How to Convert Photo Negatives on My Computer

Scanning photo negatives into your computer gives you the security of protecting and saving your images and greater creativity in displaying them. Once you have made your negatives digital, you'll be able to edit photos on your computer, print them from home or display them in digital frames. Converting photo negatives to digital images requires a negative scanner and software.

Things You'll Need

• Photo negative
• Negative scanner with carrier

Instructions

1. Connect and install your negative scanner and any accompanying software. Turn on the scanner and make sure the software is running.

2. Open the negative carrier included with your scanner. Fit your negative into the carrier, aligning the sprocket holes with the pegs in the carrier. You might need to trim the negative to fit the carrier; be careful not to trim your image. Close the negative carrier securely, making sure the negative is not pinched or wrinkled.

3. Gently insert the negative carrier into the scanner. Press the scanning button on the scanner or use the software to acquire the images. The procedure will vary based on your scanner's make and model. Once the negatives are scanned, save them to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Negative scanners are included with many flatbed scanners. Check to see if yours has this feature.

References

• # Smart Computing: How To Scan Film Negatives & Slides, Special Considerations & Techniques
• # HP.com: Scan 35mm photo slides and negatives
• # ScanCafe: Doing It Yourself