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EDITOR NOTES
The Download Now link yields the Snow-Leopard version. For versions compatible with earlier versions of the operating system, see Related Links below.
DESCRIPTION
TWAIN SANE is a TWAIN datasource for Mac OS X that acquires images using the SANE backend libraries. The SANE backend libraries provide access to a large range of scanners connected through SCSI or USB. For a complete list see the documentation on the SANE project homepage. It works with my HP SCSI scanner, and many people have reported success with a large number of different scanners. The feedback from users have helped the SANE developers to fix problems with various backends, so with each release of the SANE backends more of the Mac OS X specific problems have been solved.
I have tested it together with the GraphicConverter, Image Capture, OmniPage and Microsoft Word applications, but it should work with other applications using TWAIN as well. The TWAIN SANE Interface works with Image Capture starting with TWAIN SANE Interface version 1.0.
The TWAIN SANE Interface is provided as a binary package and as source code. To use the interface you only have to install the binary package. Before installing the TWAIN SANE Interface package you should install the libusb and the sane-backends binary packages.
There is also a optional SANE Preference Pane package available, which makes it easier to configure the sane-backends drivers. If you don�t install this package you can still configure the sane-backends using a text editor in the Terminal.
If you have trouble making it work, please consult the list of frequently asked questions: http://www.ellert.se/twain-sane/faq.html
WHAT'S NEW
Version 2.8:
- This is the same as version 2.7, except the installation check looks for libusb 0.x instead of libusb 1.0.
- Packages compiled using the following SDKs: 10.4u, 10.5, 10.6
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
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| TWAIN SANE User Reviews (11 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Oct 24 2009 |
DOKTER_MAC I'm so happy this software excist! This solved all my issues with outdated scanner drivers in just a few minutes! With SANE I can now use my first Agfa Scanner again on my newest Intel iMac or my PowerMac G5! This scanner was one of the first USB devices that I bought for my rev.a iMac back in 1998 ;-). The scanner is still in very good shape but the drivers and software where never updated since 10.1 or so... With SANE all this is solved. And for free!!! Thank you so much for this great work of art! I'm using the software on Tiger, Leopard and now Snow Leopard and it never let me down. It just works everytime. Talking about great support, this is great support! Always up to date since it already runs fine without any issues on Snow Leopard!!! I can use SANE with VueScan or my latest Agfa Scanner software from 2002. The Agfa software recognizes my scanner again and is simple to use, like I used to do for years... VueScan also recognizes my scanner and works great with SANE. 5 starts from me for this great software that never let me down on three OS X versions and two architectures. And it's free! With regards.
(Version 2.8) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Oct 20 2009 |
ESCHW95458 I have used twain sane for awhile now. (Since 10.4) but I have been unable to get this to work in 10.6. I have downloaded all the newest files and loaded them to no avail. (Even on a clean install) I also emailed the developer, but did not receive any response. I can scan from the command line, but when I use the Twain Sane interface via Image Capture, it starts the scan, and appears to get the scan ( I can see the image in the window) but that is as far as it gets. Locks up - spinning beach-ball. Hopefully someone will have a solution.
(Version 2.8) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Sep 6 2009 |
PIZZACAKE I've just tried v2.7 packages on 10.6 however it hasn't worked for me. Twain Sane used to work on 10.5 but the same configuration doesn't work on 10.6. Fortunately I dual boot (using refit efi boot menu) with Ubuntu 9.04 (fast startup, shutdown) on my MacBook 1.1 and my Canon CanoScan N670U works out the box with the SANE application that is preinstalled. The Linux application offers many more options and does a great job. For Scanners which aren't Mac supported I suggest this alternative. Afterwards simply copy the files onto a usb stick and transfer into Mac OS X.
(Version 2.7) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 7 2009 |
CHARLESPICKRELL When I ran sane-find-scanner from the terminal there seemed to be an issue where my USB devices are unable to be enumerated properly. 'could not fetch string descriptor: Other error' I'll take a stab that libusb may not be working properly. That or I just can't follow the directions. Great concept though, I'd really like to use the scanning interfaces in 10.6.
(Version 2.7) | |
| Sep 11 2009 |
CHARLESPICKRELL Mattias sent me this build to test with and it worked perfectly with 10.6. It is wonderful to see someone donating their time for getting so little in return. Thank you!
(Version 2.8) | |
| Jun 21 2009 |
CHAWYA22 Finally able to use my CanoScan 656u scanner with Paperless that I received in the recent Macupdate promo. Excellent Job. Can't figure out why Canon didn't address the Twain OS X driver issue years ago. Go figure!
(Version 2.6) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Sep 4 2008 |
DAMON LAW Installation is clunky. Works like charm after the 30 button clicks it takes to install everything.
(Version 2.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Aug 12 2008 |
CITIZENVERN THANK YOU! to the great people behind Twain Sane! I guess you are smarter than everyone at Canon, Epson, HP, Adobe, etc, etc. etc., combined, because they can't seem to make their product work, but you did! We can't count on the manufacturers to support their products, so you guys are my my scanner's new heroes! You just saved it from terminal contact with my wall! As for the product: A little rough around the edges compared to VueScan & Silverfast but potent and powerful. It works, and WITHIN Photoshop CS3 even! My check is "in the mail"!
(Version 2.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| May 18 2008 |
JIM57 Is there a way to convert SCSI to USB, or another method to use an old (but great) Epson Scanner? Hope I can make this work.
(Version 2.4) | |
| [ 5 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| May 18 2008 |
MACUPDATE ADMIN There are SCSI to USB connector converters, yes, google this: SCSI to USB
(Version 2.4) | |
| May 18 2008 |
JIM57 Will these convertors work with OSX?
(Version 2.4) | |
| May 18 2008 |
MACUPDATE ADMIN They're hardware, not software, so they should work fine. Of course, you have to investigate which manufacturers state that their adapter/converters work with OS X. Belkin is a reputable manufacturer of such devices, pretty sure they have a SCSI to USB device that will work.
(Version 2.4) | |
| May 18 2008 |
MACUPDATE ADMIN And regarding the compatibility of TWAIN SANE and your scanner, be sure to check here: http://www.sane-project.org/sane-supported-devices.html
(Version 2.4) | |
| May 18 2008 |
MACFENTON If you can't find the converter with Belkin, here's a couple of places that might have one: http://www.usbstuff.com OR Hope this helps.
(Version 2.4) | |
| May 12 2008 |
PEEDEEBEE My old scanner is an Epson Perfection 636U. It's a good one, but for some reason, Epson never made a driver for OSX. I could use it with ImageCapture, but when I installed Leopard, it wouldn't work anymore. It became obsolete. Now with Twain Sane, it works with ImageCapture. It is obsolete no more. Larry Klein is right--there are many parts to install, but if you do so in the right order, it works just fine.
(Version 2.3) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| May 11 2008 |
TOURNESOL It sees my Canon Scan LIDE and the scan head moves for the preview, but nothing shows and the scan button is never highlighted.
(Version 2.3) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| May 11 2008 |
MACUPDATE ADMIN Have you checked this page: http://www.ellert.se/twain-sane/faq.html
(Version 2.3) | |
| May 11 2008 |
TOURNESOL Yes, thanks. It seems that my scanner just simply isn't supported.
(Version 2.3) | |
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| View all 11 posts >> |
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