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Scan Tips

HOW DO I DETERMINE THE BEST RESOLUTION FOR AN IMAGE?
The best resolution for an image depends on what you plan to do with it once you have scanned it. For example, are you going to display it only on your monitor? Are your going to print it out? Each output device (monitor or printer) has its own recommended resolution. Setting a resolution above your output devices' capabilities achieves no added benefits, and may, in fact, adversely affect your image. Just remember to set the resolution for the intended output device.

WHY DO MY IMAGES PRINT OUT TOO SMALL?
This is because the image resolution is set at a value near, or above the printer's resolution. To solve this problem, decrease the image resolution. Resize the image accordingly, by changing your display resolution. Right click on an empty space on your desktop, then from the Windows Display Properties dialog box that appears, select the Settings tab. From the desktop area, adjust the resolution to a lower resolution.

NOT SATISFIED WITH YOUR SCANNED IMAGE QUALITY?
If your scanned image has lots of spots or jagged edges or lacks detail, it's most likely due to your resolution setting. If there are a lot of spots, scan at a higher resolution to blend the colors more smoothly. Jagged edges and loss of detail, however, may be the result of a scan at resolution that's too low. Lower resolution settings detect even less data, so set your scanner to a higher resolution.

COLOR IMAGES AND PRINTERS
If you print color images with a black and white printer, the result is sometimes undesirable. To get optimal results, convert the image type to grayscale and adjust the brightness and contrast to make the image look better before printing. Also, calibrate your printer and scanner to account for the differences between the monitor, scanner and printer.

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