Easier Scanning - Class Notes

Easier Scanning
by Marlo E. Schuldt

This class will make it easy to use the software that came with your scanner. You will learn how to get high quality scans and we will demystify some scanning myths. You can ask questions.

You do not need to purchase expensive or complicated software to scan and enhance photos. Usually the software that came with your scanner will be easier to use, gets wonderful results and it’s FREE! You can easily make old faded photos look new again with a few button clicks.

Using some basic techniques will make a big difference when scanning family photos, obituaries, deeds, certificates and many kinds of memorabilia. A simple trick will make it possible for you to scan a vase, jewelry, lockets, old money and more.

The Correct Scan Sequence
(This is much easier than it appears)

Using the same scan sequence each time will help you get better and more predicable results.

1. Create a few collections or folders with topical names BEFORE you start to scan. This will provide you with an organized place to save the scanned images.
2. Place the photo on the top right corner of the scanner. This will also save time scanning since the scanner will not have to scan to the end of the scanner glass.
3. Place the crop box around the area of the photo containing the key points of interest – people, children, etc.
4. Set the target or scan size to 8 X 10 inches or 10 X 8 inches.
5. Click the automated enhance button.
6. Use the “Descreen Filter” if you are scanning an obituary, photocopy or printed material. It will remove the checkerboard pattern.
7. Use the “Color Restoration” setting to automatically enhance a color photo.
8. Adjust the brightness, contrast, mid-range settings of the photo.
9. Use the highpoint adjustment. One button click will automatically work miracles that you will have to see to believe.
10. Adjust the color settings if the photo has a “tinted” appearance.
11. Save the scan as a TIF or PNG file type if you plan to do more enhancements later. See “Don’t’s #6 for a caution about using JPG files.

Key Points

• Scan at the correct resolution the first time.
• Use the scanner to “zoom” or enlarge specific areas of a photo.
• Cropping enhances and focuses attention on the key areas or people in a photo by removing unnecessary portions of the photo.
• Scanning is more of an art than a science. Best of all, it’s something you can learn and you will get better with practice.
• Be selective. Scan only good quality photos unless it’s a “one-of-a-kind.”
• Be organized. Scanning hundreds of disorganized photos into your computer is NOT a good idea and will only create problems for you later when you try to find a photo. Have you ever heard of Pandora’s Box? It is very easy to create one with your scanner and computer.
• Use a database to help organize and find photos.

Do’s

1. Do scan correctly the first time. You may not get a second chance to scan the photo. You will need high quality scans later if you plan to print a book with the scanned photos.
2. Do scan your photos at 8 X 10 inches (or 10 X 8 inches) even if the original is much smaller (4 X 6 inches) or less.
3. Do use sufficient resolution or DPI (dots per inch).
   150 – 400 dpi for most scans.
4. Do crop the photo first, and(delete and) then make enhancements.
5. Do experiment. It’s OK to make mistakes because you can rescan it.
6. Do print some sample scans to test the quality. Remember – laser printers create sharper prints than inkjet printers. Looking at scans on your computer monitor will not help determine quality.
7. Do keep the scanner glass CLEAN! Hairs and finger prints may show up in your scans.
8. Do make backup copies of your scans. A virus or hard drive crash only takes seconds to destroy 100’s of hours of work and all your photos. Hard drives wear out and don’t warn you before they fail. We all know someone who (add who, delete that) has had this unfortunate experience. Hopefully it will not be YOU!
9. Do purchase a good scanner. It will be faster and provide better results.
   $99 to $149 is a good price range.
   “ All in one” scanners are not recommended.

Don’ts

1. Don’t stretch or enlarge a photo after scanning. It will look terrible when printed.
2. Don’t use automated scanning features or “one button scanning.” You can do a much better job. (Computers still don’t talk or see very well
3. Don’t use lower DPI settings to create smaller file sizes to save hard drive space. Move your scans to CD / DVDs for storage.
4. Don’t use too high a resolution or DPI. Bigger is NOT always better. It depends on how you plan to print the photo. Scanning at a higher DPI will allow you to zoom in on the photo for a closer look.
5. Don’t use harsh cleaning agents on your scanner glass. Use a diluted solution of vinegar and water. NO WINDEX!
6. Don’t stretch or enlarge a photo after it has been scanned. All you will get is larger pixels and it will look terrible when printed. See Do #2.
7. Don’t use a JPG format if you plan to enhance your photos later. JPGs use a compressed image process that looses quality every time the photo is resaved. Use a PNG or TIF if you plan to enhance later.
8. Don’t rotate a photo after scanning, it loses resolution. Use the edge of the scanner to align a photo while scanning.

The above information was summarized from the book, “The Digital Family History Guidebook,” Chapter Two, “Easier Scanning” pp 29-46 by Marlo E. Schuldt 2006-7. http://heritagecollector.com/Guidebook/Guidebook.htm

Simple One Button Wonders

Using some very simple button clicks and basic scanner settings can work miracles with your old photos, newspapers and other printed materials.

Original Scan

Scan after the button click

Just one button click on a known area that should be "white." What a profound difference one button click can make!

This button can be found in the Epson scanning software in the Histogram setting using the white eyedropper. Note red circle and arrow above. This enhancement can also be found in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.

A few more simple adjustments - brightness, contrast and saturation will help revive the photo even more. Removing or adding the right color will take the "tinted" look out of old photos.

Easily remove the "Moiré" or checkerboard pattern that results when scanning old (or new) newspapers, obituaries, photocopies or other printed material.

Using the "Descreen" filter in the Epson scanner produces this striking effect. ALL THE AWFUL patterns are gone!

Click to get the PDF of this scanning summary.

Click on the link above to view the PDF.

Right click on the link and select "Save Target As" to save it to your computer.