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 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.
