What type of scanner is commonly used for paper and flat objects?

A flatbed scanner is designed specifically for scanning paper and flat objects, which makes it the most suitable choice for this task. It consists of a flat glass surface on which documents or images are placed for scanning. The scanner then moves a light source across the object, capturing its image with high precision and quality. This type of scanner is ideal for various tasks, including scanning photographs, documents, and even certain three-dimensional items, as it provides a stable platform and the ability to scan without bending or damaging the materials.

Other types of scanners serve different purposes. Handheld scanners, for instance, are portable devices that the user moves over the object being scanned, making them less efficient for larger documents or items that require flat surfaces. Photo scanners, while effective for images, may not be as versatile for documents. Lastly, sheet-fed scanners are designed to process multiple pages automatically but require documents to be fed into the scanner, which may not always be ideal for flat objects or delicate materials that could be damaged in the feeding process.