With the built-in features of HP Scanjet scanners, it's easy to touch up older snapshots or enhance your
non-digital photo prints (like school photos, Polaroids, or photo booth photos). Learn how to scan your
photos, make improvements using HP scanner software, and find the best products for the job.
Getting started with scanning
For high-quality photo scans, it's important to start with a clean scanner.
From the HP Solution Center, choose your scanner. Then select Scan Picture to
scan your photo.
Before you begin scanning, it's important to start with clean scanner glass and clean photos.
Wipe your photos with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess dust or smudges. If your scanner glass
needs cleaning, use The
HP Cleaning Kit
or a non-abrasive glass cleaner and soft cloth.
Follow these steps to scan photos using an HP Scanjet scanner (such as the
HP Scanjet G4050 used here): Step 1: Place your photo face down on the scanner glass and close the scanner lid. Step 2: Open the HP Solution Center (found on your
computer's desktop or in your programs folder): Step 3: Select your scanner from the list. Step 4: Select Scan Picture. Step 5: Choose a destination for your scanned file, then select
Scan.
Improve photos and fix flaws using your scanner software
Click Add New Selection to create duplicates from your original image.
Be sure to set your resolution for optimum image quality.
Under the Adjust Color tab, select Manual to perfect the color and saturation of your photo.
Check the box next to Remove Dust & Scratches to enhance your photo.
Once you have scanned in your photos, or, if you already have digital image files, use these features to
improve and enhance them.
Edit and enhance your photos:
Save your original copy
Select the Add/Delete tab and click Add New Selection
to create duplicate images of your scanned photo-just drag the frame over the portion of the photo
you'd like to duplicate. When you make changes to your duplicates, your original scan will
remain intact.
Set your resolution
Maintain image quality when cropping or enlarging your photos by choosing the right resolution. Just
select the Resize Output tab. Then, select Resolution.
300 dpi is a good standard for high-quality enlargements. (To learn more about the role of
resolution in your photos, check out the
How large can I print my photos? article.)
Crop, scale, and resize
Under the Resize Output tab, you can crop, scale, enlarge, and resize
your photo to a popular photo size or a custom size of your choosing.
Fix and eliminate flaws from your photos:
Adjust color and brightness
Select the Adjust Color tab or the Lighten/Darken
tab, select Manual, and adjust your photos on the spot.
Remove dust and scratches
Select the Correct Picture tab, and check the
Remove Dust & Scratches box to eliminate the appearance of photo
imperfections.
Sharpen, Restore Faded Color, and Apply Adaptive Lighting
Under the Correct Picture tab, you can also sharpen, restore color,
or apply adaptive lighting to your image. Adjust the features until you achieve the look you want.
When you are finished making adjustments to your photos, be sure to select Finish
to implement your changes and save your improved photo.
Printable version
