When you scan your photo prints, you'll have so many possibilities. Not only will you save yourself a digital copy "just in case," but you can also improve the image, share it via e-mail or online, or make new (bigger!) prints. Learn the basics of resolution and file formats so you can successfully scan your photos.
Plan before you scan: resolution and file format
For best results, decide what you will do with your photos before you scan them.
Most scanners use ppi (pixels per inch) to refer to image quality.
Once you've decided what you'll do with your scanned photo, you'll be able to determine the best scanner resolution and file format. Let's review these common scanning terms:
Scanner resolution is measured in pixels per inch (ppi) or dpi (dots per inch)–the more pixels or dots, the sharper the image. Where dpi is used to describe print quality, ppi refers to the digital image itself. The difference between dpi and ppi While there is a difference between dpi and ppi, many people (and even manufacturers) use the terms interchangeably. Scanners usually measure resolution in terms of ppi, while many HP printers and All-in-ones use dpi to refer to print quality.
File format refers to the way that scans are saved to the computer. Examples include JPEGs and TIFFs. You can identify a file's format by the extension after the dot at the end of the filename (such as .jpg, .jpeg, .gif or .tif).
Remember, you can save your file more than once. If you can’t decide, save one TIFF and one JPEG.
How you save your file format will also depend on how you plan to use the image. Here are a few guidelines:
The two main formats are JPEG and TIFF. TIFF files are much larger than JPEG files, so they take up more space on your computer's hard drive. However, TIFF files also have greater detail.
If you'd like to have more options for your scanned images, save your scan as a TIFF first, and then as a JPEG.
Photos viewed only on a computer screen will look fine when scanned at lower resolutions.
Your pictures are meant to be shared. And scanning let's you share any photo easily. To ensure that your photo is easy to view in e-mail (and doesn't take forever to download), follow these guidelines:
Choose a lower ppi (scanning resolution of 75 or 100 ppi) for images that you'll send via e-mail or post online.
JPEGs are just fine for images you'll share via e-mail or online.
TIFF files are ideal if you want to print large, high-quality photos.
Sometimes, bigger is better:
TIFF files are better if you want to print large, high-quality photos.
If you're considering enlarging your scanned image from its original size, then a general rule of thumb is to double the ppi with every doubling in size. For example, to produce an 8.5" x 11" print from a 4" x 6" scan, set your dpi to 2 x 300 ppi, or 600 ppi.
Scanning your photo at a high resolution will give you the flexibility to use the archived image in different ways later.
Protect your precious pictures. Make sure you have backup copies of your photos by scanning them for archival purposes.
Scanning your photos at 300dpi will create a high-resolution master and give you the flexibility to use the image in different ways later.
The TIFF photo file format is ideal for archiving high-quality copies of your photos and for re-printing your photos at sizes larger than 4" x 6". TIFF files don’t degrade as a result of saving and re-saving.
Photos don't have to be printed for you to scan them. You can use a scanner like the HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner, which features a TMA.
To scan slides and negatives, you need a photo scanner that is equipped with a transparent materials adapter (TMA), which enables it to import transparent materials like slides and negatives.
If you don't have a scanner with a TMA—or you’re not sure whether your HP scanner can do this—visit our HP photo scanner buying guide to compare features. Get step-by-step instructions for scanning 35mm slides and negatives.
It's easy to manage scanner shortcuts with your HP Solution Center software.
View and edit your pictures directly from the HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One.
Create shortcuts
To make scanning easier, HP scanners give you the option to create scanning shortcuts. A scanning shortcut will pre-determine the settings for a certain type of scan. Then, you just press a button and let your scanner do the rest.
Improve your images
Once you've scanned your images, you can enhance them. With HP Scanners, such as the HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner, you can use the included HP Solution Center software to adjust brightness, remove dust and scratches, and more.. With an HP Photosmart All-in-One such as the HP Photosmart Premium All-in-One, you can edit scanned photos using the large TouchSmart display.
Get more scanning quick tips and learn how to improve your original photo prints through scanning, including removing scratches and dust.
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