Transferring your old paper photos and slides into your computer can be a beneficial task. Your picture will become a digital file and will have the same opportunities as other digital pictures. You’ll be able to print a copy, share on the internet, send through e-mail, archive and back-up the digital photos.

Scanning pictures requires the use of a SCANNER. Scanners come in a few different styles. The most common type of scanner is a Flat-Bed Scanner and it looks similar to a photocopier. They have a large scanning surface which will except a variety of picture sizes and thicknesses (like books). Some Flat-Bed scanners have the capability to scan slides, x-rays and transparences; others may require accessories for these functions. All-in-One Printers often have a Flat-Bed scanner built in. These units allow you to easily make picture and document copies with or without going through your computer. A Sheet feed scanner looks similar to a fax machine. You feed the paper or picture throughout scanner rollers. Sheet feet scanners will not work with think or large size materials, and they can damage or leave marks on pictures.

BASIC STEPS TO SCANNING

1) Place photo or document on scanner bed and push it tight against the edge with arrows. Close Scanner cover. With a Sheet feed scanner place photo or document in the scanner tray.
2) Launch your scanner software.
3) Select Photo or Picture Scan or Pictures. Select Document or Text Scan for written papers.
4) Perform a preview Scan.
5) Look over the picture and align the crop marks around the picture so that edges are not being shown. Look over the brightness, and color shading and make adjustments if needed. (check manual for additional settings and options your software may offer)
6) When satisfied with photo, then click Scan or Accept.
7) After photos is scanned title & save it to a safe location. Now, your picture is in the digital world!
These instructions represent the basic idea of scanning not your actual scanner or software. Refer to your manual for additional steps and options.

TIPS TO SCANNING

- Scan photos with a larger resolution or size then needed. You will loose quality if you scan a picture small and attempt to enlarge it later
- Usually it’s good to scan a picture with 200dpi (dots per square inch) or larger. The more dpi the clearer the picture and the larger the file size. For printing you may want to scan at the same resolution as your printer for the best printing quality
- Use the Black & White setting for Black & White photos
- You can preview scan multiple photos or slides at the same time and crop them separately
- More advanced software is available

SCANNING SLIDES

Some scanners have the ability to scan slides, x-rays and transparences. These scanners have a built in back light and usually a special compartment for the slides. Some flatbed scanners use accessories for slide transfers.

REASON TO SCAN

Traditional film photography is quickly becoming obsolete. New methods for storing and archiving photos on your computer are becoming very popular. Scanning pictures into your computer converts them into a digital file. Digital Cameras record photos as digital files. Using the file structure on your computer you can simply organize, manage, and share your pictures. If you want to print pictures you can send them to your printer or e-mail them to a photo developer. You can easily share them with family and friends by burning picture CDs/DVDs, setting up a MySpace or Facebook account or e-mailing them. You can even create a modern day slide show with powerpoint or easily transfer the photos to a digital picture frame or mobile device. The world is going digital and by converting your older photos to digital will keep those memories alive for years to come.

BACK THEM UP!!!

Photos can be a treasured memory. Keep those memories backed up in more then one location. If your hard drive dies or your house catches on fire you’ll loose those memories. Keep them backed up on an external hard drive, flash drive, or CD/DVD and store them in a safety deposit box, friend’s house or at work.