Scan 35mm photo slides and negatives

Use an HP Scanjet scanner to convert photo slides and negatives into digital image files.

Introduction

With the right HP scanner, it’s easy to scan your 35mm photo slides and negatives to create digital files and prints. Find step-by-step instructions and simple scanning tips to get the best results.

Get started

Scanner with TMA

Look for a photo scanner like the HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner with built-in photo negative and slide scanning capabilities.

To scan slides and negatives, you need a photo scanner with built-in photo negative and slide scanning capabilities.

Make sure your scanner is equipped with a transparent materials adapter (TMA), which enables it to import transparent materials like slides and negatives. Unfortunately, HP doesn’t carry TMA accessories for use with HP All-in-Ones.

Only select HP scanners come with a TMA. Get a HP scanner with a TMA for scanning slides and negatives.

How to scan your photo slides and negatives

Because each scanner model is different, it is important to refer to your photo scanner’s manual for detailed instructions on scanning slides and negatives. Here we will show you how to scan slides and negatives using the HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner.

Step 1

Step 1: To get the clearest possible image from your scanner, make sure to clean the glass beforehand with a soft, lint-free cloth that has been sprayed with a mild glass cleaner.

Step 2

Step 2: Open the scanner lid and remove the Transparent Materials Adapter (TMA) cover.

Step 3

Step 3: Place your slides or negatives into the appropriate template. Follow the orientation indicated by the icons on the template.

Step 4

Step 4: Tip: If you are scanning fewer than the maximum number of negatives with the TMA, cover the empty spaces with the provided light shields to avoid letting any extra light in.

Step 5

Step 5: Place the template on the scanner glass, aligning the arrow on the template with the indicated mark on the scanner bed.

Step 6

Step 6: Close the scanner lid and press the Scan Film button (or select the Scan Film option if you’re using the HP Solution Center application on your PC).

Step 7

Step 7: In the Scanning from dialog box, click Change Settings.

Step 8

Step 8: Under Scan Shortcut Settings, select your Scan Type—either Negatives (TMA) or Slides or Positives (TMA) .

Step 9

Step 9: Under Scan To, select Save to file. Then click Scan. (If you would like to save as multiple image files, see section below, Save negatives/slides as multiple files.)

Step 10

Step 10: Under the Save Location dialog box, click Browse and enter the destination folder of your choice. Click OK and follow any on-screen instructions to finish scanning. The scan will be sent to the destination folder you selected.

Save negatives/slides as multiple files

Step 1

To adjust the cropping area to fit the first slide or negative, use your cursor to drag the corners of the frame.


Step 2

To select another slide or negative as an individual image, choose Add New Selection, located under the Add/Delete Tab.


Step 3

Once you’ve cropped your image from the larger selection of slides or negatives, it will be stored under Final Images.

Whether scanning negatives or slides, there is nothing more convenient than having your photos saved in separate files, ready to print.

Choose the location where you would like to save your images (see Step 9 from previous section). Before you scan your images, check the box Show a preview scan. Once the preview is complete, you will see a single image of your slides/negatives. To select individual slides or negatives to save as separate image files:

  1. You’ll find a dashed white line framing your photo, indicating the adjustable cropping area. Use your cursor to grab any of the small white squares on the dashed line and drag your mouse to adjust the size of the cropping area to fit the first slide or negative.

    Your cropped photo will appear in the lower right hand corner, under Final Images.

    You can fine-tune the crop and edit this image immediately (see Step 3 from previous section) or continue to select more images.

  2. To select another individual image from your group of slides or negatives, click Add New Selection. Use the cursor to crop your second image.

    Repeat until you have chosen all of your desired images.

  3. To edit an image, click on that image under Final Image. You can rotate, crop, re-size, or adjust the image’s brightness and color. You can also auto-correct the photo.

When done, click Finish. The individual images will then be scanned and sent to the file where you chose to save them.

More scanning tips

Selecting resolution

Scan photos at a higher resolution if you plan on enlarging the image.


Before and after shot of boy in football uniform

Use your scanner to restore faded color and make other photo improvements.

Following a few simple steps can make all the difference in the quality of your slide or negative scan. Remember these tips as you begin scanning:

Scan at the right resolution
When scanning slides, negatives, or photos you intend to enlarge, it's important to scan at a higher resolution, so that details are not lost when the image is blown up.

Learn more about the role of resolution when scanning photos for enlarging.

Edit your scanned images
HP Scanjet scanners come with software that makes it easy to restore faded color, adjust color and brightness, remove dust and scratches, and more.

Learn how to use scanner software to improve your photos through scanning, or enhance and edit your scanned images with Windows Live Photo Gallery.

Get an HP scanner to scan slides and negatives

To find the photo scanner that’s right for you, compare all HP offerings at the HP photo scanner buying guides.

While HP doesn’t carry TMA accessories for All-in-Ones, many HP scanners have a built-in transparent materials adapter (TMA) for scanning slides and negatives, such as:

HP Scanjet G3110 Photo Scanner

HP Scanjet G3110 Photo Scanner
$99.99

Great quality at an affordable price. You can scan four 35mm slides, five negatives, or three 4" x 6" photos at once.

HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner

HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner
$199.99

Delivers superior color accuracy, and up to 4800x9000 dpi resolution. It also has the ability to scan 16 slides or 30 negatives at once, making it perfect for building a digital image library from old photo slides and negatives, as well as other substantial scanning jobs.

Learn more