The XSane scanner front-end for Linux
SCANNING HELP
The Sane interface provides access to image processing devices such as scanners. You can manage your Sane-supported scanner from Linux with the handy XSane front-end.
A scanner sometimes comes bundled with free software you can use for operating the device. Unfortunately, the software often only runs on Windows or (maybe) Windows and OS X. If you are a Linux user and you’re looking for a GUI to talk to your scanners, try XSane. XSane [1] is a graphical scanner front-end based of the Sane programming interface [2]. Sane is an acronym for Scanner Access Now Easy. The Sane programming interface sets a standard for access to image processing devices. The drivers for the image processing devices used with XSane, including scanners, are referred to in the Sane world as back-ends. If Sane has a back-end that matches your scanner, the installation process is really quite simple (see the “Setting Up Your Scanner” box.) Sane operations are controlled by front-ends. XSane is one example of a Sane front-end. Other Sane front-ends include tools such as Kooka [3] and QuiteInsane [4]. This article describes how to operate your scanner from a Linux computer using the XSane front-end.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Fedora 43 Has Finally Landed
The Fedora Linux developers have announced their latest release, Fedora 43.
-
KDE Unleashes Plasma 6.5
The Plasma 6.5 desktop environment is now available with new features, improvements, and the usual bug fixes.
-
Xubuntu Site Possibly Hacked
It appears that the Xubuntu site was hacked and briefly served up a malicious ZIP file from its download page.
-
LMDE 7 Now Available
Linux Mint Debian Edition, version 7, has been officially released and is based on upstream Debian.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Reaches EOL
Linux kernel 6.16 has reached its end of life, which means you'll need to upgrade to the next stable release, Linux kernel 6.17.
-
Amazon Ditches Android for a Linux-Based OS
Amazon has migrated from Android to the Linux-based Vega OS for its Fire TV.
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.