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[[File:TFA Lugnut scanning.JPG|upright=1.95|thumb|Sure, the new packaging looks great, but the number of twisty-ties they use to hold it in that position is insane.]]


[[Transformer]]s are a naturally chameleonic species, capable of changing from [[robot mode]] to [[alternate mode]] but their penchant for operating undercover while on other worlds means that Cybertronians must be able to assume the shape of machines or creatures from other worlds. This is achieved through '''Scanning''', or '''trans-scanning''', the method by which Transformers can assume a suitable new alternate mode.


Although the "original" or "Cybertronian" altmodes of the characters prior to scanning and reformatting are not always shown, they generally tend to be something roughly similar in size, form and function to their new mode (i.e. flyers tend to become planes, Cybertronian tanks become Earth tanks and small fast-moving land vehicles become sports cars or [[Cheetor (BW)|cheetahs]]), etc. This suggests that in most continuities the scanning process involves attempting to find the most similar compatible altmode available. Whether this makes the following reconstruction process easier or is merely a concession to the individual Cybertronian's personal preference is unknown.
==Conceptual history==
[[File:BattleForCybertron-TheArk.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Early ''Transformers'' stories established that Transformers needed to be physically rebuilt by an external force to change their alternate modes.]]


They also have a funny tendency to be the same colors each time...<ref>''Animated'' is one of the first continuities to show multiple cases of characters scanning Earth altmodes with explicitly different (i.e. more "realistic") coloration or paintwork and yet having their reformatted bodies stick with their original [[deco]] schemes instead of conforming to the scanned example. Lugnut, Blitzwing, Starscream and Bulkhead all do this which is particularly odd in the last case since the [[Mudflap (slang)|mudflap]] rather seems to be using [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s deco which is based on a vintage U.S. Army Jeep. Mind you, the idea goes all the way back to "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" in which an orange tractor trailer was scanned for [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and yet he retained his red and blue coloration.</ref>
The earliest ''Transformers'' stories, including the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comic]], and various ancillary storybooks, depicted [[transformation]] not as an innate ability of the species; rather, it was portrayed as a sort of "upgrade" that allowed a Cybertronian to transform. As a result, the process of "scanning" as it is understood today did not exist ''per se'' in these early stories; rather, Transformers who wished to adopt a new shape would have to be manually rebuilt, generally involving a variety of shipboard facilities to do so. In some tales, such as "[[Battle for Cybertron]]," Cybertronians did not transform ''at all'' until their rebuilding at the hands of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s repair protocols after crash-landing on [[Earth]], an unexpected side-effect.


==Conceptual history==
It was the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon, however, that first detailed a specific mechanism by which a Transformer could change their alternate mode: shipboard [[DNA scanner]]s allowed the various [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon]]s to adopt the forms of native organisms while marooned on prehistoric [[Earth]], using an external [[CR chamber]] to finalize the procedure. The sequel series, ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', would lay the groundwork for the finalization of this concept through the character of [[Nightscream]], revealed in the episode "[[Survivor]]" to have directly integrated all of the necessary hardware directly into his chassis—the in-universe explanation being that this was a product of the "[[Quantum Cycle Upgrade]]" that occurred while [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and company were away from Cybertron. With this, Nightscream could directly scan any compatible lifeform and instantaneously make the necessary alterations to his body, though this ability was never displayed on-screen as a result of him becoming a [[technorganic]] shortly thereafter. Japanese-original Beast Era fiction would follow through on this idea, unanimously depicting their casts of characters as able to pick up new altmodes "on the fly."
The earliest ''Transformers'' stories, including the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comic]], and various ancillary storybooks, depicted [[transformation]] not as an innate ability of the species; rather, it was portrayed as a sort of "upgrade" that allowed a Cybertronian to transform. As a result, the process of "scanning" as it is understood today did not exist ''per se'' in these early stories; rather, Transformers who wished to adopt a new shape would have to be manually rebuilt, generally involving a variety of shipboard facilities to do so. In some tales, such as "[[Battle for Cybertron]]," Cybertronians did not transform ''at all'' until their rebuilding at the hands of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s repair protocols after crash-landing on [[Earth]].  


It was the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon that first detailed a specific mechanism by which a Transformer could change their alternate mode: the usage of [[DNA scanner]]s that allowed the various [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon]]s to adopt the forms of native organisms while marooned on prehistoric [[Earth]]. Similarly to the Generation 1 cartoon, this process also required the usage of external hardware, in this case, a shipboard [[CR chamber]]. The sequel series, ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', would lay the groundwork for the finalization of this concept through the character of [[Nightscream]], revealed in the episode "[[Survivor]]" to have directly integrated all of the necessary hardware directly into his chassis—the in-universe explanation being that this was a product of the "[[Quantum Cycle Upgrade]]" that occurred while [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and company were away from Cybertron. With this, Nightscream could directly scan any compatible lifeform and instantaneously make the necessary alterations to his body, though this ability was never displayed on-screen as a result of him becoming a [[technorganic]] shortly thereafter. Japanese-original Beast Era fiction would follow through on this idea, unanimously depicting their casts of characters as able to pick up new altmodes "on the fly."
The next series, ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', would take the concept to its logical conclusion by unanimously depicting ''all'' Transformers as having this built-in ability. It is in this form that the concept of "scanning" has more-or-less persevered into the present day, and would be most famously depicted in the [[live-action film series]] as the means by which both Autobots and Decepticons assumed their terrestrial alternate modes after landing on Earth.  


The next series, ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', would take the concept to its logical conclusion by unanimously depicting ''all'' Transformers as having this built-in ability. It is in this form that the concept of "scanning" has more-or-less persevered into the present day.
{{-}}


==Fiction==
==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Marvel Comics continuity====
====Marvel Comics continuity====
[[File:Toaster ark.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Built to Rule!]]
[[File:Toaster ark.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]


Four million years ago after the crash of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', the [[Aunty|ship's computer]] detected [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] landing in [[Antarctica]], in the remote region known as the [[Savage Land]]. The ''Ark'' thus used the last of its power to rouse five warriors, and rebuilt them so that they could transform into the [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaurs]] native to the primordial landscape. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}
Autonomous systems aboard the Autobot starship ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' gathered data on native lifeforms using autonomous probes, and its shipboard facilities could manually disassemble and rebuilt Cybertronians into a new configuration to disguise themselves. It first did this four million years ago, shortly after its crash on prehistoric [[Earth]];  detecting [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] in the [[Savage Land]], the ''Ark'' obtained information on the region's ancient creatures and reconstructed [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and four other warriors into [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaur]]s. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}  


In [[1984]] the eruption of the volcano rebooted the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s systems, prompting it to send a [[drone]] to scan for signs of life. Unable to distinguish Autobot from Decepticon—and mistaking [[human]]ity's vehicles for the dominant lifeform—rebuilt both Autobots and Decepticons with new alternate modes so that they would be able to blend in with other Earth machines. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}  
During the [[1984]] eruption of [[Mount St. Hilary]], the reactivated ''Ark'' mistook human machines for the dominant life-form, and rebuilt all of the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s aboard the ship into suitable Earth forms. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Through a similar process, [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]'s Cybertron-bound Decepticons rebuilt [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]] into a [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}} Future arrivals on Earth would adopt suitable altmodes through manual rebuilds. Some Transformers bypassed the process by encoding their minds onto [[crystalline containment vessel]]s; once [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] decided they needed reinforcements, the ''Ark'' simply constructed a suitable Earth body for the Transformers in question, at which point the Autobots uploaded the mental engrams of their comrades into these new forms. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}


Later stories would refer to new arrivals to Earth having to take on new "Terran" altmodes, but the process was generally glossed over.
====Cartoon continuities====
[[File:MTMtE Part1 Prime repair.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Wake up, Prime! Don't make me use this to wake you up."]]


====Cartoon continuities====
Transformers possess "[[idento-computer]]s," which help Cybertronians adapt to unfamiliar conditions; in the case of the ravenous [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s, who crash-landed in [[Bali]] four million years ago, their idento-computers somehow modified their bodies so that they transformed into mechanical insects and gave them the power to metabolize organic matter. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}
[[File:MTMtE Part1 Prime repair.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Wake up, Prime! Don't make me use this to wake you up."]]
The Transformers aboard the ''Ark'' were damaged and went into [[stasis lock]] after the Ark crashed into [[Mount St. Hilary]]. Four million years passed and then in 1984 volcanic activity stirred the half-buried Ark awakening [[Teletraan I]], the computer system aboard. Teletraan I sent out a [[Sky Spy]] satellite to reconnoiter the new world and scanned terrestrial machinery in order to repair the Transformers and reformat them into new altmodes. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}


====Beast Era====
The other Transformers aboard the ''Ark'' went into [[stasis lock]] after their starship crash-landed on Earth; in 1984, volcanic activity stirred the half-buried Ark and awoke [[Teletraan I]]. Teletraan I sent out a [[Sky Spy]] satellite to reconnoiter the new world and scanned terrestrial machinery in order to repair the Transformers, blasting them with an energy beam that not only repaired and re-energized the fallen Cybertronians, but also reformatted them into new alternate modes. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}
[[File:BeastWarsPart1-DNAscanner.gif|thumb|left|250px|The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[DNA scanner]] gathers information on Earth wildlife for the benefit of its crew.]]


Three hundred years after the conclusion of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the descendants of the Autobots and Decepticons were known to use '''[[DNA scanner]]s''' while on other worlds to blend in with the native lifeforms. These devices analyzed and copied the genetic material of native wildlife, and the Transformer in question could then use a [[CR chamber]] to adopt a potential [[beast mode]] based on the indigenous fauna. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} These creatures did not have to be living; DNA scanners could also extract a sufficient amount of data from inorganic remains such as fossils. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Survivor}} {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}
{{-}}


The scanning process was known to play an integral part in the creation and activation of new Transformers; the [[stasis pod]]s that housed newborn [[protoform]]s during offworld expeditions were equipped with a built-in DNA scanner. Once a pod had touched down on a planet, the scanner would immediately attempt to locate a nearby animal and copy its characteristics onto its protoform occupant to bring the Transformer to life. {{storylink|The Spark}} {{storylink|Spider's Game}}
====Marvel Storybooks continuity====
====Big Looker storybooks====


[[File:HomeSoil-DNAScanner.gif|thumb|right|200px|Upgraded DNA scanners allowed Maximals to quickly adopt new shapes on the fly and rendered [[stasis pods]] obsolete.]]
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[File:BeastWarsPart1-DNAscanner.gif|thumb|right|250px|The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[DNA scanner]] gathers information on Earth wildlife for the benefit of its crew.]]


During the [[Quantum Cycle Upgrade]], which took place while [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his crew were off-planet fighting the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] on prehistoric [[Earth]], DNA scanners were directly integrated into the bodies of all Maximals, allowing Cybertronians to adopt new beast modes without the need for stasis pods or CR chambers. {{storylink|Survivor}} [[Botanica]] and her crew of explorers used these new DNA scanners to blend in with the lifeforms on [[Regalis V|a distant world of ambulatory plants]]. {{storylink|Home Soil}}
Three hundred years after the conclusion of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the descendants of the Autobots and Decepticons were known to use '''[[DNA scanner]]s''' while on other worlds to blend in with the native lifeforms. These devices analyzed and copied the genetic material of native wildlife, and the Transformer in question could then use a [[CR chamber]] to adopt a potential [[beast mode]] based on the indigenous fauna. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} DNA scanners could also extract a sufficient amount of genetic data from inorganic remains, such as fossils. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Survivor}} {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}


Shortly after [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and his [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s invaded Cybertron, the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] knocked himself unconscious after fleeing into the depths of Cybertron and falling into a [[fossil chamber]], and his onboard DNA scanner somehow activated and scanned the bones of an extinct bat-like creature. {{storylink|Survivor}}  
The scanning process was known to play an integral part in the creation and activation of new Transformers; the [[stasis pod]]s that housed newborn [[protoform]]s during offworld expeditions were equipped with a built-in DNA scanner. Once a pod had touched down on a planet, the scanner would immediately attempt to locate a nearby animal and copy its characteristics onto its protoform occupant to bring the Transformer to life. {{storylink|The Spark}} {{storylink|Spider's Game}}  


[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was later able to return [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] to his old self, breaking [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]'s [[shell program]] in the process, by forcing the [[Vehicon general]] to scan a fossilized bird while submerging him in liquid from Cybertron's [[organic core]]. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}


[[File:BWIITasmaniaKidScanning.gif|thumb|left|250px|[[Tasmania Kid]]'s internal systems were able to instantaneously scan the DNA of a local creature and make the necessary alterations to his body in a matter of seconds.]]
====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
[[File:HomeSoil-DNAScanner.gif|thumb|left|200px|Upgraded DNA scanners allowed Maximals to quickly adopt new shapes on the fly and rendered [[stasis pods]] obsolete.]]
During the [[Quantum Cycle Upgrade]], which took place while [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his crew were off-planet fighting the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] on prehistoric [[Earth]], DNA scanners were directly integrated into the bodies of all Maximals, allowing Cybertronians to adopt new beast modes without the need for stasis pods or CR chambers. {{storylink|Survivor}} [[Botanica]] and her crew of explorers used these new DNA scanners to blend in with the lifeforms on [[Regalis V|a distant world of ambulatory plants]]. {{storylink|Home Soil}}


Thousands of years in the future, all Transformers would come to possess a set of optical DNA scanners and bodies that coiuld instantly adapt to new alternate modes, be they organic creatures or more conventional machinery. During the Maximal-Predacon conflict on the post-apocalyptic planet [[Gaea]], [[Tasmania Kid]] accidentally scanned a Tasmanian devil shortly after landing, {{storylink|The New Forces Arrive!}} while the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s were able to obtain suitable vehicular modes by accessing an ancient computer and downloading information on the dead civilization's machines. {{storylink|White Lion, Run!}}
Shortly after [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and his [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s invaded Cybertron, the young Maximal [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] knocked himself unconscious after fleeing into the depths of Cybertron and falling into a [[fossil chamber]], and his onboard DNA scanner somehow activated and scanned the bones of an extinct bat-like creature. {{storylink|Survivor}} [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was later able to return [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] to his old self, breaking [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]'s [[shell program]] in the process, by forcing the [[Vehicon General]] to scan a fossilized bird while submerging him in liquid from Cybertron's [[organic core]]. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} Additionally, the mystical Oracle displayed the ability to instantaneously "reformat" any Cybertronian life-form into a highly evolved "[[technorganic]]" form,a mystical hybrid of the organic and technological; {{storylink|The Reformatting}} through proper discipline, Optimus Primal was able to channel this power as needed, using it to reformat several other Transformers into new technorganic shapes. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} {{storylink|Home Soil}}


{{-}}
{{-}}


====Dreamwave continuity====
====''Beast Wars II'' cartoon====
Being set quite some time after the initial awakening of the Transformers on modern-day Earth, the scanning and rebuilding process was never really detailed in this continuity but can be assumed to have been along the lines of the fairly similar classic cartoon and Marvel comic scenarios.
[[File:BWIITasmaniaKidScanning.gif|thumb|right|250px|[[Tasmania Kid (BW)|Tasmania Kid]]'s internal systems were able to instantaneously scan the DNA of a local creature and make the necessary alterations to his body in a matter of seconds.]]
 
Thousands of years in the future, all Transformers would come to possess a set of optical DNA scanners and bodies that coiuld instantly adapt to new alternate modes, be they organic creatures or more conventional machinery. During the Maximal-Predacon conflict on the post-apocalyptic planet [[Gaia]], [[Tasmania Kid (BW)|Tasmania Kid]] accidentally scanned a Tasmanian devil shortly after landing, {{storylink|The New Forces Arrive!}} while the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s were able to obtain suitable vehicular modes by accessing [[Mother Computer|an ancient computer]] and downloading information on the dead civilization's machines. {{storylink|White Lion, Run!}}


Subsequent arrivals under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s banner of a unified [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] have been reformatted into Earth modes prior to their arrival to the planet. Again, the process is not shown. {{storylink|War and Peace}}
{{-}}


====IDW Generation 1 continuity====
====2005 IDW continuity====
Much like the Dreamwave counterpart, the IDWverse shows the Autobots and Decepticons already on Earth albeit with higher emphases on disguise. The process of reformatting is not shown. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infiltration|Infiltration}}


Again, subsequent arrivals to Earth such as Optimus Prime, Megatron and Hot Rod make mention of having been modified to have new Earth-based altmodes but the process is similarly not depicted directly.
====''Hearts of Steel''====


The first on-panel scanning was for the Dynobots and required the use of a CR chamber. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}}
====''Universe'' (2008) promotional video====
Shortly after he awoke on Earth, Optimus Prime used his built-in optical beams to scan a passing truck. {{storylink|Action Blast 1|Action Blast 1 Part 1}}


In the jump-forward storyline ''All Hail Megatron'', many of the Autobots and Decepticons have inexplicably been reformatted again, but merely into similar-but-different Earth altmodes. It is no surprise that in all cases these resemble their most recent real-world toy releases, particularly under the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' line]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron}} Following the rebirth of Cybertron and the end of the war, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] worked to reformat their respective comrades into new Cybertronian vehicle modes. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}}
====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
While developing the [[Beast mode|Beast Upgrade]], [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] devised a modified scanner for use on Cybertron's native [[mechanimal]]s. The experimental process led to many horrific failures until the Predacon criminal secured [[Leatherhide]]'s knowledge; testing the scanning procedure on a newborn [[protoform]] led to [[Inferno (BW)|Formikon]]'s creation, the first successful mechanimal Transformer. {{storylink|Not All Megatrons}} Once Megatron had perfected the technology, his mass-produced [[Beast Pod]]s came with pre-existing options for beast modes and did not require external scanners. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}}


====''Hearts of Steel''====
====''Star Trek vs. Transformers''====
It's not fully clear how exactly Cybertronians scan their alternate modes. Bumblebee can, for instance instantly reformat from his prehistoric [[beast mode]] into a nonexistent steamhammer locomotive. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Hearts of Steel #1}} On the other hand, Starscream and the other Decepticons need plans drawn up by [[Tobias Muldoon]] to reformat into flying alternate modes. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}


Whether or not [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] is a living Transformer raises even more questions; he's one of several Decepticons to be made or refitted to function as a train. Some Decepticons are also manually refitted to make rail cars for Astrotrain. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 3|Hearts of Steel #3}}
====2019 IDW continuity====
In this continuity, Transformers are not born with a natural alternate mode; rather, they are given the opportunity to choose a suitable vehicle form at some point after their forging. This choice may indeed tie into their future vocation, {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Three}} though it is possible for a Transformer to change alternate modes multiple times over the course of their long lifespans. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}}


====''Universe'' (2008) promotional video====
====''Transformers/Ghostbusters''====
Optimus Prime emits the scanning beam from his [[Sensor#Optical sensors|optic]] sensor to scan a truck. {{storylink|Action Blast 1|Action Blast 1 Part 1}}


===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] was able to scan [[Auggie Cahnay (RID)|Auggie Cahnay]]'s racing car and reformat after arriving on Earth using a built-in scanner. The scan also seemed to pick up parts of Auggie Cahnay's personality causing him to experience the urge to enter races. {{storylink|Skid Z's Choice}} Stasis pods with in-built scanners also appeared in the series enabling the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]] to select alternate modes which the contained protoforms would take. In the case of [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] the scan beam took in a fuel tanker, [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] causeng Scourge's [[robot mode]] to bear a resemblance to Optimus and adding a human tinge to his bio-signature. {{storylink|The Decepticons}}


===Unicron Trilogy===
===Unicron Trilogy===
Upon arriving on Earth, both Autobots and Decepticons display the ability to scan and [[Reformatting|reformat]] for new alt modes without requiring the aid of any external reconfiguration technology. {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis}} When the [[Unicron Singularity]] was threatening the universe, Transformers even displayed the ability to scan multiple alternate modes in addition to the one they chose for themselves, storing the data on other vehicles and passing it on to other Transformers to scan. Scanning didn't even require the presence of the actual vehicle—a mere photograph or illustration of the vehicle would do. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}}


===Live-action film series===
===Live-action film series===
Trans-scanning is the mechanical process by which a [[Transformer]]'s built-in sensors choose and examine a new [[alternate mode]], immediately generating a new exostructure around the [[living metal|ultra-dense liquid metal]] that makes up the core of each Cybertronian. Upon arriving on a new world, Transformers will immediately begin searching for compatible machinery to copy, choosing a new form appropriate to its body mass and locale. In some cases, a protoform may have to absorb extra minerals from their surroundings in order to create sufficient mass, or sacrifice some of their own weapons if no minerals are available. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}}  
[[File:Bumblebeescanningcamaro.gif|thumb|right|250px|Cybertronians in this continuity family display a unified ability to switch alternate modes almost instantaneously.]]
'''Trans-scanning''' is the mechanical process by which a [[Transformer]]'s built-in sensors choose and examine a new [[alternate mode]], immediately generating a new exostructure around the [[living metal|ultra-dense liquid metal]] that constitutes the base Cybertronian [[protoform]]. After arriving on a new world, a Cybertronian searches for local machinery, then chooses a new form appropriate to its body mass and locale. Depending on the size and mass of their desired alternate mode, Cybertronians may absorb raw minerals from their surroundings to generate an appropriate disguise; in extenuating circumstances, a Cybertronian may have to effectively sacrifice their own weapons to complete the process, breaking them down into base metals. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}}  


The trans-scanning process replicates every last detail of a Cybertronian's shape, including rust and faded paintwork when imitating old or run-down vehicles. {{storylink|Transformers (film)|Transformers}} {{storylink|Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee}} At the same time, however, Cybertronians do have the ability to control, at least in part, the nature of their disguise, and have been known to alter the paint jobs or appearances of their new vehicle modes from the template from which they were scanned. {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}} Additionally, every Cybertronian maintains a stored "databank" of previously adopted forms in their system, allowing them to assume them again if the need arises without the need to scanning. {{storylink|Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday}}
The trans-scanning process replicates every last detail of a Cybertronian's shape, including rust and faded paintwork when imitating old or run-down vehicles. {{storylink|Transformers (film)|Transformers}} {{storylink|Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee}} At the same time, however, Cybertronians do have the ability to control, at least in part, the nature of their disguise, and have been known to alter the paint jobs or appearances of their new vehicle modes from the template from which they were scanned. {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}} Every Cybertronian maintains a databank of previously assumed alternate modes, from which they can alter their bodies without having to scan that shape again. {{storylink|Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday}}


Some Transformers, like [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], have been noted to possess a specific aptitude for changing disguises. Frenzy, for instance, is specifically noted to possess a "hyper-reactive" trans-scanning and reformatting processor, which allows him to transform into anything at any given moment. Given the incredible ease and fluidity in changing forms that Transformers in this[[continuity family]] display, it's not particularly clear what this entails, or how it distinguishes them from other Cybertronians. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}}
Some Transformers, like [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], have been noted to possess a specific aptitude for changing disguises. Frenzy, for instance, is specifically noted to possess a "hyper-reactive" trans-scanning and reformatting processor, which allows him to transform into anything at any given moment. Given the incredible ease and fluidity in changing forms that Transformers in this[[continuity family]] display, it's not particularly clear what this entails, or how it distinguishes them from other Cybertronians. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}}


===''Animated''===
===''Animated''===
In the ''Animated'' universe [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and his crew use a Sky Spy-type probe from their ship to scan new alt modes for them which they are then very quickly reformatted into by taking turns stepping inside a device similar to a [[CR chamber]].
However, upon arriving on Earth the Decepticons [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] and memorably [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] are capable of scanning new altmodes directly from their own bodies and immediately reformatting themselves without any such chamber, although the actual reformatting is not shown onscreen. This may suggest that while ''Animated'' Decepticons appear to have the ability to scan and reformat themselves unaided, ''Animated'' Autobots apparently do not. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}
When [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] rebuilds himself with the assistance of [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]]'s [[AllSpark]]-[[AllSpark Key|powered key]] he is reconstituted with a newly reformatted helicopter-altmode body straight away rather than in his original body which had a Cybertronian jet-altmode. He had presumably scanned the design while his disembodied head still had access to [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Issac Sumdac]]'s computers.


In a similar vein, mere moments after upgrading himself [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] was capable of transforming into a brand-new vehicle mode without any scanning whatsoever. [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]] also went through the same process as he could also transform into a vehicle mode without having done a single scan beforehand.
===''Shattered Glass''===
===''Shattered Glass''===
[[File:Desert Heat Scanning.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Hey, this isn't a light cycle!]]
After arriving Earth and finding [[Soundwave (SG)|Soundwave]] in [[stasis lock]], [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] reactivated the systems and the on-board scanner of Soundwave's stasis pod. It scanned a [[:File:Universe 2008 Ironhide Toy.jpg|familiar vehicle]] nearby for Soundwave and reactivated him. {{storylink|The Desert Heat!}}


===Aligned continuity family===
===Aligned continuity family===
====Aligned novels====
Scanning new vehicle modes based on the current locale is not something that every Cybertronian enjoys; some pride themselves on retaining the same vehicle form that they have had since learning to assume it. During his stay on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] [[Prowl (WFC)|Prowl]] briefly contemplated scanning a new vehicle mode to better suit the treacherous terrain of the junk planet but ultimately decided against it. {{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}
===''Prime'' cartoon===
[[File:ProjectPredacon Optimus Prime scans truck.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|Perfect! No one will ever suspect such a big spiky truck of actually being an alien robot in disguise!]]
For some reason that has yet to be explained, many Cybertronians seem to lose the ability to assume a vehicle form after arriving on Earth. While they are perfectly functional in robot mode their inability to transform into an alternate mode puts them at a disadvantage regarding mobility, [[Megatron (WFC)|though there]] [[Airachnid (Prime)|are some]] [[Shockwave (WFC)|exceptions]]. However, Cybertronians are readily capable of scanning local vehicles for alternate modes. This appears as the Cybertronian in question shooting what appears to be green [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|or blue]] beams from their eyes. The beams scan the vehicle which even appears to cause some electrical interference as well providing the Cybertronian with a complete schematic of their chosen vehicle after which they can immediately transform into said vehicle.
Curiously, Cybertronians here seem to display kibble that hints to an Earth-based vehicle mode before they actually scan one.
[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] has inadvertently provided [[Skyquake (Prime)|some]] [[Airachnid (Prime)|Decepticons]] [[Dreadwing (Prime)|their]] new vehicle modes with the vehicle he's currently riding in much to his irritation. {{storylink|Masters & Students}} {{storylink|Crisscross}} {{storylink|Loose Cannons}}
A Transformer's scanning ability is enabled by their [[transformation cog]] component. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}}
[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] scanned a new alternate mode that would better integrate his new [[Jet pack|jetpack]]. The vehicle chosen by [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] was an experimental [[M.A.S.K.]]-division vehicle. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}
====''Rescue Bots'' cartoon====
[[File:Changes Heatwave meditates.jpg|thumb|right|"Om mani padme hum."]]
Upon arriving on Earth, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] provided the members of [[Rescue Force Sigma-17]] with a choice of vehicle modes based on the native machinery. After choosing their new alternate modes, the members of the force immediately assumed alternate form and began to integrate into human society. {{storylink|Family of Heroes}} After some time on Earth, Optimus Prime instructed [[Heatwave (RB)|Heatwave]] on how to gain [[Triple Changer|a third form]] which involved intense concentration and focusing a lot of energy, a process Optimus described as “an ordeal” in which few succeeded on their first try. It involved a form of prone meditation so deep that Heatwave was apparently unable to hear [[Kade Burns|an embarrassing conversation]] going on right next to him. When his energy focusing was complete his Rescue Bot insignia glowed blue similar to when using energize tools and he himself glowed briefly. It glowed blue again when he scanned a fireboat and he told [[Blades (RB)|Blades]] that he was still exhausted later that day or a day or two later. He also told him that Blades would not be allowed to attempt to scan a third form, since Heatwave did it only with Optimus' permission and help. {{storylink|Changes}} In accordance with [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/UniquenessDecay uniqueness decay] however, Optimus later scanned [[Trex]] to gain a Dinobot form without the same fanfare being given to the difficulty of scanning a third form, {{storylink|Land Before Prime (episode)|Land Before Prime}} and in order to test a cure for Optimus' rampaging dino mode on himself [[Boulder]] scanned a third form with only a few moments of focusing and no apparent fatigue. {{storylink|Big Game}} When [[Quint Quarry]] demanded more dinobots in addition to Boulder and Optimus, Heatwave gained a ''fourth'' form and [[Chase (RB)|Chase]] and Blades scanned third modes all with no apparent preparation or fatigue. The process did strain Blades' [[Transformation cog|T-cog]] to the point that it was several hours before he could use it again, though this strain was attributed partially to the bio-organic nature of the new forms they'd scanned. {{storylink|Quarry's Quarry}}
====2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon====
After arriving on Earth, [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] and [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] scanned new vehicle modes at [[Denny Clay]]'s [[Vintage Salvage Depot for the Discriminating Nostalgist|scrapyard]]. Noticeably, [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] and [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]] did not adopt compatible Earth forms possibly due to personal preferences or physical limitations. {{storylink|Pilot (Part 2)}}
Most, [[Underbite|but not all of]] the Decepticon fugitives aboard the ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]'' also chose to scan new alternate modes while hiding out on Earth.
[[File:OverloadedPart2-optimusscanning.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Decepticons really knew that they were in trouble after Optimus learned how to Warp Digivolve.]]
While training in the [[Realm of the Primes]] Optimus Prime learned how to control and fine-tune the scanning process so that he could merely adopt one characteristic of an appropriate vehicle. While searching for [[Polarclaw|a Decepticon]] in the [[Arctic]] members of the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]] scanned suitable camouflage from a nearby truck {{storylink|Overloaded, Part 2}} and during the trip south they adopted desert camouflage by scanning an offroad jeep. {{storylink|Cover Me}}
{{stub}}
{{storylink|History Lessons}} {{storylink|Prisoner Principles}} {{storylink|Freedom Fighters}}


''See also:'' '''[[Electronic paint job]]''', '''[[Camouflage paint]]'''
===Ask Vector Prime===
One cautionary Cybertronian folk tale concerns a contest between a [[Titan (group)|Metrotitan]] and a prideful [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]], each seeking to outdo the other by scanning the perfect shape. When the Malignus tried to scan the concept of entropy as his alternate mode, however, the effort involved disintegrated him beyond any hope of repair: an allegorical warning for 'bots not to scan more than they can handle. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/15}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 141: Line 108:
[[Image:TransScanningOptimusPrime.jpg|right|150px|thumb|The Optimus Prime of your nightmares.]]
[[Image:TransScanningOptimusPrime.jpg|right|150px|thumb|The Optimus Prime of your nightmares.]]
* '''[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Trans-Scanning|Bumblebee]]'''
* '''[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Trans-Scanning|Bumblebee]]'''
* '''[[Optimus_Prime_(Movie)/toys#Trans-Scanning|Optimus Prime]]'''
* '''[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Trans-Scanning|Optimus Prime]]'''


Japanese-only releases, these figures are spindly skeletons referred to as "Core Bodies". To these skeletons, two sets of armor pieces can be attached to create one of two forms for either character: their [[Protoform|protoform]] mode or their Earth mode.
Japanese-only releases, these figures are spindly skeletons referred to as "Core Bodies". To these skeletons, two sets of armor pieces can be attached to create one of two forms for either character: their [[protoform]] mode or their Earth mode.


===The Scan Series===
===The Scan Series===

Latest revision as of 18:44, 11 May 2026


Conceptual history

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Early Transformers stories established that Transformers needed to be physically rebuilt by an external force to change their alternate modes.

The earliest Transformers stories, including the cartoon, comic, and various ancillary storybooks, depicted transformation not as an innate ability of the species; rather, it was portrayed as a sort of "upgrade" that allowed a Cybertronian to transform. As a result, the process of "scanning" as it is understood today did not exist per se in these early stories; rather, Transformers who wished to adopt a new shape would have to be manually rebuilt, generally involving a variety of shipboard facilities to do so. In some tales, such as "Battle for Cybertron," Cybertronians did not transform at all until their rebuilding at the hands of the Ark's repair protocols after crash-landing on Earth, an unexpected side-effect.

It was the Beast Wars cartoon, however, that first detailed a specific mechanism by which a Transformer could change their alternate mode: shipboard DNA scanners allowed the various Maximals and Predacons to adopt the forms of native organisms while marooned on prehistoric Earth, using an external CR chamber to finalize the procedure. The sequel series, Beast Machines, would lay the groundwork for the finalization of this concept through the character of Nightscream, revealed in the episode "Survivor" to have directly integrated all of the necessary hardware directly into his chassis—the in-universe explanation being that this was a product of the "Quantum Cycle Upgrade" that occurred while Optimus Primal and company were away from Cybertron. With this, Nightscream could directly scan any compatible lifeform and instantaneously make the necessary alterations to his body, though this ability was never displayed on-screen as a result of him becoming a technorganic shortly thereafter. Japanese-original Beast Era fiction would follow through on this idea, unanimously depicting their casts of characters as able to pick up new altmodes "on the fly."

The next series, Robots in Disguise, would take the concept to its logical conclusion by unanimously depicting all Transformers as having this built-in ability. It is in this form that the concept of "scanning" has more-or-less persevered into the present day, and would be most famously depicted in the live-action film series as the means by which both Autobots and Decepticons assumed their terrestrial alternate modes after landing on Earth.


Fiction

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Generation 1 continuity family

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Marvel Comics continuity

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Autonomous systems aboard the Autobot starship Ark gathered data on native lifeforms using autonomous probes, and its shipboard facilities could manually disassemble and rebuilt Cybertronians into a new configuration to disguise themselves. It first did this four million years ago, shortly after its crash on prehistoric Earth; detecting Shockwave in the Savage Land, the Ark obtained information on the region's ancient creatures and reconstructed Grimlock and four other warriors into dinosaurs. The Last Stand

During the 1984 eruption of Mount St. Hilary, the reactivated Ark mistook human machines for the dominant life-form, and rebuilt all of the Autobots and Decepticons aboard the ship into suitable Earth forms. The Transformers Through a similar process, Straxus's Cybertron-bound Decepticons rebuilt Spanner into a space bridge. The Bridge to Nowhere! Future arrivals on Earth would adopt suitable altmodes through manual rebuilds. Some Transformers bypassed the process by encoding their minds onto crystalline containment vessels; once Optimus Prime decided they needed reinforcements, the Ark simply constructed a suitable Earth body for the Transformers in question, at which point the Autobots uploaded the mental engrams of their comrades into these new forms. Rock and Roll-Out!

Cartoon continuities

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"Wake up, Prime! Don't make me use this to wake you up."

Transformers possess "idento-computers," which help Cybertronians adapt to unfamiliar conditions; in the case of the ravenous Insecticons, who crash-landed in Bali four million years ago, their idento-computers somehow modified their bodies so that they transformed into mechanical insects and gave them the power to metabolize organic matter. A Plague of Insecticons

The other Transformers aboard the Ark went into stasis lock after their starship crash-landed on Earth; in 1984, volcanic activity stirred the half-buried Ark and awoke Teletraan I. Teletraan I sent out a Sky Spy satellite to reconnoiter the new world and scanned terrestrial machinery in order to repair the Transformers, blasting them with an energy beam that not only repaired and re-energized the fallen Cybertronians, but also reformatted them into new alternate modes. More than Meets the Eye, Part 1


Marvel Storybooks continuity

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Big Looker storybooks

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Beast Wars cartoon

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The Axalon's DNA scanner gathers information on Earth wildlife for the benefit of its crew.

Three hundred years after the conclusion of the Great War, the descendants of the Autobots and Decepticons were known to use DNA scanners while on other worlds to blend in with the native lifeforms. These devices analyzed and copied the genetic material of native wildlife, and the Transformer in question could then use a CR chamber to adopt a potential beast mode based on the indigenous fauna. Beast Wars (Part 1) DNA scanners could also extract a sufficient amount of genetic data from inorganic remains, such as fossils. Beast Wars (Part 1) Survivor In Darkest Knight

The scanning process was known to play an integral part in the creation and activation of new Transformers; the stasis pods that housed newborn protoforms during offworld expeditions were equipped with a built-in DNA scanner. Once a pod had touched down on a planet, the scanner would immediately attempt to locate a nearby animal and copy its characteristics onto its protoform occupant to bring the Transformer to life. The Spark Spider's Game


Beast Machines cartoon

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Upgraded DNA scanners allowed Maximals to quickly adopt new shapes on the fly and rendered stasis pods obsolete.

During the Quantum Cycle Upgrade, which took place while Optimus Primal and his crew were off-planet fighting the Beast Wars on prehistoric Earth, DNA scanners were directly integrated into the bodies of all Maximals, allowing Cybertronians to adopt new beast modes without the need for stasis pods or CR chambers. Survivor Botanica and her crew of explorers used these new DNA scanners to blend in with the lifeforms on a distant world of ambulatory plants. Home Soil

Shortly after Megatron and his Vehicons invaded Cybertron, the young Maximal Nightscream knocked himself unconscious after fleeing into the depths of Cybertron and falling into a fossil chamber, and his onboard DNA scanner somehow activated and scanned the bones of an extinct bat-like creature. Survivor Blackarachnia was later able to return Silverbolt to his old self, breaking Jetstorm's shell program in the process, by forcing the Vehicon General to scan a fossilized bird while submerging him in liquid from Cybertron's organic core. In Darkest Knight Additionally, the mystical Oracle displayed the ability to instantaneously "reformat" any Cybertronian life-form into a highly evolved "technorganic" form,a mystical hybrid of the organic and technological; The Reformatting through proper discipline, Optimus Primal was able to channel this power as needed, using it to reformat several other Transformers into new technorganic shapes. Forbidden Fruit Home Soil


Beast Wars II cartoon

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Tasmania Kid's internal systems were able to instantaneously scan the DNA of a local creature and make the necessary alterations to his body in a matter of seconds.

Thousands of years in the future, all Transformers would come to possess a set of optical DNA scanners and bodies that coiuld instantly adapt to new alternate modes, be they organic creatures or more conventional machinery. During the Maximal-Predacon conflict on the post-apocalyptic planet Gaia, Tasmania Kid accidentally scanned a Tasmanian devil shortly after landing, The New Forces Arrive! while the Predacons were able to obtain suitable vehicular modes by accessing an ancient computer and downloading information on the dead civilization's machines. White Lion, Run!


2005 IDW continuity

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Hearts of Steel

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Universe (2008) promotional video

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Shortly after he awoke on Earth, Optimus Prime used his built-in optical beams to scan a passing truck. Action Blast 1 Part 1

Beast Wars: Uprising

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While developing the Beast Upgrade, Megatron devised a modified scanner for use on Cybertron's native mechanimals. The experimental process led to many horrific failures until the Predacon criminal secured Leatherhide's knowledge; testing the scanning procedure on a newborn protoform led to Formikon's creation, the first successful mechanimal Transformer. Not All Megatrons Once Megatron had perfected the technology, his mass-produced Beast Pods came with pre-existing options for beast modes and did not require external scanners. Cultural Appropriation

Star Trek vs. Transformers

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2019 IDW continuity

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In this continuity, Transformers are not born with a natural alternate mode; rather, they are given the opportunity to choose a suitable vehicle form at some point after their forging. This choice may indeed tie into their future vocation, The World In Your Eyes Part Three though it is possible for a Transformer to change alternate modes multiple times over the course of their long lifespans. The World In Your Eyes Part One

Transformers/Ghostbusters

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2001 Robots in Disguise cartoon

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Unicron Trilogy

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Live-action film series

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Cybertronians in this continuity family display a unified ability to switch alternate modes almost instantaneously.

Trans-scanning is the mechanical process by which a Transformer's built-in sensors choose and examine a new alternate mode, immediately generating a new exostructure around the ultra-dense liquid metal that constitutes the base Cybertronian protoform. After arriving on a new world, a Cybertronian searches for local machinery, then chooses a new form appropriate to its body mass and locale. Depending on the size and mass of their desired alternate mode, Cybertronians may absorb raw minerals from their surroundings to generate an appropriate disguise; in extenuating circumstances, a Cybertronian may have to effectively sacrifice their own weapons to complete the process, breaking them down into base metals. Transformers: The Movie Guide

The trans-scanning process replicates every last detail of a Cybertronian's shape, including rust and faded paintwork when imitating old or run-down vehicles. Transformers Bumblebee At the same time, however, Cybertronians do have the ability to control, at least in part, the nature of their disguise, and have been known to alter the paint jobs or appearances of their new vehicle modes from the template from which they were scanned. Age of Extinction Every Cybertronian maintains a databank of previously assumed alternate modes, from which they can alter their bodies without having to scan that shape again. Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday

Some Transformers, like Frenzy, Skids, and Mudflap, have been noted to possess a specific aptitude for changing disguises. Frenzy, for instance, is specifically noted to possess a "hyper-reactive" trans-scanning and reformatting processor, which allows him to transform into anything at any given moment. Given the incredible ease and fluidity in changing forms that Transformers in thiscontinuity family display, it's not particularly clear what this entails, or how it distinguishes them from other Cybertronians. Transformers: The Movie Guide

Animated

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Shattered Glass

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Aligned continuity family

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Ask Vector Prime

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One cautionary Cybertronian folk tale concerns a contest between a Metrotitan and a prideful Malignus, each seeking to outdo the other by scanning the perfect shape. When the Malignus tried to scan the concept of entropy as his alternate mode, however, the effort involved disintegrated him beyond any hope of repair: an allegorical warning for 'bots not to scan more than they can handle. Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/15

Notes

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The PETA gonna SUE!!

Foreign names

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  • Japanese: Scan (スキャン skyan)

References

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Toys

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Trans-Scanning

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The Optimus Prime of your nightmares.

Japanese-only releases, these figures are spindly skeletons referred to as "Core Bodies". To these skeletons, two sets of armor pieces can be attached to create one of two forms for either character: their protoform mode or their Earth mode.

The Scan Series

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Toys"R"Us exclusive Scan Series Ironhide

Exclusive to Toys"R"Us' Mission Earth, these redecoes represent each character trans-scanning their vehicle mode. As such, nearly all of their vehicle mode parts (and thus, most of their robot modes) are cast in translucent clear plastic, with the rear of their vehicle modes being left unpainted, their middle portions having painted scan lines, and their fronts having a heavy amount of paint operations in order to cover the clear plastic.

Notes

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See also: Scanning

References

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