Freedom251 › Photo Scanning Software
SilverFast
What SilverFast is
SilverFast is scanner and digital imaging software for turning photos, slides, negatives, and Kodachromes into digital files. Its scanning tools are individually adjusted for about 340 scanner models and include guided steps through WorkflowPilot, color management, scanner-specific color profiles, NegaFix negative profiles, dust and scratch removal, and automatic or manual image optimization. Ai Studio adds automatic IT8 color calibration, while edition features also include expert controls and a 16-bit histogram.
For archiving, the Archive Suite can save captured scans as RAW files, which may retain an infrared channel for later dust and scratch removal. SilverFast HDR handles scanned and other digital images; HDR Studio supports 64-bit/48-bit image data and tools for color restoration, exposure compensation, sharpening, color management, and dust and scratch removal. JobManager can sequence multiple scan frames and batch-optimize existing scans. SilverFast runs on Windows and macOS as standalone software or a Photoshop plug-in, and output formats include TIFF and JPEG2000. Free demo software is available to check system compatibility before purchase. SilverFast 9 requires a 64-bit system, at least 8 GB RAM, an internet connection, and a MySilverFast account.
Who it suits
SilverFast suits photographers and others digitizing film or prints, from beginners using guided workflows to professionals who need image-processing controls. It may also fit users who want to archive scans or batch-process frames, provided their scanner supports the needed hardware-dependent features.
What it does well
- Scanner software is adjusted for about 340 models.
- WorkflowPilot guides users through image-processing tasks.
- RAW archiving may preserve an infrared channel.
- JobManager sequences frames and batch-optimizes scans.
- Works standalone or as a Photoshop plug-in.
- Free demo software is available.
What to know first
- Paid software; plans start at $49, paid once.
- Some dust removal and Multi-Exposure features depend on scanner hardware.
- SilverFast 9 requires at least 8 GB RAM and an internet connection.
Limits
SilverFast SE is $49, paid once and includes the basic edition, Scan Assistant, one-click optimization, film and color profiles, and help videos. Some functions, including infrared dust removal and Multi-Exposure, require scanner hardware support.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SilverFast SE | BASIC edition · Scan Assistant · One-Click Image Optimization · Film and Color Profiles · Help Videos | $49, paid once |
| SilverFast SE Plus | PLUS edition · SE features · Maximum Dynamic Range for Film · Kodachrome Mode · More Details in Dark Areas | $99, paid once |
| SilverFast Ai Studio | PREMIUM edition · IT8 Color Calibration · Expert Mode · Film and Color Profiles · 16bit Histogram | On request |
As silverfast.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://www.silverfast.com/.
- Download the free demo to check system compatibility.
- Use a supported 64-bit Windows 7-or-later or macOS 10.13-or-later system with at least 8 GB RAM.
- Create a MySilverFast account and ensure an internet connection.
- Choose a paid edition, then use SilverFast standalone or as a Photoshop plug-in.
Verdict
Choose SilverFast if you need scanning tools tailored to your scanner, guided processing, or RAW scan archiving. Look elsewhere if your scanner lacks support for the features you need, or if the listed system requirements do not suit your computer.
Questions
How much does SilverFast cost?
SilverFast SE is $49, paid once, SE Plus is $99, paid once, and Ai Studio is listed at $249,349, paid once.
Is there a free plan or trial?
There is no free plan. The maker offers free demo software to check system compatibility before purchase.
Which platforms does SilverFast support?
It supports Windows and macOS. SilverFast 9 requires a 64-bit Windows 7-or-later or macOS 10.13-or-later system.
Can it be used with Photoshop?
Yes. SilverFast can run as standalone software or as a Photoshop plug-in; SilverFast 9 supports current Photoshop CC and Photoshop Elements versions on a current operating system.
What does SilverFast do with RAW scans?
The Archive Suite can save captured scans as RAW image files, which may include the infrared channel for later dust and scratch removal.
Who makes SilverFast?
LaserSoft Imaging makes SilverFast and is headquartered in Kiel, Germany.
Facts from SilverFast's own pages
- Archiving
- SilverFast can save captured image data in RAW files, which may include the infrared channel for later dust and scratch removal. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The software is developed for both professional image processing and beginners digitizing analog images. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Batch processing
- JobManager can process multiple scan frames in sequence and batch-optimize images that have already been scanned. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Calibration
- Automatic IT8 color calibration is included in Ai Studio. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Company
- LaserSoft Imaging was founded in 1986, and its headquarters is in Kiel, Germany. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1986 · silverfast.com, 28 Sept 2026
- HDR workflow
- HDR Studio uses 64-bit/48-bit image data and supports color restoration, color management, exposure compensation, sharpening, and dust and scratch removal. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Kiel, Germany · silverfast.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Image processing
- SilverFast HDR handles already scanned images and other digital images, but does not support proprietary RAW data formats. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Image tools
- Features include color management, individual scanner profiles, NegaFix negative profiles, automatic and manual optimization, and dust and scratch removal. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- SilverFast can run as stand-alone software or as a Photoshop plug-in. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Notable limits
- Some features, including infrared dust removal and Multi-Exposure, depend on scanner hardware support. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Other integration
- The HDR product overview lists ColorServer as an optional image-processing add-on and JobMonitor as a SilverFast iPhone app. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Photoshop integration
- SilverFast is available as stand-alone software or as a Photoshop plug-in, and SilverFast 9 supports plug-in use with current Photoshop CC and Photoshop Elements versions on a current operating system. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- SilverFast is available for Mac and Windows; the maker lists support for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs and 64-bit Windows systems for version 9. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SilverFast scanner software is individually adjusted for about 340 scanner models to digitize analog images. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- RAW archiving
- The Archive Suite can save scans as RAW image files with captured data that may include the infrared channel. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Scanner compatibility
- SilverFast says supported scanner models have been tested, and compatibility depends on the scanner and operating system. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Scanning features
- Scanner software features include WorkflowPilot, color management, scanner-specific color profiles, dust and scratch removal, NegaFix, and automatic and manual optimization tools. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The reviewed product, download, system requirements, and company pages do not state a security certification or compliance standard. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- SilverFast provides a Help Center, FAQs, video tutorials, manuals, and a support tool. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Support data handling
- The optional support tool sends technical data with a support request using SSL encryption to help the support team analyze errors. · silverfast.com, 8 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- SilverFast 9 requires a 64-bit Windows 7-or-later or macOS 10.13-or-later system, at least 8 GB RAM, an internet connection, and a MySilverFast account. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The maker offers demo software so users can check system compatibility and explore SilverFast features before buying. · silverfast.com, 9 Oct 2026
Where SilverFast stands on Freedom251
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