Input Tab

Thomas Gade

Table of Contents



The Input tab contains settings for the input device, scan resolution, and task type (e.g. saving to file, printing, or profiling scanners, printers, or film).

Task

Defines the operation to be performed.

- Save to file
- Copy to printer
- Scanner profiling
- Printer profiling
- Film profiling
- IT8 calibration


Source

Multiple imaging devices may be connected to your computer. VueScan lists all available and powered-on scanners. Select the device you want to use.

If Source is set to File, VueScan processes existing image files (TIFF, JPEG, or raw).

Raw scan data can be saved in the Output tab and later reopened. These files can be processed as if they were scanned directly from the device.

If no scanner is connected, File is selected automatically.

Files

Specifies the input file. Files are treated like scanner input, and all preview, resolution, and cropping functions behave normally.

Mode

Defines whether the scanner uses Flatbed (reflective) or Transparency (film/slide) mode.

Some scanners detect this automatically; others require manual selection.

This setting determines:
1) Whether the media is reflective or transparent
2) The color characteristics of the scan data

When working with files, you should select the original scan mode.

Media

Defines the type of material being scanned.

Reflective media:
• Color photo
• B/W photo
• Line art
• Text
• Magazine
• Newspaper

Transparent media:
• Color negative
• B/W negative
• Slide film

Reflective media

Defines whether the original contains continuous tones (photos) or halftone patterns (printed material). For magazines and newspapers, descreening is applied automatically.

Transparent media

Includes film and slides. VueScan distinguishes between negative film and slide film.

Film characteristics vary by type and brand. VueScan compensates using film profiles (see Color tab). Without profiles (Image), differences remain visible.

Quality

When set to Auto, VueScan selects an appropriate scan resolution.

For archival purposes, use the scanner’s maximum optical resolution.

Descreen dpi

Used for scanning printed material. The default value (75 dpi) is suitable for most cases; finer screens may require higher values.

Microfilm zoom

Defines the magnification factor for microfilm (typically 8–14).

Media size

Auto scans the full flatbed area. Fixed sizes can be selected to skip preview.

Bits per pixel

Defines the color depth (1-bit, 8-bit, or 16-bit per channel).

Recommended settings:
– 16-bit grayscale
– 48-bit RGB

64-bit RGBI includes an additional infrared channel for dust and scratch detection.

Grayscale from color

Defines which channel is used for grayscale conversion. Auto typically uses the green channel.

Batch scan

Enables scanning multiple frames automatically. Use List to define specific frames.

Stopping batch mode is preferred over using Abort, as it avoids incomplete output files.

Batch processing can also be applied to files.

Batch list

Defines which frames to process (e.g. 1-3 or 1,3,5-7).

Rotation options:
N = none
L = rotate left
R = rotate right
F = flip (180°)
D = default (automatic)

Frame number

Selects a specific frame or controls film transport position.

Frame offset

Fine adjustment of frame positioning.

Frame spacing

Defines spacing between frames (usually in mm).

Preview resolution

Auto generates a preview of about 1 megapixel. Lower resolutions reduce scan time.

Scan resolution

Defines the final scan resolution. Auto depends on the Quality setting.

Rotation

Rotates the image (90° left/right or 180°).

Mirror

Flips the image horizontally.

Auto focus

Defines when focusing occurs: Preview, Scan, or Always.

Auto scan / Auto save / Auto print

Automates actions after preview or scan.

Lamp off

Controls when the scanner lamp is turned off.

Auto eject

Defines when media is ejected (if supported).

Number of samples

Multi-sampling reduces noise by averaging multiple readings per pixel.

Number of scans

Multi-pass scanning averages multiple full scans. Improves quality but increases scan time.

Grain reduction

Reduces film grain using diffused light (scanner-dependent feature).

Scan from preview

Uses the preview image as the final scan output.

Multi exposure

Improves shadow detail using multiple exposures.

Lock exposure

Locks exposure settings for consistent batch scanning.

RGB / Infrared exposure

Adjusts exposure time manually (rarely required).

RGB gain

Fine-tunes color channel exposure.

Lock film base color

Stores the color mask of negative film.

Lock image color

Applies color and brightness settings to subsequent scans.

---

Table of Contents:

General

Functions

Calibration

Scanning black-and-white film

Scanning color negatives

Scanning slides

Identifying film types

Tabs

Source

Crop

Filter

Color

Output

Settings

---