedom Scientific

$1,100.00, see price history

Price is what the vendor listed when last checked. Confirm it with the vendor before buying.

Setup with instructions A family member can install the software and connect a scanner by following the instructions in about 30 to 60 minutes. It isn't plug-and-play, though. You need a compatible scanner and some practice to scan well and tune the reading settings, so guided setup fits better than a fully self-serve product.

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · October 1, 2026

OpenBook is Windows software that turns printed pages into text on your computer and reads that text aloud. It uses OCR, which means optical character recognition, to pick out the words from a scanned page, and it draws on two OCR engines, OmniPage and FineReader, to get accurate results. It also works on text inside images, not just clean printed pages. This is a good fit for someone who can't read print comfortably and wants to read mail, books, or handouts independently. It needs a scanner to capture the pages, and getting good results takes some practice with scanning and the software's settings.

Getting it

Try before you buy

Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.

Find your state's lending program →

Where to get it

Freedom Scientific Visit
$1,100.00

This is the vendor WhatCanHelp tracks for this product — it may also be available from other retailers or a local supplier, and prices vary.

How to fund this

These are common places to ask about paying for equipment like this. Each one decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so start by asking them.

All funding programs, state by state →

Details

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Type
Addresses
Platform
Age range
Complexity
Setup with instructions
Price
$1,100.00
Funding
  • AT Act lending
  • Out of pocket
  • School district
  • Vocational rehab

What setup looks like

  • With a guide
    1. Install OpenBook on your Windows PC and activate it using the steps that come with your purchase.
    2. Connect your scanner, then scan a sample page and listen to it being read to check that the scanner and speech work together.
    3. Practice scanning a few different items, like a letter and a book page, and adjust the voice and reading settings until they feel comfortable. Plan on about an hour to feel confident. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.

View official support docs → (opens in a new tab)

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from Freedom Scientific — view on vendor site (opens in a new tab); last checked October 31, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on October 1, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.

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