fullscans

Fullscans are digital reproductions produced by scanning an entire printed work, including front matter, margins, advertisements, and back matter, to create a complete digital copy. The term is commonly used in fan communities surrounding manga, light novels, magazines, and other printed publications. Fullscans differ from partial or cropped scans that exclude non-content pages. Proponents emphasize preservation, archival value, and broad accessibility, while critics point to copyright concerns and potential impacts on rights holders.

Production and formats

Fullscans are typically created by volunteers who obtain a physical copy and convert it into a digital form. The resulting files may be distributed as image archives (such as CBZ/CBR) or as searchable PDFs, sometimes with text recognition applied. In many projects, the raw pages are later translated, edited, or typeset by separate teams, while some groups publish the raw pages for downstream processing. Quality can vary, with factors such as page alignment, gutter handling, color fidelity, and the presence of any damage or wear affecting the final product.

Quality and characteristics

Common characteristics of fullscans include the inclusion of front and back matter, page numbers, and any color inserts or advertisements present in the original. Some scans strive for faithful reproduction of color and layout, while others prioritize legibility and compact file sizes. The availability of multiple formats allows for use in different downstream workflows, including translation, annotation, or archival storage.

Legal and ethical considerations

Copyright laws vary by jurisdiction. In many places, distributing or distributing access to full scans of copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Some groups cite preservation goals or non-commercial intent, but this does not remove legal risk. Rights holders often discourage unauthorized distribution, while communities may emphasize attribution and adherence to local laws and norms.