The ScanMarker Max is an all-in-one reading and translation pen designed for the classroom, home, revision and exam settings. Whether it's textbooks, worksheets, packaging or everyday documents, the device transforms printed words into spoken, translated or editable digital content — supporting learners with dyslexia, EAL students, multilingual users and adult learners working across languages.

What the ScanMarker Max does

Offline functionality means the Max works without internet access in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian, while online capability extends reading to over 50 languages and translation to more than 100 language pairs. With a built-in touchscreen, the pen works as a standalone device — no phone, tablet or computer required for core reading and translation functions.

From supporting learners with dyslexia and visual stress to multilingual students and adults reading in second languages, the Max has been designed to promote independence, build comprehension and grow vocabulary. Compact and pocketable, it lets students scan, listen, translate, save vocabulary and export text from anywhere.

Key features and behaviour in Exam Lock

Exam Lock is a password-protected administrator setting. When activated, a lock icon appears on the pen's screen and only the password holder can return the device to standard mode.

How Exam Lock works

Exam Lock is set up by an administrator (typically the exams officer or SENCo) using a private password. When activated to its strictest configuration, only line-by-line text-to-speech reading remains available — every other function is restricted, and a lock icon appears on the pen's screen. After the assessment, the administrator enters the password to restore full functionality, so the same device can return to classroom and home use without re-installation.

Centres should:

1. Set Exam Lock at least two weeks before the exam series so candidates can practise with the pen in its locked configuration — JCQ requires the pen to reflect the candidate's normal way of working.
2. Verify all non-permitted functions are restricted before each exam.
3. Document the device's exam configuration as part of the centre's access arrangements file.

Who is the ScanMarker Max for?

• Schools and colleges equipping students with reading differences for classroom, mock and — with Exam Lock correctly configured — JCQ-regulated assessments.
• EAL learners who need translation and bilingual reading support during everyday study.
• Adult learners tackling printed materials in English or a second language.
• Parents seeking flexible reading support that grows with the child — from primary literacy to GCSE and beyond.

Specifications

• Standalone scanning pen with built-in colour touchscreen — no phone or computer required for core functions
• Offline reading and translation languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
• Online reading: 50+ languages
• Online translation: 100+ language pairs
• Voice translation: 100+ language pairs (Wi-Fi required)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (including enterprise networks with username/password authentication), USB-C
• Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion via USB-C
• Audio: built-in speaker plus USB-C headphone output (analogue Type-C earbuds; not compatible with digital USB-C earbuds, which require an internal DAC the pen does not provide)
• Administrator features: password-protected Exam Lock

What's in the box

• ScanMarker Max scanning pen
• USB-C charging cable
• Quick start guide
• 12-month manufacturer warranty

Frequently asked questions

Can the ScanMarker Max be used in JCQ-regulated exams?

Yes, when Exam Lock is correctly configured by an administrator to its strictest setting — disabling dictionary, thesaurus, translation, voice translation, voice recording, transcribe, photo scan and cloud connection. This brings the device in line with JCQ AARA 2025/26 Section 5.6 criteria for an examination reading pen. Centres remain responsible for ensuring the pen reflects the candidate's normal way of working and for confirming the configuration with their exams officer or SENCo.

Does the ScanMarker Max require a computer or app to work?

No. The pen works independently for reading aloud, offline translation, saving favourites and (when not in Exam Lock) voice recording. A computer or Wi-Fi connection is only needed for online translation, voice translation and exporting scanned text via the Scanmarker web

• JCQ-Compliant with Exam Lock: When Exam Lock is configured to its strictest setting by an administrator, the pen disables its dictionary, thesaurus, translation, voice translation, voice recording, transcribe, photo scan and cloud functions — meeting JCQ AARA 2025/26 Section 5.6 criteria for an examination reading pen. Centres are responsible for confirming the configuration before exam day and ensuring the pen reflects the candidate's normal way of working.
• Reading (Offline & Online): Reads printed text aloud line by line directly from the pen's built-in touchscreen. Works offline in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian; over 50 languages supported when connected to Wi-Fi.
• English Dictionary: Look up and listen to definitions and pronunciations on demand. Save favourite entries for repeated listening and vocabulary building. (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Translation: Translate scanned text offline in five languages, or access over 100 language pairs online. (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Voice Translation: Conduct live, two-way voice translation in 100+ language pairs (Wi-Fi required) — ideal for EAL learners and multilingual users. (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Photo Scan: Capture full paragraphs with the built-in camera and have them read aloud or translated. (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Voice Recording: Record voice memos to capture ideas, reminders or quick notes. (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Transcribe: Convert spoken language into editable text in real time — useful for lectures, meetings and note-taking. (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Phonics Support: Listen to and view phonetic spellings to develop phonemic awareness and early reading.
• Favourites: Save scanned words or phrases to revisit later — helpful for vocabulary building, revision and personalised word banks. (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Export to Computer: Transfer scanned text and voice recordings to a computer via USB-C for editing, study or sharing.
• Web App: Scan directly into a computer in real time via the Scanmarker web app at app-max.scanmarker.com (Chrome browser only; not compatible with iOS). (Disabled in Exam Lock.)
• Scanning Speed: Reads up to 3,000 characters per minute — captures a full line of text in under a second.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (including enterprise networks with username and password authentication) and USB-C. Compatible with analogue Type-C wired earbuds for discreet listening (digital USB-C earbuds with internal DAC are not supported).
• Ambidextrous Scanning: Switchable left-to-right or right-to-left scan direction for comfortable use by left- or right-handed users.
• Storage: Built-in internal memory for offline functions; storage capacity model-dependent.
• Designed For: Learners aged 12 and above — secondary pupils, college and university students, and adults. Particularly supportive for dyslexia, EAL/ESL, ADHD and other reading needs.