What is FADGI?

FADGI (Federal Agencies Digital Guidelines Initiative) is a set of technical guidelines and best practices for digitising cultural heritage materials, including documents, maps, and artwork. These standards, developed by the U.S. federal government, ensure that digital reproductions are accurate, high-quality, and suitable for long-term preservation.

FADGI ratings range from 1 to 4 stars, with 4-star being the highest quality standard. The rating system assesses multiple imaging factors such as resolution, colour accuracy, tonal response, and geometric fidelity, ensuring that digital assets meet professional archival standards.

You can discover more about FADGI here.

What Does FADGI 3-Star Mean?

A FADGI 3-star rating indicates a high-quality digital reproduction, suitable for most archival, research, and professional publishing applications. This rating ensures:

• Accurate colour representation – Ensuring true-to-life colours in scanned images.

• High resolution and detail retention – Capturing fine details with clarity.

• Minimal distortion and artifacting – Maintaining image integrity without visual errors.

• Consistent tonal response – Balanced contrast and exposure for accurate reproduction.

FADGI 3-star compliance is particularly important for institutions like libraries, archives, and museums, where digital preservation requires both quality and efficiency.

Why Choose a FADGI 3-Star Scanner?

Both SmartWorks Imaging and Nextimage (now Nextimage 6) deliver FADGI 3-star performance—right out of the box.
No complex setup. No endless tweaking. Simply select the built-in FADGI preset, and the software handles all the fine-tuned adjustments for you.

Capture stunning, true-to-life reproductions of maps, blueprints, artwork, and historical documents—meeting one of the most respected imaging standards in the industry.

With Colortrac and Contex leading the way in large-format scanning, their already exceptional image quality is now elevated even further with FADGI 3-star compliance—cementing their position as the go-to choice for professionals who demand nothing but the best.

Which scanners meet FADGI 3-star?

Discover the software behind it all

Nextimage 6

Nextimage 6 isn’t just scanning software—it’s the gold standard for large-format imaging.

 Trusted by professionals worldwide, this award-winning software is engineered to deliver the sharpest, most accurate results possible, working in perfect harmony with your Contex scanner.

With precision editing tools, customisable presets, and optional large-format printer integration, Nextimage 6 turns every scan into a flawless reproduction—while streamlining your workflow to save hours of valuable time.

Working across all Contex models*, Nextimage 6 is the ultimate upgrade for those who demand nothing less than the best in large-format scanning.

* FADGI 3-star image setting is not available when Nextimage 6 is used with SD One+ and IQ Quattro 2490 models. All other Nextimage 6 features remain compatible with these models.

SmartWorks Imaging

SmartWorks Imaging is Colortrac’s powerhouse large-format scanning software—designed for professionals who demand speed, precision, and versatility.

With advanced editing tools and built-in large-format printer driver support, it delivers a complete, all-in-one scanning and printing solution.

Effortless to use yet powerful in capability, SmartWorks Imaging lets you fine-tune every detail, create custom presets, and streamline your workflow for maximum productivity.

Compatible with both SmartLF SCi and SGi model ranges, it’s the ultimate upgrade—elevating already outstanding hardware into a truly unbeatable large-format scanning solution.

Please Note: Product images and videos may display additional options, accessories, or features that are available at extra cost. For full details, please refer to the key product features, specification table, and datasheet. All features, specifications, software, and related information are subject to change without notice.

Performance, features, and capabilities are based on the use of the equipment with its proprietary included software (where applicable). Compatibility with third-party software is not guaranteed or implied; users should consult the relevant software vendor to confirm suitability for their intended application.

Stated scanning and processing speeds are indicative and provided for guidance only. Actual performance may vary depending on factors such as media type, software configuration, system performance, and user experience.

Automated processing features are intended to enhance user experience, but results may vary based on usage and the materials being scanned. User input may still be required before or after processing. Please note that functionality and available features may differ between operating systems. Refer to the full product datasheet and specifications to confirm any such variations.