Colortrac FAQs
Welcome to the Colortrac FAQs section, your go-to resource for answers to common questions about Colortrac scanners, software, and support. This page has been created to provide clear, practical information to help you better understand our products and services.
Within the Colortrac FAQs, you’ll find a wide range of commonly asked questions covering topics such as scanner features, model differences, software compatibility, technical specifications, and general troubleshooting.
Whether you’re researching a Colortrac scanner or looking for quick guidance, this section is designed to support you.
Simply browse through the categories or select the questions most relevant to your needs. Each answer is written to be clear and easy to follow, helping you make informed decisions and resolve queries quickly.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always happy to help. Please visit our support page to get in touch using the message form.
SmartLF Scan!
What size memory stick can I save to?
The SmartLF Scan! supports memory sticks up to 128GB in size, formatted to the FAT32 standard.
What size memory stick can I save to?
The SmartLF Scan! supports memory sticks up to 128GB in size, formatted to the FAT32 standard.
Can I connect the scanner directly to a computer?
You can scan by creating a direct network connection using the supplied ethernet cable. Your computer will need to have an ethernet port. More information on how to setup this up can be found in the user manual.
Can I control the SmartLF Scan! from a computer?
All scanning functions are done via the control panel on the device. You cannot operate the scanner from a computer.
How do I scan to a PC?
Scanning to a PC is done via the NepApp, a free-to-download software that allows you to scan files over a network to a folder on your computer. You can download the NetApp here.
What's size is the internal memory on the scanner?
The SmartLF has an internal memory of 6GB or up to 8 scans.
Do I need a computer to use the SmartLF Scan! ?
No, the SmartLF Scan! can be used as a standalone machine, saving files to its internal memory or to a USB memory stick. You can connect the scanner to a network to enable the saving of scans to a network location.
Scanned images have lines through them, what do I do?
The first step is clean the scanner glass (page 21 of the user manual) and try scanning your document again. If your image is still not correct, perform a scanner calibration (page 22 of the user manual).
Does the SmartLF Scan! come any software to install?
No software is required to run the SmartLF Scan! Only if you want to scan over a network do you need to install the NetApp software.
'Internal Memory Fault" error showing. What can I do?
First, try deleting any images that made be stored on the internal memory (page 18 of the user manual). If this does not work, try updating to the latest firmware. For firmware, please click on the SmartLF Scan! link on our support page.
SmartLF SCi
What connection methods does the SmartLF SCi support?
The SmartLF SCi connects via USB 3.0. If your device does not have USB 3.0, it is fully compatible with the previous 2.0 standard. A USB 3.0 cable is included with all models.
Is the document guide included as standard?
The document guide is an optional extra. Contact your reseller to purchase the correct size document guide for your machine. The document guide is available in 25″, 36″ and 42″ sizes. It easy to attach and can also be removed when not required.
There are lines on my scanned images
Lines are most likely caused by dust or dirt that has stuck to the scanner glass. Turn your scanner off, open the lid and use a suitable cloth with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner applied (spray the cleaner on the cloth, never spray directly onto the glass). Clean the glass and ensure no residue or streaks are on the glass.
Also, check the feed rollers as dust or dirt may be feeding from these onto the document and in turn sticking to the scanner glass. If you notice scratches on your glass, you may need to replace the glass. Contact your reseller to obtain a replacement glass unit.
To minimise the risk of dirt or scratches on the scanner glass, we recommend using genuine Colortrac Document Carrier Wallets which you can find out more information about them here.
How do I calibrate my SmartLF SCi?
Turn your scanner off, open the lid and use a suitable cloth with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner applied (spray the cleaner on the cloth, never spray directly onto the glass). Clean the glass and ensure no residue or streaks are on the glass. Close the scanner lid down
Load the calibration sheet into the scanner and then open the SmartConnect utilities app. Click on the Calibration button to start the process. If you have document guides fitted, remove these before you start. The process takes around 3 minutes to complete.
For more information, please refer to page 5 of the user manual.
What is SureDrive technology?
Sure Drive is Colortrac’s powered soft-roller system for even media pressure and high-quality images
For more information, please see our glossary of terms here.
What do m, c and e mean, e.g. SmartLF SCi 36m?
m, c and e are codes for the model versions available. They mean
m = Mono (will scan in greyscale only)
c = Colour (will scan in full colour and also greyscale)
e = Enhanced (doubles the colour scanning speed)
Customers who purchase an m model can upgrade at a later day to the c or e model or c model to e by purchasing an upgrade code. Please contact your reseller for more information.
My device cannot see my scanner. What can I do?
Your scanner and device communicate via the SmartConnect utilities app. This must be installed first. You can download this by following the link on the support page. Once installed, your device and scanner should be able to see each other and allow you to start scanning.
My document is not being fed correctly and is misaligning
Ensure the scanner lid is fully closed down. Remove your document, open the lid of the scanner and firmly close the lid back down.
My scanned images look misaligned
If you notice your scanned images are not correctly aligned (for example on a line drawing), you need to calibrate the scanner using the calibration target included with your scanner. Page 5 of the user manual shows you how to complete a calibration process.
What is SingleSensor technology
SingleSensor™ technology means that, unlike most CIS scanners, there’s no need for sensor stitching. Just switch on and scan. It produces sharp, clean and accurate digital reproductions the first time. Every time.
For more information, please see our glossary of terms here.
What large format printers does the SmartLF SCi support?
The SmartLF SCi series supports popular models from HP, Canon, Epson and OCE.
For more information on supported printers and models, please click here.
How do I upgrade from scanner, from m to c or c to e?
Please contact your reseller for information and the process involved. The process itself is very easy and does not require a service engineer to attend site.
SmartLF SGi
What connection methods does the SmartLF SGi support?
The SmartLF SCi supports USB 3.0 and ethernet connectivity. If your device does not have a USB 3.0 port, it is fully compatible with the previous 2.0 standard. A USB 3.0 and ethernet cable are included with all models.
Are the document guides included as standard?
The document guides are an optional extra. Contact your reseller to purchase the correct size document guide for your machine. SGi document guides are available in 36″ and 44″ sizes.
Can SmartWorks Touch scan using Ethernet?
Currently SmartWorks Touch does not support scanning via Ethernet, only via USB. For network scanning, utilise the included TWAIN driver or upgrade to SmartWorks Imaging which offers network scanning support.
There are lines on my scanned images
Lines are most likely caused by dust or dirt that has stuck to the scanner glass. Turn your scanner off, open the lid and use a suitable cloth with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner applied (spray the cleaner on the cloth, never spray directly onto the glass). Clean the glass and ensure no residue or streaks are on the glass.
Also, check the feed rollers as dust or dirt may be feeding from these onto the document and in turn sticking to the scanner glass. If you notice scratches on your glass, you may need to replace the glass. Contact your reseller to obtain a replacement glass unit.
To minimise the risk of dirt or scratches on the scanner glass, we recommend using genuine Colortrac Document Carrier Wallets which you can find out more information about them here.
What is SureDrive technology?
Sure Drive is Colortrac’s powered soft-roller system for even media pressure and high-quality images
For more information, please see our glossary of terms here.
My scanned images look misaligned
If you notice your scanned images are not correctly aligned (for example on a line drawing), you need to calibrate the scanner using the calibration target included with your scanner. Page 5 of the user manual shows you how to complete a calibration process.
How do I load documents into the scanner?
If you are scanning standard documents, less than 2mm thick then load your original to the right-hand side of the scanner.
For thicker media, thicker than 2mm up to 15mm, load your original item from the centre of the scanner. Before you start, lift the media adjustment lever to its highest position then insert your media. Gently push the media lever back down until the document is held by the scanner.
For more information, please refer to pages 5 & 6 of the user manual.
My device cannot see my scanner. What can I do?
Your scanner and device communicate via the SmartConnect utilities app. This must be installed first. You can download this by following the link on the support page. Once installed, your device and scanner should be able to see each other and allow you to start scanning.
My document is not being fed correctly and is misaligning
Ensure the scanner lid is fully closed down. Remove your document, open the lid of the scanner and firmly close the lid back down.
What is or are CCD image sensors?
CCD image sensors, short for Charge-Coupled Device image sensors, are electronic devices that convert light into electrical signals, enabling the capture of high-quality, detailed images with excellent colour accuracy.
For more information, please see our glossary of terms here.
How do I calibrate my SmartLF SGi?
Turn your scanner off, open the lid and use a suitable cloth with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner applied (spray the cleaner on the cloth, never spray directly onto the glass). Clean the glass and ensure no residue or streaks are on the glass. Close the scanner lid down
Load the calibration sheet into the scanner and then open the SmartConnect utilities app. Click on the Calibration button to start the process. If you have document guides fitted, remove these before you start. The process takes around 3 minutes to complete.
For more information, please refer to page 5 of the user manual.
What large format printers does the SmartLF SGi support?
The SmartLF SCi series supports popular models from HP, Canon, Epson and OCE.
For more information on supported printers and models, please click here.
What do m, c and e mean, e.g. SmartLF SGi 44m?
m, c and e are codes for the model versions available. They mean
m = Mono (will scan in greyscale only)
c = Colour (will scan in full colour and also greyscale)
e = Enhanced (doubles the colour scanning speed)
Customers who purchase an m model can upgrade at a later day to the c or e model or c model to e by purchasing an upgrade code. Please contact your reseller for more information.
How do I upgrade from scanner, from m to c or c to e?
Please contact your reseller for information and the process involved. The process itself is very easy and does not require a service engineer to attend site.
Can’t see your question or need some more help?
Use our support page here to get in touch
The Colortrac Large Format Scanner 2026 range
SmartLF Scan!
24″ and 36″ sized models
SmartLF SCi
25″, 36″ & 36″ models
SmartLF SGi
36″ and 44″ models
Please Note – Product model images/videos shown may show/include additional options or features available at additional cost. Please refer to product key features, product specification table, datasheet information and your quotation for specific standard model features and chargeable software upgrades and scanner accessories. E&OE.
Any quoted scanning speeds are based on scanning a document at 200 dpi. Actual performance and speed will vary depending on other factors such as additional scanning settings, type of document, connected device specification and performance plus operator experience and workflow management. They are therefore indicative only.
Colortrac for the UK and Ireland markets is exclusively and solely distributed by BDM Distribution. For reseller and partner enquiries, please visit www.bdmdistribution.co.uk
