Scan images into Photoshop

Last updated on Oct 5, 2026

Use a dedicated scanning application or built-in import features to digitize images.

Scanning transforms physical photographs, documents, and artwork into digital files you can edit in Adobe Photoshop. Modern scanning workflows offer multiple paths depending on your operating system and scanning needs.

The scanner manufacturer, not Adobe, supports scanner software and drivers. Before scanning, verify that you're using the latest version of your scanner software and drivers from the manufacturer's website. If you experience scanning issues, contact your scanner manufacturer for support.

For importing photos from digital cameras or mobile devices, see the separate topic on acquiring images from cameras.

Photoshop supports three primary scanning methods: using your scanner's standalone application, importing via macOS Image Capture, or importing via Windows WIA. Choose the method that best matches your operating system and workflow needs.

Scan using a standalone application

Launch your scanner's software.

Configure your scan settings, including resolution, color mode, and scan area.

Complete the scan and save the image as a TIFF to preserve quality.

In Photoshop, select File > Open and navigate to your saved TIFF file.

Tip

Using a standalone scanning application lets you edit in Photoshop while scanning more files in the background.

Some scanner apps can automatically open scanned images in Photoshop—check your scanner documentation for setup instructions.

Scan using Image Capture on macOS

Select File > Import > Images from Device.

Select your scanner from the DEVICES list.

Select Create new Photoshop document to open the scan directly in Photoshop.

Configure color mode, resolution, size, destination folder, filename, and file format.

Select Scan.

Note

If your scanner doesn't appear in the DEVICES list, verify that the scanner drivers are installed and the scanner is connected to your Mac.

Scan using WIA Support on Windows

Select File > Import > WIA Support.

Choose a destination folder for scanned files.

Select Start.

Keep Open Acquired Images in Photoshop selected unless you're scanning multiple images to edit later.

Select Unique Subfolder to organize imported images in a date-named folder.

Select your scanner from the device list.

Choose the scan type: Color Picture, Grayscale Picture, or Black And White Picture or Text.

Select Preview, then adjust the crop handles to define the scan area.

Select Scan.

Note

Select Adjust The Quality Of The Scanned Picture to access custom scanning settings before previewing.

Third-party scanning solutions

If your scanner manufacturer doesn't provide updated drivers for your operating system, third-party apps offer professional scanning features:

  • VueScan provides broad scanner compatibility and advanced scanning features
  • Silverfast offers professional-grade scanning tools and color management

These applications give you enhanced control and reliability over basic scanning interfaces. Save scanned images as TIFF files, then open them in Photoshop for editing.

TWAIN interface availability

The TWAIN plug-in is no longer supported in the currently supported versions of Photoshop. Use the scanning methods described above instead.