How to reset default File Type when saving a scan

[b_miller]

I have recently switched from Canon to HP all-in-one printer/fax/scanner - HP Envy 6552e.

I print then scan a lot of census records, and also scan a lot of antique photos.

Each project I work on has a unique prefix in the file name - for example, I'm currently working on group p1315_filename.

When using my Canon, I was able to specify a prefix for the file name. For example, when I scan on my HP, the filename prefix is Document_ or 2025_ - I'd like to be able to change it to p1315_ for now, and to p1316_ when I work on the next group.

Also, when using my Canon, I can preset the File Type to .jpg - with the HP, it always reverts to Basic PDF between scans. I see there is maybe a way to change that under Features and File Types, but .jpg is not one of the options.

Is there a way to do these things?

One more thing....I've been using HP Smart to do the scans - is there a scan executable I can pin to the taskbar instead?

[Garp_senchau · Accepted solution]

@b_miller, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

1. Custom Filename Prefix (like p1315_)

Unfortunately, HP Smart does not allow setting a default filename prefix. You must manually rename each file after scanning. But there are workarounds:

Alternative scanning software:

Use Windows Fax and Scan or Windows Scan (available from the Microsoft Store). While these also don’t allow filename prefixes directly, they let you scan and save without HP’s Smart defaults and sometimes retain your last filename pattern.

2. Default File Type (.JPG)

In HP Smart:

Change the scan source to Photo instead of Document (some versions show more formats under Photo).

3. Pinning a Scan Tool to the Taskbar

Yes, you can:

HP Smart shortcut: Right-click on the HP Smart app and choose “Pin to taskbar.” It will still launch the full app, but it’s the only HP-provided scanning interface.

Windows Scan: If installed, you can pin this too. Search "Scan" in the Start menu, right-click Windows Scan, then choose Pin to taskbar.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,

[b_miller]

Thank you, Garp.

I had tried Photo for the scan preset instead of Document, but it still defaults to Basic PDF.

Today I discovered that it defaults to .jpg if I use Multi-Item, so that issue is resolved.

I'll look into your other suggestions and mark this answered.

Bonnie

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @b_miller,

Thanks for the update! I’m glad to hear everything is working fine now, especially with the multi-item setting. 

Feel free to reach out if you need any more help, and thanks for marking this as answered!

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,