How to Prepare Bell & Howell Slide Cubes for Scanning

Video Tutorial: Step-by-Step Bell & Howell Slide Cube Preparation

If you stored your slides in Bell & Howell slide cubes (also called "slide files" or "slide storage cubes"), you're not alone. These stackable plastic cubes were popular in the 1960s through 1980s for organizing slide collections. But before you send your cubes to us for scanning, you need to prepare them properly so your digital folders match your intended order.

Watch this quick 3-minute video to see exactly how to do it. The tutorial shows you the correct orientation, proper stacking order, and the simple trick to keeping everything organized.

Note: Right-click on the video and choose "Unmute" to hear the audio instructions. To see video controls, move your cursor over the video player.

Video Transcript

The following is a summary of what is shown and explained in the video above.

Opening: The video begins with an overview of a Bell & Howell slide cube — a compact square plastic storage container with a hinged lid, designed to hold 40 slides in a grid arrangement. The narrator explains that while these cubes are excellent for storage, they require specific preparation before slides can be scanned in the correct order.

What Bell & Howell slide cubes are: The narrator identifies the cube as a popular storage solution from the 1960s through 1980s, designed to work with Bell & Howell projectors. The cubes hold slides in rows and stack together for compact storage. Most cubes people send in are 40 to 60 years old, and the plastic and hinges can be brittle.

Step 1 — Removing slides: The narrator opens the hinged lid and carefully removes all slides from the cube. The point is made that slides cannot be scanned while still inside the cube — they must be removed and handled individually. The removal is done carefully to avoid bending or scratching the slides.

Step 2 — Arranging in order: The slides are stacked in the order the customer wants them scanned. The narrator explains that the top slide in the stack will be scanned first and the bottom slide will be scanned last. If the original projection order is the desired scanning order, the slides should be arranged to reflect that. If a different order is wanted — chronological by year, for example — this is the moment to arrange them.

Step 3 — Checking orientation: Each slide in the stack is checked to make sure the emulsion side (usually the side with the manufacturer logo, brand name, or the words “This Side Toward Screen”) faces the same direction throughout the stack. Mixed orientation produces scans that are alternately correct and mirrored, which creates significant problems in the digital files.

Step 4 — Replacing slides in the cube: Once the stack is organized and oriented, the slides are carefully placed back into the cube in the correct order. The cube protects the slides during shipping and keeps the stack together.

Step 5 — Securing the lid: A rubber band is placed over the cube lengthwise and widthwise to keep the hinged lid firmly closed. The narrator specifically notes that Bell & Howell cube hinges become fragile with age and can spring open during shipping, scattering slides and destroying the carefully established order.

Step 6 — Labeling: A number is written on the outside of the cube with a permanent marker. If multiple cubes are being sent, each gets a sequential number. The narrator recommends also writing a brief description on a piece of paper placed inside or attached to the cube — for example, “Cube 1: Hawaii 1972” — and including a master list with the shipping box.

Multiple cubes: The video briefly demonstrates how to handle several cubes being sent together. Each cube is numbered in order and packed with padding to prevent them from shifting during transit. The narrator notes that the digital folder for each cube will carry the cube number and description, so the customer’s organization system transfers directly into the digital collection.

Closing: The narrator reminds viewers that after scanning, all slides will be returned to their original cubes and shipped back together with the digital files on flash drive and DVD.

What You Need to Know About Bell & Howell Slide Cubes

Bell & Howell slide cubes hold 40 slides in a compact, stackable format. Each cube has a hinged lid and keeps slides organized in rows. The cubes were designed to work with Bell & Howell slide projectors, making it easy to load entire shows at once.

The challenge for scanning: The order slides were loaded for projection isn't necessarily the order you want for your digital folders. That's why proper preparation is essential.

Key Steps for Preparing Your Bell & Howell Cubes

1. Remove all slides from the cube. Don't try to scan them while still in the cube—it won't work and could damage the slides.

2. Arrange slides in your preferred order. Stack them with the first slide you want scanned on top of the pile.

3. Check orientation. Make sure all slides face the same direction with the emulsion side (usually marked with the brand logo or text) facing up.

4. Put slides back in the cube in correct order. This keeps them organized and protected during shipping.

5. Secure the cube. Use a rubber band over the top to prevent accidental opening. The cubes' hinges can be fragile after decades of use.

6. Label each cube clearly. If you have multiple cubes, number them (Cube 1, Cube 2, etc.) so we scan them in the right sequence.

What Happens During Scanning?

When your Bell & Howell cubes arrive at our Wisconsin facility, we carefully remove the slides following your preparation instructions. Each slide is individually scanned at 4,000 ppi resolution, then receives professional Photoshop editing to correct colors, improve contrast, and enhance detail.

Your digital files will be organized exactly as you arranged your slides. Each cube typically becomes one folder, with images numbered in sequence. If you have multiple cubes, we maintain the order you specified.

After scanning, your slides go back into their original cubes, and both the cubes and your digital files are returned to you safely.

Why Bell & Howell Slide Cubes Need Special Attention

They're old. Most Bell & Howell cubes are 40-60 years old. The plastic can be brittle, and the hinges may be weak. Rubber bands prevent accidental spills during shipping.

They hold a lot of slides. With 40 slides per cube, proper organization is critical. A single mistake in order can throw off your entire digital collection.

They were designed for projection, not scanning. The loading order that worked for projectors doesn't necessarily match how you want your digital folders organized.

The emulsion side matters. Slides must be oriented correctly for proper color reproduction during scanning. The video shows you how to check this.

Other Bell & Howell Storage Systems

Bell & Howell made several slide storage products beyond the basic cube:

Bell & Howell Cube Stacks: Stackable units that hold multiple cubes
Bell & Howell Slide Files: Larger boxes holding 80+ slides
Bell & Howell Stack Loaders: Magazine-style holders for automatic projectors

The same preparation principles apply to all these systems: remove slides, organize in your preferred order, check orientation, secure for shipping, and label clearly.

Have Multiple Bell & Howell Cubes?

If you're sending several cubes, here's how to keep everything organized:

Number each cube clearly with a permanent marker on the outside (1, 2, 3, etc.)

Make a quick list noting what's in each cube ("Cube 1 = Hawaii 1972, Cube 2 = Christmas 1970-1975")

Pack cubes in a sturdy box with padding to prevent shifting during shipping

Include your list with your order form so we understand your organization system

This extra organization step takes just a few minutes but ensures your digital collection matches your vision perfectly.

Ready to Get Your Bell & Howell Slides Scanned?

Once you've watched the video and prepared your cubes following our instructions, you're ready to send them in. We've been scanning slides since 2002, and we've handled thousands of Bell & Howell cube collections. Your slides will be treated with expert care.

Every slide receives:

• Professional 4,000 ppi scanning
• Individual Photoshop editing
• Color correction and enhancement
• Safe handling by experienced technicians
• Careful return in original cubes

Questions About Bell & Howell Slide Cubes?

Still not sure how to prepare your cubes? Have unusual slide storage containers? Need help figuring out the best organization method?

Call us at 1-800-844-1393 or send us an email with photos of your slide storage system. We're happy to provide personalized advice for your specific situation.

After hours, email gets the fastest response—we answer emails at all hours and typically respond within a few hours.

More Slide Preparation Resources

• Understanding Slide Orientation
• Complete Organization Tips
• Preparing Carousel Trays
• All Storage Container Methods