How-To: Install a Scanner on Mac OSX with SANE
Mar.04, 2008 in
mac osx
Recently we found that the drivers for our Scanner (Epson LP-A500) are either not supported on Leopard or don’t work. So we set about trying to work out how we could scan directly from our Mac (instead of running a windows server/VM to do the job).
The answer is SANE – Scanner Access Now Easy. To be able to use a whole range of Scanners directly from your Mac, do the following:
- Install libusb from here
- Install the SANE Backend from here
- Install the SANE interface from here
- Open ImageCapture (it works in Photoshop too)
- Click Devices => Browse Devices
- Click SANE => Use TWAIN UI
- You’re ready to scan!
June 11th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Thanks! This is what I was looking for, an easy guide to installing my scanner. I use a CanoScan N1220U, and it works the same.
I was able to use the scanner in Photoshop at step 4 by going to File => Import => SANE
August 12th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Thank you, that’s just brilliant and a scan-saver!
December 10th, 2008 at 4:43 am
[...] came to the rescue as usual and showed me a post of MacDaddy (who happens to be my kid brother), TechThought and InsanelyMac about installing TWAIN SANE to keep you [...]
February 8th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Hi
I was trying to install the sane drivers and when i try to install libusb and it checks my system it tells me that i need to install Mac OS X 10.5 SDK forst…..How do i go about that? I find a bunch of SDK’s but not one with that name…..How do i go about fixing this problem?
Thanks
Matt
March 15th, 2009 at 10:57 am
OK, so I’m stuck. I have installed the “libusb” and “backend” just fine…but the “sane interface” doesn’t seem to have an installer like the other downloads. Am I missing something? All I see is a an unpackaged folder with the following inside:
build.sh
pkg (folder)
src (folder)
So how the hell do i install this “interface” ? Can I copy the “pkg” folder into the user library or something? HELP please!!
BH
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 am
GREAT!!! thanks a lot!
May 31st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Woah incredible! Thanks SO much, now i don’t have to throw my scanner into landfill despite it working totally fine…
June 11th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Well, that’s too bad… everything installed without a hitch, but SANE doesn’t even see my HP scanner. Screw you, HP!
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:30 am
You just saved my life…
July 12th, 2009 at 4:11 am
Works, but the scanning is dreadfully slow. Using a canon n1220u.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Thank you thank you! I was struggling to install my old canoscan fb 630u on my new macbook pro aluminum and dealing with the whole native mode thing since I don’t have photoshop and I’m spared!
September 21st, 2009 at 3:54 am
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September 21st, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Excellent! Thanks!
November 18th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I can use my Canon 1220u scanner again in Snow Leopard! Installing in order was a bit crazy, but after multiple attempts, it worked! Thanks!
January 15th, 2010 at 6:31 am
Hi, I follow the instructions to install SANE in Leopard and I can see mi HP ScanJet 6300c now, until now everything is ok.
BUT… the scanner do not respond even with Image Capture.
I do not know what to do.
Help !!!
January 19th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Hi!
Does this work to connect a Canon iR3300 to a Mac on an intranet?
Thanks!
January 19th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Where can I find the SANE file in the library, so it works with Photoshop? And where do I find SANE in the Photoshop meny? (OS X)