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Need a Microsoft Lens replacement? These 5 alternative scanning apps fit the bill

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Microsoft's document-scanning Lens app is no longer available for download.

For basic scanning, try Apple Notes, Google Drive, or PhotoScan.

For more advanced features, look at Adobe Scan or iScanner.

I scan a fair number of paper documents via my phone, and one mobile app I grew to rely on was Microsoft Lens. With Lens, I could scan documents, business cards, photos, and other physical items and save or share the digital versions. Now, I'll have to find a different program, as Lens has left the building.

On Monday, support for the app ended, so it's been removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Microsoft announced Lens' retirement, which began January 9, from iPhones and Android devices in a recent support document.

Also: My 5 favorite tricks in Apple's new Preview app - and how I use them on my iPhone

With the app still on your device, you can use it to scan documents until March 9. After that deadline, you won't be able to create new scans, but you will be able to access your previous scans as long as you keep the app around. Switch to a different device, however, and say goodbye to the app forever.

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