Using a Scanner

Checklist of items you will need...

Practical Tips for Scanning

Ensure the screen is clean and the scanner is unlocked ready for use

Scanner settings may vary according to the make and type of scanner. Try using the advanced settings option to change the measurements if required (width x height usually in centimetres) and resolution (quality - usually in Dots Per Inch - d.p.i.). Both of these settings will effect the file size (in Mb or kb) of each scan.

If possible set a fixed scan frame measurement - once set, this can usually be kept constant. Ideally this should be a landscape rectangle the same proportions as the standard photo dimensions that you get from your digital camera (e.g. 896 x 592 pixels). If you wish to resize the image visually once you have previewed then remember to change the frame size by moving the corner as this means that you keep the proportions the same.

The resolution should be set at 72 d.p.i. This is a standard setting that achieves the highest possible resolution on screen at the lowest possible file size.

Having set measurement and resolution check the file size of the image that results. If it more than 100 kb then it could be slow to upload.

You should decide where to store scans before scanning - either in a folder on you computer or straight into your passport folders

Save all scans as .jpg files

Have your background cloths to cover any objects that are not flat and exclude light or distracting detail.

Think about which part of the object you are scanning is important to you and why. Ensure it is placed appropriately on the scanner bed.

Preview the image if possible. If you are not happy with the image try again before you make a final scan.

Remember to record whose image has been scanned successfully

Still unhappy with your scan - would your objects photograph better?