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University of Tennessee

How-To Guides

Additional Campus Training

Using a Scanner


A step-by-step guide for using the QuickScan 35mm Slide and Negative Scanner, available at ITC for faculty use.


  1. Make sure the scanner is turned on (check for the lights in front). The switch is usually on the front as well.

  2. Open the scanner and place the image you want to scan face down on the bed. Look for arrows or other marks to indicate the best way to line up the image.

  3. Open Photoshop.

  4. In the File pulldown menu go to Import. Your scanner may be listed as Twain Pro, Twain Acquire, or a similar phrase that appears to be based on the brand name of the scanner.

  5. Whirring and clicking noises will start emitting from the scanner. linkA panel of scanner buttons and options should appear a few seconds later. A large window in the panel will contain a preview of your image.

    Some scanning programs have more advanced controls. You will probably use only the size and resolution controls.link

  6. Once you see your image, drag the edges of the outline box to fit the area you want to scan. Note: the zoom feature will not have an effect on the size of the final image.

    About resolution: If the image is going be used on the Web the resolution doesn't need to be very high (72-100dpi), unless the original will be enlarged several times. If you’re planning to print the image in its original size, choose a resolution between 150dpi and 300dpi. If you’d like to print larger than the original, scan at higher resolutions. The larger area will need more pixels to maintain its appearance.

  7. Click on Final.

  8. After you have made any desired changes and adjustments in Photoshop, go to Image Size under the Images pulldown menu.

    For the web, set resolution at 72pixels/inch. For print, set resolution at 150-300pixels/inch.

    Set Width and Height.

    Click OK.

  9. Return to File pull down menu and Save As.

  10. Choose a file format. JPEG (.JPG) works well for photographic images. (When you save it you will be asked to pick a setting. A low setting decreases the file size but reduces the quality. A high setting increases the file size but improves the quality. Improvement is rarely noticeable in the upper third of the scale, so setting the quality at 8, “high”, or something similar should be fine.)

    The GIF format is best for flat areas of color. If this is what you need, go to the Image pulldown menu, then go to Mode and pick Indexed Color.
    Open up the File menu, go to Save As and pick CompuServ GIF.

  11. Your images are ready for use.