How to Capture Images Using Scansnap iX500 Scanner for Quicklist+

For capturing a large number of card images quickly, we recommend using an automatic document feeding scanner that is designed to process thicker cardstock.

There are a number of scanner options in the market to choose from. While no longer produced, a commonly used model is the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 which many sellers have used to quickly create scans of their cards. While this model is discontinued, we find that it works well for quickly scanning cards and we expect that the below configuration guide for the ScanSnap Home software will work for other ScanSnap models.

One of the applications that comes with all Fujitsu scanners is ScanSnap Home. You’ll want to make sure that it’s installed on the computer connected to your scanner.

Hardware Modifications

Like all automatic document scanners that “touch” your cards, the iX500 carries a risk of damaging your cards. This damage is caused by the machine dragging your cards across the surface of the scanner, and can generally be attributed to one of these two issues:

1. One of the raised plastic edges scratching the card
2. Dust or debris in the scanner scratching the card

It’s important to keep your machine clean and free of debris, and there are some simple modifications you can make to your machine to minimize the risk of the plastic edges scratching your cards.

Please be aware that these modifications may not prevent all types of damage and could potentially harm your machine.

Proceed at your own risk.

Lift the cover on your ScanSnap machine. This is what it looks like below (iX500 model):

The easiest and most non-invasive technique is to use paper and/or tape to cover the plastic ridges as shown below.

While the tape solution generally works well, it’s also temporary as the tape will wear over time and will need to be replaced.

A more permanent solution is to use a dremel tool or sandpaper to sand down the plastic edges.

Please note that these steps are not guaranteed to prevent damage, but have been used to great success by many members of our community.

One-Time Setup: Configuring Your Scans

Before you start scanning, we recommend setting up your scanning configuration for optimal output. You should only need to do this once.

When you open Scansnap Home, you’ll see the screen like the below. You can either modify an existing profile, or create a new one. In this tutorial, I’ll create a new profile.

Click “Add New Profile”

Next, you will see a dialog to add a new profile:

For each of the items numbered above:

1. Select “Scan to Folder”
2. Provide an appropriate profile name, ie: “Quicklist+ Scans”
3. Select “All sheets will be scanned as photos” under “Document type detection”
4. For scanning side, select “Simplex”
5. Choose an appropriate folder for your scans by selecting the “Browse” button

Next, click on “Detailed Settings”.

Under detailed settings, navigate to the “File Size” tab and choose “Medium” and then press “OK”.

You are returned to the configuration screen. Now, just click “Add”.

Your new profile is created! Ensure that this profile is active in the ScanSnap Home software anytime you are scanning your cards.

Scanning with ScanSnap Home

1. Turn on and connect your scanner to your computer
2. Open the ScanSnap Software
3. Place your cards in the scanner (no more than 20-30 at a time)
4. Click the large blue “Scan” button
5. Once complete, you will see a preview dialog on your screen. You can rename the files, or you can simply press save if the auto-naming is acceptable
   • Note, you can further configure auto-naming in the ScanSnap settings!
6. ScanSnap Home will automatically open the destination folder where the images were saved

You now have a folder of card images that you can easily import into Quicklist+!