Why do I have to login?
Where do I get the login data?

The software can be installed on several workstations. However, this license only authorizes use on a single computer at a time; For multiple use, e.g. with several scanners or on different computers at the same time, additional licenses are required accordingly.

For more information, including on how many systems a license can be active and how often the activation can be switched, please refer to our license conditions.

Here you can find help on how to switch active systems.

Please check if you're scanner is on the list of supported scanners.
There's also information given on supported operating systems, interfaces, specific features, and further pieces of information.
If you're scanner isn't on the list, is it still supported, anyhow? No, it isn't, and it cannot be run with another SilverFast version completely. The list is always up to date. If it's not on it, it is not supported.

If your scanner is supported, you're invited to download a demo version of SilverFast for free!

We have compiled a complete feature-by-version list.
To learn more about a specific feature, please see its dedicate web page.

Please do. With a SilverFast demo version you can easily assure yourself that everything works satifactorily before buying anything. You are able to explore the many features of SilverFast.
If you already own a previous version of SilverFast SE/Ai you will have to delete your serial number using the service dialog to test the corosponding SE Plus or Ai Studio version.

Our online store will give you not only the regular prices, but also a quote if you already have a SilverFast version.
If in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact our sales staff via phone or email.

If you want to use SilverFast on a PowerPC machine, we can offer our well proven SilverFast version 6.6 scanner software.

Please contact our staff in order to clarify matters.
If you've received an invoice number, please state it in your request.

Please don't expect software being sent to you.
Instead, use the serial number you've been provided by email to access the download section of our website.

Of course, please state your invoice number.

A replacement CDROM can be provided for a service charge.
Please explicitely state what scanner this is for and your SilverFast serial number.
Get your new CD here.

Please give the SilverFast serial number you're trying to download with.
Time and date when you tried might prove helpful for us to identify the problem.

To use devices from Braun, Microtek, Pacific Image Electronics, Plustek, Reflecta, and Quato, the installation of device drivers is required. There are two ways to install these drivers:

1. Automatic installation (internet connection required)
If the SilverFast Installer finds an online connection, it will automatically download and install the latest drivers for you. If you cannot provide an internet connection for the installation program, please install the drivers as described under point 2. If you have established an internet connection after having started the installer, please restart the installation program.


2. Manual installation
If no internet connection is available for the installation, please install the device drivers manually before starting SilverFast. Installing these drivers is necessary for SilverFast being able to recognize your scanner as the image source.


2.1 Download device drivers:
You will find the device drivers on our driver download website:

Plustek:https://download.silverfast.com/sf8/drivers/mac/Plustek.zip

Microtek:https://download.silverfast.com/sf8/drivers/mac/Microtek.zip

Braun/Reflecta/Pacific Image Electronics:https://download.silverfast.com/sf8/drivers/mac/AFL.zip

Quato:https://download.silverfast.com/sf8/drivers/mac/Quato.zip
Please download the drivers from our website and unpack them by double-clicking.


2.2 Copy device drivers to:
Please copy the extracted folder into the specified folder in the Library directory of your operating system.
e.g.: OSX 10.14 Mojave⁩ ▸ ⁨Library⁩ ▸ ⁨Application Support⁩ ▸ ⁨LaserSoft Imaging⁩ ▸ ⁨Support Files
The final folder structure should look like this:
e.g.: OSX 10.14 Mojave⁩ ▸ ⁨Library⁩ ▸ ⁨Application Support⁩ ▸ ⁨LaserSoft Imaging⁩ ▸ ⁨Support Files ▸ ⁨Plustek
OSX 10.14 Mojave⁩ ▸ ⁨Library⁩ ▸ ⁨Application Support⁩ ▸ ⁨LaserSoft Imaging⁩ ▸ ⁨Support Files ▸ ⁨Microtek
OSX 10.14 Mojave⁩ ▸ ⁨Library⁩ ▸ ⁨Application Support⁩ ▸ ⁨LaserSoft Imaging⁩ ▸ ⁨Support Files ▸ ⁨Quato
OSX 10.14 Mojave⁩ ▸ ⁨Library⁩ ▸ ⁨Application Support⁩ ▸ ⁨LaserSoft Imaging⁩ ▸ ⁨Support Files ▸ ⁨AFL

When starting the SilverFast installer on OS X/macOS you might encounter the following information window.


This is a security information from Apple to raise awareness on the state of the included software certificate. The Installer is of cause fully usable and save. It was only downloaded or created before Apple's certificate update day.

To obtain an installer with a current certificate simply download the update here from our website again and install that.

Current Apple computers provide a modern Thunderbolt connection. This port is fully USB-C 3.1/FireWire compatible and is therefore suitable for connecting scanners. A compatible adapter cable is required for the connection.


In case of problems, please check first if your scanner is shown in the macOS system report. The device must be displayed there in the Hardware/USB or FireWire section.
(Apple Symbol -> About this Mac -> System Report...)

If the scanner is not displayed there, please check if the device is instead displayed as a different device that you do not know. This could be a hard disk for example. If this is the case, your adapter does not meet the necessary requirements for connecting a scanner.

Please note that the USB-C ports on current MacBooks require two or more adapters to support FireWire. If you encounter any difficulties, please disconnect and reconnect the adapters.

macOS High Sierra currently has an issue when installing directly from a DVD.
To solve this simply download and install the latest update from our website. Our updates are always full installation files.
Alternatively you can copy the installation file from the DVD to your desktop and execute it from there.

Please make sure that the most recent updates are installed for all your SilverFast versions. Each module for the relevant scanner(s) must be downloaded and installed separately.

The best solution is to use the automated update feature. This can be found in the welcome window's service dialog.

Please make sure: - that Apple Bonjour is installed on your system. - that the JobMonitor is activated in the welcome screen's service dialog. - that both your iOS device and your computer are on the same network. - that your firewall is configured to allow network access by SilverFast.

more movies

Please take a look on this webpage for more information on Windows 10 support.

The drivers for various scanners are not signed for Windows 8. They can be installed anyway using the linked instructions.

The drivers for various scanners are not signed for Windows 8.1. They can be installed anyway using the linked instructions.

Please make sure, that the most recent updates are installed for all your SilverFast versions. When installing manually, each module must be downloaded and installed separately.

The best solution is to use the automated update feature. This can be found in the welcome window's service dialog.

Some manufacturers currently only offer 32bit drivers.
These can be installed on Windows 64bit but can not be access by SilverFast 64bit versions.
Please download the SilverFast 32bit version from our Update area.
Please make sure you select the 32bit version of your operating system.
This for example currently concerns:
- Plustek OpticFilm devices:
OF 7200i
- the Quatographic Intelli Scan 5000,
- and the Epson Perfection 2400 / 2400 Photo /GT-9300UF.

An list of supported scanners and operating systems is visible here.

On newer OS X systems the ICA driver gets loaded automatically by the operating system. This can prevent SilverFast from accessing the device. The behavior can be avoided by disabling the EPSON Scanner Monitor through the OS X activity monitor or uninstalling the ICA driver.

Alternatively you can start the EPSON Scan utility and use it to switch the scanner to the TWAIN interface. The dialog should come up automatically when ICA is in use.

Please make sure your Epson scanner is connected directly to an USB port only and do not use a USB-hub or USB-extension.

These devices use a fix focus lens system. The focus depends on the chosen scan mode. The normal transparency mode focuses at the hight of the film holders. The wide transparency and reflective modes place the focus at the surface of the glass plane.

When using the film holders it is further possible to adjust the hight of the film holder.

Make sure you have selected a sufficient resolution.

The scanner status window shows "Error from Nikon".

Please send me an e-mail to my registered account.

We can send you an e-mail containing your serial information. The link below will open a contact form. Please send us your registered name and e-mail.

Please contact us through the link below.

Please send us your old and new e-Mail through the form following the link below.

Please unmount any external file mounts. The limited rights SilverFast uses do not allow the search of these. This might keep SilverFast from finding the CD if it comes later in the search queue.

I require an alternative way to install and download my SilverFast version.

Solution: Please exchange your 32 digit reseller key for a 30 digit SilverFast Serial.

If your computer is connected to the internet, you can use the "Automatic Activation" (or deactivation). Otherwise, you can either get the necessary code on our website or you give us a call (+49 431 56 00 9 0, Mo-Fr 8.30-12.30 and 13.30-17.30 MET).

I already have a SilverFast 8 serial.
How do I update my SilverFast 6 verison?

Please directly install SilverFast 8.
It is a completely new software and no direct update from SilverFast 6.
No SilverFast 6 installation is required for the new SilverFast 8.
You can install it (except for Nikon Scanners) but you do not have to.

HDR(i) ^RAW files are being saved using gamma 1.0.

The manufacturers give advice on this so the scans are correctly aligned.
However, we generally recommend that you put the emulsion side down and rotate / mirror the image in SilverFast if necessary. The reason is to prevent dust from settling on the emulsion side, which is very difficult to clean.
You can easily identify the emulsion side. It is generally more dull and can show structure. The non-emulsion side is generally more shiny and flat.

When upgrading to a new generation, Photoshop does not automatically move the installed plug-ins to the new version.

Upcoming installation files for LaserSoft Imaging products will take this into account and install plug-ins in Photoshop CC 2019 as well.

It is also possible to manually move the plug-ins. Therefore, the entries can simply be copied or moved from an older Photoshop installation into the plug-in directory of the current version. The plug-ins folder is located directly in the installation folder of the respective Photoshop version, for example:
For Windows:
C:/Applications/Photoshop CC 2019/Plug-ins
For macOS:
/Applications/Photoshop CC 2019/Plug-ins

Some users have reported, that the PrinTao version, which is embedded in SilverFast 8, can not print under certain circumstances.

A solution is already available. Please contact our support and we will provide it to you. Of cause this will also be solved in our next regular update.

From OS X 10.6 some printer drivers no longer allow to deactivate the color management. However, this is essential for printing the Printer Calibration target. In SilverFast you can easily chose if your scanner allows this or not. Please check your printer manufacturer's website weather the color management can be deactivated for your printer or not. For some printers a special driver must be installed for this to be possible.

You can select how to print the target here:


For the optimal way of disabling your printer's color management please select the first option:

Information on exactly how to deactivate color management can be found in your printer's manual.

In case disabling the color management is not possible select the second option:

This option will require the following settings:
- open the option Color Matching in the printer settings.
- activate ColorSync.
- select Other Profiles.
- search for Wide Gamut RGB Profile and select it.
- select your paper type, output quality and resolution as usual.

Now you are ready to print a Printer Calibration target and to continue with the calibration process.

There can be various reasons for stripes in an image.

1. Equally spaced, thick, red or blue lines.

Your SilverFast version might be using an outdated license.
- Open the Welcome screen's Service dialog
- Click the Reset SN and quit button
- Restart SilverFast and enter your most recent serial number

2. Fuzzy grey lines

These are most likely the result of dust on the lamp or sensor. Please consult your scanner's manual or manufacturer support on how to clean the device.

3. Fine, colored lines

These can be the result of electrical interference, especially from fluorescent lights, freezers, air conditioner, air fan, or similar devices.
Power strips with overvoltage protection can help to prevent this.
However, in some cases such stripes might be the result of a damaged device.

Lists all your settings for your currently active scan-frame.

The Prescan obtains a fast scan image from the scanner which allows you to make all your settings.

This is the first step to a scan in SilverFast SE, SEPlus and Ai Studio.

Available options depend on scanner model:

reflective for paper and other opaque materials. Only available on flatbed devices.
transparency for scanning slides and film.
wide transparency for scanning large slides and film. (Available only on certain EPSON scanners.)

Positive for scanning slides and reflective media.
Kodachrome for scanning Kodachrome slides. (only available in transparency mode.)
Negative for converting negatives into positives using NegaFix. (only available in transparency mode.)

Clicking this button zooms into the active scan-frame or back to the full view.

Holding the command(Mac)/Ctrl(PC) key and left mouse button allows you to drag a box around an area to zoom into.

The histogram allows you to manually adjust the highlights, shadows and midtones.
If necessary it also allows you to set the color space compression and adjust the color cast removal strength (CCR).

Depending on your version of SilverFast you can select various ways to display the histogram. The main area of the histogram shows the distribution of the color values throughout the image. Below it you can drag the markers for the shadows, mid-tones and highlights. In the expert settings you can select the colorspace compression and set the color cast removal(CCR) value more movies

Used for rotating and flipping the entire workplace and.
The tool for the rotation of individual frames on a flatbed is located in the densitometer expert settings.

- selecting resolution
- improving sharpness
- reducing noise
- optimizing Dynamic Range

The Frame menu allows you to access all tools used for creating, saving, loading, copying and deleting frames.
which tools are available depend on your version of SilverFast.

It allows you to automatically create frames using the automatic find frames option.
On devices which can handle several frames (like flatbed devices) it allows you to easily copy settings to all frames from the selected frame to all others.

In SilverFast Ai Studio it further allows you to save and load settings for a frame and even use them as default for all frames you create.
This for example includes the resolution and the settings for all active tools.

The pipette tool allows you to manually select the highlights and shadows in your image and remove color casts.

To remove a color cast simply open the pipette tool and select the neutral point pipette.
Now click on the an area in your image which should be a neutral grey.
SilverFast will use this information to remove the color cast.
SilverFast Ai Studio allows to set up to 4 neutral points for an even more precise correction.

Using the 4 point pipette in Ai Studio:
Using the single point pipette:	more movies

The USM tool allows you to sharpen your images. To view your changes in the preview window please activate the 1:1 preview in the USM dialog.

more movies

48->24 Bit is the standard option used for .jpg images and most standard image files.

The edge contrast defines the actual resolution an individual device can obtain.
This value varies from the given physical resolution due to several physical effects.
This knowledge allows you to select the most efficient resolution for your scans.
Obtaining the best resolution and sharpness while limiting scan time.
LaserSoft Imaging offers the USAF resolution target to measure this resolution.
It allows you to measure your scanner's best resolution and to set the optimal USM values for a certain resolution.

More information on the USAF can be found here on our website.

These targets can also be purchased in our onlineshop.

For more information please visit our movie page.
Here you will find our movies on setting the resolution for your SilverFast product.

The Selective Color Correction (Selective CC) allows you to select individual color values and adjust them.

For greyscale mode this tool is replaced by the Selective Color to Grey (SC2G) tool.

Simply click on the center circle and the pick a color from your image. Now you can edit the colour value by dragging the small black circles or by changing the HSL(Hue, Saturation, Luminescence) values. The Expert mode allows you to limit the changes by adding a mask. You change between 6 colour and 12 colour editing mode. And use presets for the individual color channels. In SilverFast Ai Studio you can use up to four individual layers for masks with individual settings. more movies

Removes print screen from reflective material. This tool is only available for flatbed devices in reflective mode. In case this tool does not work as expected, please check the entered screen value.

more movies

The focus tool is only available if the scanner offers a focus function. Which options are available also depends on the functions your scanner offers. Scanners with a fix-focus unit do not offer this tool. Manual Focus Control Please refer to our movie and PDF manual to learn how to use the manual focus control.

Documentation more movies

The WorkflowPilot offers various goal-orientated, pre-set guided workflows.
It is meant as a trainig/tutorial tool to learn necessary steps in creating an image.
SilverFast Ai Studio additionally allows you to create your own workflows in the SilverFast preferences.

Follow this link for a list of available workflows.

The standard PDF output creates a single page PDF.

On flatbed devices you can use the print function or PrinTao to create a multi-page PDF.

On single frame and feeder scanners multi-page PDFs are only available through external tools.

Make sure transparency mode is selected.
In cas that is not possible follow the above link (headline).

The transparency selection(s) do not appear when I click the reflective button.

I can not select Negative and Kodachrome modes.

This also allows the creation of new frames using custom settings.

The meta data in SilverFast is written using the IPTC NAA-/IIM-Standard.
According to this standard the tags are written correctly.
Photoshop however uses its own format for metadata called IPTC XMP.
Unfortunately this causes Photoshop to show some tags incorrectly.

Solution: Make sure you are using the correct NegaFix profile and that your scan frame is placed tightly around the image.
No unexposed film material is allowed inside the scan frame as long as the NegaFix automatic is active.

I require an alternative way to install and download my SilverFast version.

Please check if your scanner is listed on the following page.

You might want to use the website search feature.

If none of the above applies to your case please check the following:

Is your scanner directly connected to your computer?
Please do not use a hub or extension cable for your USB/FireWire connection.

Do you have any other devices attached which might cause a conflict?
This often is the case with other imaging devices. (other scanners, cameras, multi function printers, graphic tablets,...) We also get an increasing number of reports about external hard drives causing issues.

In case you have any such devices attached please make a test after disconnecting them.

Answere: Go to the option's CMS setting.
For most uses the settings should read:
Input -> Internal: ICM/ColorSync
Internal -> Monitor: ICM/ColorSync
Internal -> Output: RGB

Solution: The output colorspace is selcted in the option's CMS setting.
Below: "Profiles for ICM/ColorSync" select your intended profile in the "internal" pull down menu.

Solution: You might be scanning Kodachrome images. Please try using the Kodachrome scan mode in the general tab.

Solution: The SE Colormanagement is always active.

This is the case e.g. when SilverFast came bundled with your product.
Be administrator, insert CDROM, then retry.
Click headline above for detailed instructions.

You won't have a SilverFast CDROM, but were sent an email with a specific first name, last name combination to use when trying to serialize the software.
Click headline above to contact us.

It is most essential that you exactly describe why you're unsatisfied with the scan results. So please don't simply say "unacceptable", but "unacceptable, because I expected them to look like ..., but instead they look like ..., although I tried to ... and ...".
Be concise, but the better you're description, the better we can assist you.