Difference between revisions of "How to Scan Photos"
From the Family Tree Forum Reference Library
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==General scanning tips:== | ==General scanning tips:== | ||
− | *Check photos for dirt or smudges. | + | *Check photos for dirt or smudges. <br> |
− | *Check scanner glass for dust, fingerprints or smudges - using a lint free cloth to clean the glass. | + | *Check scanner glass for dust, fingerprints or smudges - using a lint free cloth to clean the glass.<br> |
− | *Specify the type of scan - when scanning photos you have a basic choice of colour or black and white. Usually best to scan in colour even if source photo is black and white. | + | *Specify the type of scan - when scanning photos you have a basic choice of colour or black and white. Usually best to scan in colour even if source photo is black and white. <br> |
− | *Select best scan resolution. To ensure reasonable quality for enhancement or restoration then scan at a minimum of 300dpi (dots per inch). | + | *Select best scan resolution. To ensure reasonable quality for enhancement or restoration then scan at a minimum of 300dpi (dots per inch).<br> |
− | *Position photo on scanner, face down, and then prescan/preview. | + | *Position photo on scanner, face down, and then prescan/preview. <br> |
− | *Check position/alignment of photo - amend if necessary. | + | *Check position/alignment of photo - amend if necessary.<br> |
− | *Crop the previewed image to include only the original photo/document. | + | *Crop the previewed image to include only the original photo/document.<br> |
− | *Check file size - if too large reduce scanning resolution. | + | *Check file size - if too large reduce scanning resolution.<br> |
− | *Choose file type, scan image, name and save. | + | *Choose file type, scan image, name and save.<br> |
<br><br> | <br><br> | ||
Revision as of 13:18, 23 June 2009
General scanning tips:
- Check photos for dirt or smudges.
- Check scanner glass for dust, fingerprints or smudges - using a lint free cloth to clean the glass.
- Specify the type of scan - when scanning photos you have a basic choice of colour or black and white. Usually best to scan in colour even if source photo is black and white.
- Select best scan resolution. To ensure reasonable quality for enhancement or restoration then scan at a minimum of 300dpi (dots per inch).
- Position photo on scanner, face down, and then prescan/preview.
- Check position/alignment of photo - amend if necessary.
- Crop the previewed image to include only the original photo/document.
- Check file size - if too large reduce scanning resolution.
- Choose file type, scan image, name and save.
Visual guide:
It is important to read the manual for your scanner to see what options and settings are available.
The following visual guide gives some idea of the optimum settings for scanning photos/documents, particularly for restoration work purposes.