# 16b Gray tif or 48b RGB tif scanning B&W with Vuescan? **URL:** \ **Category:** Flatbed and Film Scanners\ **Created:** [November 4, 2024, 1:23am UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/16b-gray-tif-or-48b-rgb-tif-scanning-b-w-with-vuescan/8391 "2024-11-04T01:23:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![framesbylloyd](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forums.negativelabpro.com/framesbylloyd/32/4744_2.png) [@framesbylloyd](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/u/framesbylloyd)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2024, 1:23am UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/16b-gray-tif-or-48b-rgb-tif-scanning-b-w-with-vuescan/8391/1 "2024-11-04T01:23:15Z")
Hello, this may be a really dumb question, but I just wanted some clarification since I am not able to find any information about this. When using VueScan with scanning B&W negatives and converting using NGL Pro, should I be scanning my negatives in 16B Gray or 48b RGB? Also, should I be locking exposure if I export as a tif file, or does that only apply to DNG files? Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![shutterfreak](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forums.negativelabpro.com/shutterfreak/32/4680_2.png) [@shutterfreak](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/u/shutterfreak)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2024, 2:57pm UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/16b-gray-tif-or-48b-rgb-tif-scanning-b-w-with-vuescan/8391/2 "2024-11-05T14:57:22Z")
The instructions can be found in the online manual: [Film Scanning Best Practices | Negative Lab Pro](https://www.negativelabpro.com/guide/scanning/#vuescan-raw-dngs) From the instructions: > Set Vuescan Output Settings > - Make sure “Raw file” is the only file type selected > - Set the “Raw file type” to 48 bit RGB ( **do this even if your image is black and white** ) > - Set “Raw output with” to “Save” (this will allow for IR cleaning to work, if you’ve enabled it) > - Select “Raw DNG format”