I think I need a Twain driver for my Envy 6132e

[DaveMidge]

Although I can scan using HP Smart, I would like to be able to scan using Cute PDF, which I particularly like. However Cute PDF doesn't recognise my new Envy as a scanner. Apparently this is because Cute PDF needs a TWAIN driver. I thought all scanners came with TWAIN drivers as standard, but maybe things have changed. Can someone tell me 1) whether there is a TWAIN driver for the HP Envy, 2) how I can tell if I've got it, and 3) where to get it if I haven't.

Many thanks

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@DaveMidge 

Welcome to the HP Community --

For those reading

Answer to "What is Cute PDF?"

The answer includes a hint about which OS you are running -- Windows

CutePDF

Content unable to edit pdf

cutepdf.com

CutePDF is a proprietary Portable Document Format converter and editor for Microsoft Windows developed by Acro Software. CutePDF Writer can create PDF files, and CutePDF Form Filler can edit simple PDF forms so that they can be sent without using more expensive PDF authoring software. CutePDF can convert documents, images, and text. The software installs itself as a printer subsystem. Wikipedia

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The Full Feature Software / full driver printer software is available for supported versions of Windows.

Installing the full driver might provide the supported needed to run your third party software.

Should there be a separate "Twain" executable available, a path to a possible location the Twain software is included later in this message.  Note that Twain as a separate executable is not included with all printer drivers -- like most everything else, the feature is model dependent.

===============================

Printer Software

Web Pack Installation - Web Page - Full Driver Printer Software

HP Envy 6100 Series EasyStart Printer Setup Software - Offline Use Only 

Download, Save, and Install.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

=========================

               Installed Software

Containers, Shortcuts on the Desktop

            What about HP Scan?

Once installed, the full driver printer software will have added one of two "container" shortcuts on the Desktop:

• Printer Assistant - named for the printer model

OR

On newer printers and when the new full driver printer software no longer supports the Printer Assistant:

• Scan Assistant - named for itself

Example - Various Printer related Shortcut icons on the Desktop

 Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_11

Next,

The full driver printer software, once installed, will have added a shortcut icon for HP Scan. 

The shortcut for HP Scan that is part of the full driver might be named for the printer model.

Separately -- Supported on this printer and Windows 11

For models that support the feature AND when installed --

Installation of the HP Universal Scan Software adds an "HP Scan" self-named shortcut icon to the Desktop.

HP Universal Scan Software

Printer Model and Operating System version Dependent >>

When the software is installed, HP Universal Scan Software adds a self-named HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Note

Where supported, HPUSS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature / full solution printer software.

Open website  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software 

If needful, choose a different OS > Open all

Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack 

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

General Example - HP Universal Scan

HP_Universal_Scan_PDF_More_Destination_1

============================================

Example - Installed Apps / Software - Shortcut icons on the Desktop

Printer Assistant OR Scan Assistant shortcuts (printer model dependent)

HP Scan shortcuts

Location of Apps / full driver (when installed)

Manage Scan to Computer

HP_Printer_Assistant_HP_Scan_Assistant_5

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Twain - Separate Executable

-------------------- --------------------

HP Twain – Scan software

Differences TWAIN and WIA: 1. WIA uses a common dialog for all devices while TWAIN uses a dialog created by the device manufacturer. This gives a closer integration and control to the TWAIN driver giving more options and advanced features on the hardware (scanner) used.

Where available, HP Twain is part of the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

After the Full Feature Software is installed,

If a separate (additional) HP Twain utility is included with your printer software,

HP Twain is available in the same folder as HP Scan.

Example - Classic full driver printer software -

Reminders

• Replace the sample printer name with your printer
• When installed, HP Twain also works with Irfanview software.

C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 series\bin\

File name: TwainUtilityUI.exe

Example - older model OfficeJet Pro 9025 - full driver printer software installed

Twain executable

9025_Twain_Scan_Menu_3

OR

NOTE – New Format – Full Driver or HP Universal Scan Software

 After the Full Driver Printer Software is installed,

 If a separate (additional) HP Twain utility is included with your printer software,

 then

 Find the Twain Utility in the HP Scan folder

 C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Scan\bin\TwainUtilityUI.exe

===================================

Message Content References

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 User Guide – HP Envy 6100e Series – HP Envy 6500e Series

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP Envy 6132e All-in-One Printer  

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[DaveMidge]

Thanks Dragon-Fur for your extremely comprehensive reply.

I downloaded and installed the HP Envy 6100 Series EasyStart Printer Setup Software as you suggested. It seems to have completely reinstalled my printer, in fact at one point I had the same printer installed twice according to Settings | Printers and Scanners, but then the original disappeared and I am left with what I assume is the new one. The difference seems to be that the original said some thing like "An app is installed for this printer", but the new one doesn't - I don't know what the significance of that is.

Anyway, it still seems to print OK and scan using HP Smart, and in addition I can now scan from Cute PDF as I wanted - indeed Cute PDF presents me with four scanner options, one of which opens an HP dialog for the scan settings, one doesn't do anything (it's USB which isn't connected) and the other two put up the Cute PDF scanner options dialog.

So my only question now is - why oh why do these purveyors of software have to make it so complicated - why couldn't they just provide one installation that installs everything? I was a software developer for 40 years and I'm confused! I can only sympathise with people without computer skills who have to navigate this maze.

[Dragon-Fur]

@DaveMidge 

You are welcome.

EasyStart is an attempt to centralize the app / software download and installation process.

As well as it works for some, others might not understand the significance of the differences between HP Smart (HP App) and a full driver printer software written for the printer it is meant to support.

For the moment, the HP Smart application and the full driver are both stable and available in supported versions of Windows. 

Dragon Comments > Considering the limited success of "do it all" applications to date, the separation of a general purpose application and purpose built software might still make sense. 

True -- It would be most helpful if the software installer could explain, decipher, and select which apps or software to install based on the user's input, the target hardware, the network, and the other tools (software) installed on the platform.

I've spent my decades on the other side of your position -- IT manages systems and software and we care for the people who use those systems.    It's just a complicated on this side.  Smiling.

Dragon Opinion

AI is learning to support more complexity and is introducing an ease of using high technology that has been missing before now.  We are a few years away from the Magic Box feeling when "things just work" but we are closer everyday to breaching that gap.  I hope to see some of it.  Smiling.

Happy Scanning and Printing.

🍀

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[DaveMidge]

Thanks Dragon-Fur.

One last question - I now see that I do indeed have two HP printers:

Without noticing I tried to print to "HP Smart Printing" and it printed half a page and stopped. "HP Envy" seems to work ok. Do I need both or can I remove one?

(I have to say, I don't "understand the significance of the differences between HP Smart (HP App) and a full driver printer software" - I just want to be able to print and scan. I wrote a lot of install kits while I was a developer, and we never needed AI to make them comprehensible !).

[Dragon-Fur]

@DaveMidge 

You are welcome.

HP Smart Printing queue works with various other software programs as an advanced printing dialog.

For example, HP Smart Printing works with 

• Adobe Reader
• Word
• HP Smart

Smart Printing prevents conflicts by allowing only the job settings supported by the printer and that can be used together based on the paper size / type, the content type, and duplex and / or booklet.

Unlike HP Smart (HP App), HP Smart Printing understands the concept of Custom Presets / Shortcuts, Custom paper sizes, and even Watermarks).  True - Some of what is supported is model dependent.

The queue is persistent - leave it installed.

If you do not wish to use Smart Printing, do not select it as the Printer in the software or application you are using.

Example 1 - HP Smart - HP Smart Printing - Photo 4x6 

HP_Smart_Win_Smart_Printing_Photo_4x6_Borderless_6

Example 2 - Adobe Reader - HP Smart Printing - PDF

PDF_Reader_HP_Smart_Printing_Booklet_4

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"