Output Tab
Thomas GadeIndex
This section defines how scanned data is saved: file name, format, destination, compression, and color profile settings.
File Naming in VueScan
File names can be entered manually or generated automatically. VueScan can assign sequential numbers starting from a defined value.
If you use the '@' character, VueScan creates names like Scan-YYMMDD-0001+ (YY=year, MM=month, DD=day). The number increases automatically until an unused filename is found.
Using the plus sign (+)
You can define a base filename such as Film01-01.tif. The first part identifies the film, the last number the frame.
Adding a '+' (e.g. Film01-01+.tif) tells VueScan to increment the number automatically. The next file will be saved as Film01-02.tif.
Note: If a file in a numbered sequence is deleted, VueScan may reuse that number. To avoid this, manually continue from the last existing number (e.g. Film03-30+.tif).
If multiple '+' signs are used, only the last one is considered.
Asterisk (*)
If an asterisk is used in the "Output file name" field, raw file names remain unchanged.
Make sure processed files are saved in a different folder than the source files.
Equals sign (=)
An '=' inserts the value from "Input | Frame number" into the filename.
Saving the same frame multiple times will overwrite the previous file (see "Prefs | Warn on overwrite").
File names can be entered manually or generated automatically. VueScan can assign sequential numbers starting from a defined value.
If you use the '@' character, VueScan creates names like Scan-YYMMDD-0001+ (YY=year, MM=month, DD=day). The number increases automatically until an unused filename is found.
Using the plus sign (+)
You can define a base filename such as Film01-01.tif. The first part identifies the film, the last number the frame.
Adding a '+' (e.g. Film01-01+.tif) tells VueScan to increment the number automatically. The next file will be saved as Film01-02.tif.
Note: If a file in a numbered sequence is deleted, VueScan may reuse that number. To avoid this, manually continue from the last existing number (e.g. Film03-30+.tif).
If multiple '+' signs are used, only the last one is considered.
Asterisk (*)
If an asterisk is used in the "Output file name" field, raw file names remain unchanged.
Make sure processed files are saved in a different folder than the source files.
Equals sign (=)
An '=' inserts the value from "Input | Frame number" into the filename.
Saving the same frame multiple times will overwrite the previous file (see "Prefs | Warn on overwrite").
Reduction
This setting reduces image resolution by averaging pixels. For example, a value of 3 combines each 3×3 pixel block into one pixel.
This reduces file size and noise more effectively than lowering scan resolution.
Default Folder
Defines where scanned images are saved.
Print Size
Does not change the pixel count. Recommended setting: Scan size.
With Manual, you can define print dimensions. DPI adjusts automatically while keeping proportions.
Useful when printing images of different sizes at a consistent width or height.
Scale (%)
Should always be set to 100%.
TIFF File
Enables saving images as TIFF files.
TIFF File Type
Choose:
– 16-bit grayscale (black & white)
– 48-bit RGB (color)
– 64-bit RGBI (includes infrared channel, if supported)
TIFF Compression
Recommended: Off.
TIFF Profile
Embeds an ICC color profile. Recommended when using color-managed workflows (e.g. Photoshop).
JPEG File
Enables saving images as JPEG.
JPEG Quality
Controls compression level:
– 100: highest quality, largest file
– 90: good balance (recommended)
– 50: visible artifacts, small file
JPEG is not ideal for editing or archiving due to 8-bit color depth.
JPEG Grayscale
Saves images as 8-bit monochrome instead of 24-bit RGB.
PDF File
Enables saving scans as PDF.
Multi-page PDF / TIFF
Combines multiple scans into a single file.
Important: Do not use '+' in the filename, otherwise new files will be created instead.
OCR Text File
Extracts text from scanned images (OCR) and saves it as a text file.
OCR Language
Defines recognition and dictionary language.
Index File
Creates a thumbnail overview (contact sheet) of scanned images.
Raw File (Professional Edition)
Saves unprocessed scan data (before image processing).
Description / Copyright / Date
Metadata fields embedded into files.
Log File
VueScan records operations in a log file for troubleshooting.
Defaults
Resets all settings in this tab.
Table of Contents:
General
FunctionsCalibration
Scanning black-and-white film
Scanning color negatives
Scanning slides
Identifying film types
Tabs
SourceCrop
Filter
Color
Output
Settings