DIY Memory Lab - Scan Photographs

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

Step 2: Prepare photographs

  • Pick up your photographs by the edges, and use the air puffer to remove any dust.
  • Place photographs face-down on scanning bed. You can scan multiple photographs at once.
  • 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 Photo
  • 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 600 for photos
Photo scan screen

Step 5: Preview

  • Select the Thumbnail box, then click the Preview button at the bottom of the settings window. The scanner should automatically recognize your photographs as separate files.

You can use the Frame icons on the left side of the window to rotate or flip each image that you select.

Photo 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 either JPEG or TIFF under IMAGE FORMAT. (If you want to resize your image file, TIFF is better)
  • Click OK.
Photo preview 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 your photographs.

What resolution should I use?

Long Edge Recommended DPI
10" or larger 400 DPI
7" 600 DPI
4" 800 DPI
Smaller than 4" 1200 DPI or higher

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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