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Creative uses for your HP scanner

Get ideas for using scanned photos in new ways with HP's creative project ideas
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» Inspiring ideas
» Explore HP print projects


Introduction

Your scanner offers a fast and easy way to get your photos onto your computer. But it's more than a practical workhorse. It's also a creative imaging tool that can help you explore your artistic side. Discover the possibilities of using a scanner.

Inspiring ideas


To make it easy to get started, your scanner comes with HP Photosmart Essential software that helps organize, edit, share, and save your scans—plus it includes easy photo projects. Try these ideas for using your scanner in new and unusual ways.

  • Document your genealogy. Make a scrapbook or web site starring your family. Start by scanning old photos, letters, and heirlooms from your collection of personal keepsakes. Then scan historic documents such as birth announcements and marriage certificates to create a collage. That photo of your grandfather in uniform would look interesting against a map of his tour of duty. And don't forget to include scans of his discharge papers and the letters he wrote to your grandmother from overseas.

» Genealogy scrapbook and interview kit

  • Invent your own reality. Hold a virtual reunion by scanning photos of family members who're scattered around the world. Create a collage or use your image-editing skills and your HP scanner software to insert your family into historic pictures. Imagine your dad shaking hands with President Carter, Elvis at your sister's wedding, or Uncle Bob sighting UFOs in the backyard.

» Quick tips for scanning photos

  • Throw a surprise party. Delight your friends and family with cards and decorations featuring scanned pictures of the guest of honor. Laughter will ensue when your best friend walks in and sees her picture on banners, decorations, and as an iron-on on every T-shirt in the room.

» Cards
» Invitations and stationery

  • Write it down. Keeping a journal is an ideal way to chronicle your life, celebrate special events, or commemorate projects and hobbies. Scan special photos to include your blooming garden, Grandpa's birthday party, and the new puppy.

» Garden journal

  • Explore the world of texture. You can use interesting textures for almost anything. Scan specialty papers, leather, canvas, or other fabrics to create interesting background patterns for photo album pages. Your favorite sweater can take on a whole new life as the background pattern of your latest scrapbook.

» HP scrapbooking projects

  • Instantly share photos across the miles. HP scanners come with HP Photosmart Share, an innovative feature that allows you to easily share your favorite photos with friends and family. So, if your friend overseas or relatives in the next state want pictures of this afternoon's birthday party, they're only a moment away.

» HP Photosmart Share

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Explore HP print projects


HP's Activity Center offers more scrapbooking and quilting projects for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. And you'll find customizable projects such as cards, picture frames, calendars, and more that allow you to get creative with your scanned images.

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