Video Tutorial: How to Prepare Carousel Trays for Scanning

Watch This Complete Carousel Preparation Guide

If you have slides stored in Kodak Carousel trays, this video shows you everything you need to know to prepare them for scanning. Learn how to check slide orientation, identify different tray types, and organize multiple carousels properly.

This video covers:

• How to check if slides are facing correctly in the tray
• Identifying 80-slide vs 140-slide carousel trays
• Numbering and labeling carousel trays
• What information we need from you
• Shipping carousel trays safely

Tip: Right-click the video and select "unmute" to hear the detailed audio explanation.

Understanding Kodak Carousel Trays

Kodak Carousel trays were the standard for slide presentations for decades. Millions of families stored their slides in these round trays, ready to drop into a projector for slide shows.

Two common sizes:

80-slide trays – The standard size, holding up to 80 slides in a circular arrangement
140-slide trays – The larger capacity version for longer presentations

Both types work perfectly for our scanning process. You don't need to remove slides from trays—we can scan them directly from the carousel.

Checking Slide Orientation in Carousels

The most important step is confirming your slides are facing correctly in the tray. Here's how to check:

Look at how slides sit in the tray. Are the logo sides (Kodak, Kodachrome, etc.) facing toward the center of the carousel or away from it?

Correct orientation: Logo sides should face toward the center of the carousel. This is how slides sit when loaded for projection.

If backwards: If logo sides face outward (away from center), slides are backwards and will scan as mirror images. We can flip the digital files, but it's better to catch this beforehand.

When in doubt: Send us a photo showing how slides sit in the tray. We'll confirm the orientation is correct.

Numbering Your Carousel Trays

If you have multiple carousel trays, clear numbering ensures we scan them in the correct order:

Number sequentially. Label trays as Carousel 1, Carousel 2, Carousel 3, etc. We scan them in the order you number them.

Use permanent marker. Write clearly on the tray itself or on a label attached firmly to the tray.

Add descriptions (optional). You can include brief notes like "Carousel 1 - Summer 1985" or "Carousel 2 - Europe Trip" if you want those descriptions in folder names.

Note the starting position. Carousel trays have a "start" position marked. Tell us which slide should be scanned first, or we'll start at position 1.

Identifying Your Carousel Tray Type

Knowing whether you have 80-slide or 140-slide trays helps us prepare for your project:

80-slide trays are more common. These are the standard carousels most families used. Look for "80" marked on the tray or count the slots.

140-slide trays are larger and heavier. These were used for longer presentations. They'll be marked "140" or you can count the extra slots.

Not all slots may be filled. It's fine if your carousel isn't completely full. We scan whatever slides are present.

Let us know the type. When you order, mention whether you're sending 80-slide or 140-slide trays so we can plan accordingly.

Scanning Order for Carousel Trays

We scan carousel trays in the order slides appear in the tray, starting from the position you indicate:

We follow the carousel's rotation. Just like a projector would advance through slides, we scan in sequential order around the tray.

Starting position matters. If you have a specific first slide, mark it clearly or tell us which number to start with.

Empty slots are skipped. We only scan slots that contain slides. Empty positions are automatically skipped.

Each tray becomes a folder. All slides from Carousel 1 go into one folder, all slides from Carousel 2 into another folder, etc.

Shipping Carousel Trays Safely

Carousel trays are sturdy, but proper packing ensures slides arrive safely:

Secure the tray lid. Make sure the clear plastic cover is firmly attached so slides can't fall out.

Tape for extra security. Add a piece of tape across the tray opening to ensure slides stay in place during transit.

Box appropriately. Use a box large enough to fit the carousel tray without forcing it. Add padding around the sides.

Multiple trays? Stack carousels carefully and separate them with cardboard or bubble wrap so they don't shift against each other.

Include your order form. Make sure we know which service you want and how to return your slides and trays.

Do You Return the Carousel Trays?

Yes! We return your carousel trays along with your slides and digital files:

Trays returned empty. After scanning, we return your carousel trays empty (slides are returned separately, organized as you prefer).

Or slides stay in trays. If you want slides returned in the carousel trays, just let us know on your order form. We can do that too.

Trays are valuable. Original Kodak Carousel trays are becoming collectibles. Many customers want them back for storage or sentimental reasons.

Alternative: Remove Slides from Trays

While we can scan slides directly from carousel trays, you also have the option to remove them first:

Advantages of removing slides:

• Easier to organize slides into different "chapters" if the carousel mixed different events
• Lighter and cheaper to ship
• You can number slides individually for precise control

How to remove slides safely: Simply lift each slide out of its slot. Stack them in the order they appeared in the carousel. Then follow our stacking video tutorial.

When to keep slides in trays: If your carousel represents a single event or time period and slides are already in the perfect order, leave them in the tray. It's simpler.

Questions About Carousel Prep?

Not sure if your carousel trays are ready? Concerned about orientation?

Send us photos: Take pictures of your carousel trays showing how slides sit, and email them to us. We'll confirm everything looks correct.

Call us: Reach us at 1-800-844-1393 during business hours. We can walk you through carousel preparation on the phone.

Don't stress. We've scanned thousands of carousel trays. Even if something isn't perfect, we can usually work with it or flip images digitally if needed.

More Carousel and Slide Preparation Resources

We have comprehensive guides to help you prepare carousels and slides:

• Complete Carousel Organization Guide
• Slide Orientation Explained
• How to Stack Slides (Video)
• General Organization Tips
• All Preparation Videos

Ready to Get Your Carousel Slides Scanned?

Once your carousel trays are numbered and you've confirmed slide orientation, you're ready for professional scanning.

We handle carousels with care: Your trays are treated gently throughout the scanning process and returned safely.

Professional quality on every slide: We scan at 4,000 PPI with expert Photoshop editing on each image.

Your organization is preserved: The order of slides in your carousel is maintained perfectly in your digital folders.

Trusted since 2002: We've scanned millions of slides from carousel trays with meticulous care and attention to detail.