Video Tutorial: How to Stack Slides Face Down (Bottom-Up Method)

Watch This Complete 4-Minute Tutorial

This detailed video shows the complete bottom-up stacking method from start to finish. You'll learn exactly how to place slides face down, stack them in order, flip the completed stack, and label everything properly for scanning.

This method ensures:

• Slide #1 gets scanned first
• All slides face the same direction
• Your digital folders match your physical organization
• Proper scanning orientation (no backwards images)

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

Video Transcript

The following is a summary of what is shown and explained in the 4-minute and 14-second video above.

Opening: The video begins with a close-up of a group of 35mm slides spread on a flat surface. The narrator explains that the goal of this tutorial is to show the single most important preparation step before sending slides for scanning: stacking them correctly so they scan in the right order with all faces pointing the same direction.

Identifying the front (logo side): The narrator picks up a single slide and holds it up to the light, pointing out the manufacturer logo printed on the cardboard or plastic mount — Kodachrome, Ektachrome, Kodak, or another brand name. This logo side is the front, the side that faces the projection screen and faces the scanner. The narrator checks several slides to confirm all logos face the same direction before beginning to stack.

Why standard stacking fails: The narrator briefly demonstrates the common mistake: picking up slide #1, placing it face up, then placing slide #2 face up on top of it. When you do this, slide #2 is now on top, meaning it would scan first — the wrong order. The narrator explains that the bottom-up method solves this problem elegantly.

The bottom-up method — Step 1: Slide #1 is placed face down on the table. The logo is touching the table surface and the back of the mount faces up. The narrator emphasizes that this feels wrong but is exactly correct.

The bottom-up method — Step 2: Slide #2 is placed face down on top of slide #1. Then slide #3 face down on top of that. The narrator continues adding slides in order, each placed face down, building the stack from the bottom up. The pile grows with the back of each slide facing up.

The flip: Once all slides are stacked face down, the narrator places one hand on the top of the stack and one hand on the bottom and flips the entire stack over in one smooth motion. Now slide #1 is on top, face up, with its logo visible. All subsequent slides are in order beneath it. The narrator explains that this is exactly the correct configuration — the top slide scans first, all slides face the same direction, and the order is exactly what was intended.

Labeling: A sticky note with a chapter number (for example, “Stack 1” or “Chapter 1 — Vacation 1978”) is placed on top of the completed stack. The narrator notes that each rubber-banded stack with a label becomes one numbered digital folder in the final delivery.

Securing with rubber bands: Two rubber bands are applied — one lengthwise and one widthwise — creating a grid that holds the stack together securely. The narrator warns against applying rubber bands too tightly, as excessive compression over time can leave marks on cardboard mounts.

Multiple stacks: The narrator lines up several completed and labeled stacks side by side, confirming that each stack will become its own digital folder. The stacks should be sent in order of their chapter numbers so the scanning sequence matches the intended collection order.

Closing: The narrator reminds viewers that if they are uncertain whether they have stacked correctly, they can photograph their stacks and email the photos for confirmation before shipping.

The Bottom-Up Stacking Method: Step by Step

This is the most foolproof method for stacking slides in the correct scanning order. Follow these steps exactly as shown in the video:

Step 1: Identify the Logo Side
Make sure all your slides have the logo (Kodak, Kodachrome, Ektachrome, etc.) facing the same direction. The logo is the front, which should face the scanner.

Step 2: Place Slide #1 Face Down
Take your first slide and place it face down on the table—logo side down, touching the table. This feels backwards, but it's correct.

Step 3: Stack Remaining Slides On Top
Place slide #2 face down on top of slide #1. Then place slide #3 on top of that. Continue stacking all slides face down in order.

Step 4: Flip the Entire Stack
When you've stacked all slides face down, flip the entire stack over. Now slide #1 is on top (face up), which is exactly where it needs to be for scanning.

Step 5: Label and Secure
Label the stack with your chapter number. Secure with rubber bands (not too tight—you don't want to damage the slides).

Why This Method Works

The bottom-up stacking method might feel counterintuitive at first (why are we placing slides face down?), but it's the most reliable way to ensure proper scanning order.

The physics of it: When you stack slides face down and then flip the stack, gravity and geometry automatically put everything in the right order. Slide #1 ends up on top where it belongs, and all slides face the same direction.

Alternative methods exist (like stacking face up), but they're trickier and easier to mess up. The bottom-up method shown in this video is what we recommend because it's simple, consistent, and produces reliable results every time.

How We Scan Your Stacks

Understanding how we scan helps clarify why stacking order matters:

We scan from the top down. The slide on top of your stack gets scanned first and becomes the first image in that digital folder.

We scan the logo side. The side with the brand name (front) faces the scanner, just as it would face a projector screen.

Order is preserved perfectly. If you send us slides stacked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, your digital files will be numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in that exact order.

Multiple stacks become multiple folders. Each rubber-banded stack with a chapter label becomes its own folder on your disk or flash drive.

Labeling Your Stacks

Clear labeling is just as important as proper stacking. Here's how to label effectively:

Use sticky notes or index cards. Place a label on top of each stack showing the chapter number clearly.

Number sequentially. Stack 1, Stack 2, Stack 3, etc. We scan stacks in the order you number them.

Optional descriptions help. You can add brief notes like "Chapter 1 - Summer 1985" or "Chapter 2 - Christmas 1990" if you want those descriptions in your folder names.

Make labels secure. Ensure labels won't fall off during shipping. Tape them down if necessary.

Securing Stacks with Rubber Bands

Rubber bands keep your carefully organized stacks together during shipping and handling. Here's the right way to use them:

Use quality rubber bands. Fresh rubber bands that aren't dried out or brittle.

Not too tight. Secure the stack firmly, but don't compress slides so tightly that you risk damaging the mounts.

Two bands work well. One band lengthwise, one band widthwise creates a secure grid that won't slip.

Check before shipping. Give each stack a gentle shake to confirm slides are secure and won't come loose in transit.

What If I Stack Them Wrong?

Don't panic if you're worried you've made a mistake! Here's the reality:

We can fix orientation issues. If slides are facing the wrong direction, we can flip the digital images. It's not ideal, but it's fixable.

Order matters most. As long as your slides are in the sequence you want (even if they're facing backwards), we can work with that.

When in doubt, send photos. Take pictures of your stacks and email them to us. We'll confirm you've stacked correctly.

Call us with questions. Reach us at 1-800-844-1393. We're happy to walk you through the process on the phone.

More Slide Preparation Resources

We have a complete library of preparation videos and guides:

• All Preparation Videos
• How to Identify Slide Fronts and Backs
• Slide Storage Containers Guide
• Organizing Carousel Trays
• Using Household Boxes for Storage

Ready to Get Your Slides Scanned?

Once you've stacked your slides using the bottom-up method shown in this video, you're ready to send them for professional scanning.

Every slide receives expert attention: We scan at 4,000 PPI and apply professional Photoshop editing to each image. Your digital files will reveal details you never saw in the original slides.

Your organization is preserved: We respect the order you've carefully created. Your stacks become folders, your sequences remain intact, and everything stays exactly as you intended.

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