DIY Memory Lab - Scan Papers

Step 1: Prepare scanner

  • Put on gloves. This way you won't leave prints on your photographs and scanner.
  • Gently lift the scanner's lid.
  • Clean the scanner's surface with an anti static cloth and air puffer.
Epson scanner

Step 2: Prepare documents

  • Clean papers gently with anti static cloth and air puffer.
  • Place document face-down on scanning bed.
    Note: When scanning newspaper, place black card stock behind page to prevent bleed-through.
  • Be careful not to scratch the scanning bed.
  • Close scanning bed lid.

Step 3: Open Epson Scan Epson Scan logo

  • Make sure that the scanner is powered on and is connected to the computer by USB.
  • Connect your external hard drive or USB to the computer.
  • Open the Epson Scan icon located on the desktop.
    Note: If the icon is not there, search for "Epson Scan" and double click the icon that pops up

Step 4: Settings and Preview

  • Make sure you are in Professional Mode. This gives you total control of your scanning settings and lets you preview your images.
  • Set the Document Type to Reflective
  • Set the Auto Exposure Type to Document
  • You can decide the other settings if you want. If you're not sure, we recommend the following:
    • Image type: 24-bit color
    • Resolution: at least 300 for photos
Photo scan screen

Step 5: Preview

  • Click the Preview button at the bottom of the settings window.
  • Use the Marquee tool to select the area you want to scan. You can select mutliple areas by pressing the Ctrl key simultaneously.
Paper preview screen

Step 6: Scan

  • When you click scan, the file save settings will pop up.
  • Create a file naming convention (something simple like event and year) and start with 001.
  • Choose PDF under IMAGE FORMAT.
  • Click OK.
Paper scan save screen

Step 7: You are done.

  • Clean scanning bed with anti-static wipes.
  • Make sure scanner is powered off and closed.
  • Make sure your files are saved on your USB.
  • Do not forget to eject your USB or hard drive and take your documents.

What resolution should I use?

  • 300 DPI. This is the minimum for a good scan.

What color capture should I use?

  • Black and white: un-annotated business documents and papers.
  • 16-bit grayscale: black and white negatives and un-yellowed black and white prints/ newspaper UNLESS they have an essential feature that will not be captured (highlighting, colored ink, illustrations, yellowing).
  • 24-bit color: everything else

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