How to Scan Photos

From the Family Tree Forum Reference Library

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 or scale.
  • 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.


Epson