Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography

Scanner Software and Resolution

If you have a scanner, you probably will be scan-

ning negatives or photos. The resolution you would

like to use when scanning is measured in pixels per

inch (or samples per inch).

Today’s scanner software includes numerous set-

tings that can help you get the best scan resolution

onto your hard drive. Follow these steps to scan an

image at the appropriate resolution:

1. Install the scanner software before you con-
   nect the scanner, if you haven’t done so
   already. Reboot your computer if this is your
   first time using it.


2. Connect the scanner.


3. Open Photoshop and choose File, Import, name_of_scanner_software. You can
   also access the scanner software through the Start, Programs menu, but the
   software may differ and not be as robust. The driver that interfaces with
   Photoshop (or your favorite image editor) usually is best.


4. When the scanner software appears, you might see a beginning interface
   with few settings, or a more advanced interface (see Figure 12.2). Try to access
   the Advanced settings.


5. Dust off the scanner glass and your print or negative and place it on the
   scanner flatbed.


6. Click Preview to preview the image.

When the print or negative appears in the preview window, the scanner software

might detect its borders automatically. If not, click and drag with the mouse to select

the area to be scanned. You might have to click on a Marquee tool before selecting

this area (depends on your scanner software). By setting the area to be scanned, you

also tell the scanner what area to adjust automatically for color and sharpness.

Choose the appropriate settings in the scanner software. You might see settings like

those in Table 12.2.

180 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

See Chapter 6,

“Getting Your Pix

Onscreen” for a detailed descrip-

tion of scanners.