Helpful Tips on Technology

Intro

I was amazed at the number of clients we have who own the equipment necessary to scan and digitize their own family photos, but who simply don't feel that they understand how to use the equipment. I have run into enough clients with similar questions, that I decided it would be useful to dedicate an entire section of our website to answering technical questions and how-to's. If you have any that are not addressed here, please contact us with your questions.

• Help with scanning.

Helpful scanning tips

No matter what scanner you own, Epson, H/P, Canon, it should have come with software. We use Epson Perfection scanners that are simple and straightforward. All that is necessary to make them work is to load your pictures on the glass plate (face down--like a copy machine), press a button, and follow the on-screen prompts. In some cases you may need to find & open the software that you would like to use to import the files from your scanner. Below are some tips for easy, efficient scanning with beautiful results!

• Make sure the glass surface of your scanner is clean! (i.e. no big flecks of dirt or dust)
• Place the photo or document you wish to scan on the scanner.

(If you are planning to import your files into a program like iphoto (Mac users) or Picasa (PC users) you do not need to worry too much about the image being perfectly straight as you can make this adjustment later in these programs). Programs such as Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, iphoto, and Picasa allow users to correct and improve their imported images and documents. For beginners, iphoto & Picasa offer simple adjustments that are easy to navigate.

TIME SAVING TIP: If you know you will be scanning many photos, you can put as many as will fit onto the scanner at once and separate them out later once they've been imported into your computer.

• Press the "scan" button on your scanner.

There are usually several buttons on a scanner. For instance, one might give you the option to one might give you the option to make a copy, another to email an image to someone, and a third will be for a simple scan. These are all useful options, but for our purposes press the one that says or displays "scan."

• Follow onscreen instructions. You will be prompted to configure your settings.

Most scanning software will offer different modes (i.e. Auto Mode, Home, Professional). In general, if all you want to do is an easy scan, choose the fully automized option. With this option, the computer will identify what sort of document you are attempting to scan by conducting a preview scan. It will then prompt you to enter a location to save the file before completing the scan.

• It is important to choose a location you will remember, such as a folder designated to scanned files or a photo folder.

Many people will scan their photos and then not be able to find where they saved them on their computers.