How Do I Scan an Image?

Every image scanner is different, so we're just going to discuss general guidelines that apply to most scanners.

When you are scanning an image, you will want to choose the media that you will use the image for. Is it for screen use only? Are you going to print it out? Screen resolution is 72 pixels per inch or 72 dpi, and most scanner software will have this preset, but if you are not sure which you will want, go ahead and scan it in bigger. You can always scale down, but scaling up makes your pictures blurry. Most desktop inkjet and laser printers will print well at 150 to 220 pixels per inch (150-200 dpi), so scan your photos in at that resolution.

When you are scanning, you will not want to scan something that has been printed on a commercial printer or on textured paper. If you do so, you will end up with a grid across your image. This is called a "screen" and happens during the printing process. Most scanners have a descreen function, so if you are scanning a magazine or newspaper clipping, you can use that to minimize the screen, but nothing really will make it go away completely. For best results, scan from a slide or negative.

Finally, you will want to determine the file format in which to save your images. There are several formats from which to choose, but the safest format that will not degrade over time is a .tif or a "Tif" file. Tif stands for "True image format" and is actually an image, where a .jpg or other digital formats are usually descriptions of images in text form. This means that every time you open them and resave them you are losing data. For best quality, choose tifs. If you must use a different format for web viewing .pngs or .jpgs are best for photographs. Gifs only have 256 colors in the file, and so that is not the best format for your photos.