How to Tell Slide Fronts from Backs When Stacking

Name: Affordable 35mm Slide Scanning
Address: 400 Bittersweet Lane, Waupun, WI, 53963, US
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We’ve refined these directions since 2002 to help everyone stack slides consistently so we can scan them correctly the first time.

Quick rule: 99 times out of 100 the “blank” side of the mount is the BACK. If you’re unsure, use the method below.

Simple Step-by-Step

Look through each side of the slide. When the scene reads correctly, place it on the table with that side facing UP — that’s the BACK. The FRONT faces down.
This becomes slide #1 in your stack.
Repeat for the rest, each on top of the previous.
When the stack gets tall, flip it over and label the top slide (still #1) as Folder #1. Rubber band securely (use multiple bands).
Repeat for other stacks. Rotate slides so they are all in Landscape; we will correct rotation after scanning.
Multiple stacks for the same folder? Label #1A, #1B, #1C, etc.—all go in Folder #1.
Viewed through the back, text (like a sign) will read correctly.
The film on the back is a bit glossier; the front (emulsion) may look slightly duller.
Some mounts say “This side toward screen” on the FRONT. Some plastic mounts are black on the FRONT and white on the BACK.