Can I scan an image from Photoshop CS4 (or another component?)

[lanstr...@adobeforums.com]

I'm new to Photoshop (used to Corel PhotoPaint where I have a command under "File" to "acquire" an image from an external scanner).

Is there a way to do it in Photoshop or do I look for another app in CS4 for that purpose?

Thanks,
Rob

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

file> import?

[Buko]

Photoshop in and of itself is not scanner software. the only scanning ability Photoshop has is through a 3rd party scanning plugin that comes with your scanner. the plugin will still access the stand alone software.

the problem with using Photoshop to scan is that you are tying up a $1000 application as a UI for a $100 scanner. seems a bit silly. just use the software that came with your scanner and use that.

Now you can keep working in Photoshop while you are scanning.

[Michael_D...@adobeforums.com]

Or better yet use VueScan from <http://www.hamrick.com>.

I have at least two minds about scanning in-program vs. in a dedicated program. Yes, using a separate program frees up Photoshop, but it also introduces the need to save interim image files. Also, some scanner software is simply horrendous. I'm thinking HP and Nikon; Canon isn't nearly as bad, but is far from good. VueScan is much better in many ways (but it may require that the maker's driver be installed, so it's still dependent on the maker), but it's far from perfect. Some have raved about Silverlight, which I haven't used.

[John Joslin]

Nobody answered the question directly. Yes, Photoshop works in the same way as Photopaint. When a scanner is installed, a menu item appears in Photoshop for aquiring images via the scanner.

Whether you use this to scan with or start up the scanner's software outside of PS all depends on the nature of the work. For the odd scan it's quicker to use the PS route. If there's a lot of scanning at regular intervals it's better not to tie up PS during scanning.

[Ping Zheng]

With an external scanner connected, you can import scanned image via File > Import > WIA Support in Photoshop

[Rob_K...@adobeforums.com]

Buko:

you are tying up a $1000 application as a UI for a $100 scanner

I don't understand this. It's like saying "Why would I tie up a 1000 euro application with a 100 euro Wacom pen?"
Would you abort the scan process when you discovered that the application is more expensive than the scanner?

Michael:

but it also introduces the need to save interim image files

Exactly. When you "pull" an image into PS, it's an image, not a file yet. Just like having opened a New image.

JJ:

Nobody answered the question directly.

I think Dave did :-P

Rob

[John Joslin]

Well yes but nobody ... etc, etc ...