This is the fastest path from a folder of scans to a folder of cleaned files.
1. Import a Folder
- Click 📁 Import Folder (or press Ctrl+O) and pick the folder of scans.
- DustMagic loads JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and BMP files into the filmstrip at the bottom.
- Detection runs automatically on the first image using the Conservative profile.
2. Set Film Type
In the right-hand panel, choose:
- Slides (dark dust) — for positives.
- Negatives (light dust) — for inverted scans where dust appears bright.
This is the most important setting. Get it wrong and detection will be useless.
3. Review the First Image
- Press 2 for Detection Overlay (orange shows what will be removed).
- Press 4 for Inpainted to preview the cleaned result.
- Press 5 for Split View — sweep the divider with your mouse.
- If the result looks right, you’re ready to process the batch. If not, tune Sensitivity in the panel.
4. Process Batch
- Click the orange Process Batch button at the bottom of the panel.
- DustMagic cleans every image in parallel across your CPU cores.
- A progress bar shows the queue draining.
5. Find Your Output
- Cleaned files:
cleaned/subfolder inside your source folder. - Detection masks (for review):
_masks/subfolder. - Originals are untouched.
If Some Images Need Manual Touch-Up
Arrow through the filmstrip with ← →. For an image that needs fixing, press B for the Brush tool, then click Export This Image to save it individually before running Process Batch on the rest. Full walkthrough in 4.1: Cleaning Scanned Film Photos.
Next Steps
- Tune detection — 2.3: All Settings Explained.
- Save your tuned settings — 2.1: Dust Magic Profiles Explained.
- Manual touch-ups — 4.1: Cleaning Scanned Film Photos.