Help and Resources
Tips and guides for digitizing your old photographs
Photo Scanning Tips
Discover the best techniques and tools for digitizing your old photographs and preserving your family's visual memory.
Scanning with a Scanner
1 Preparation
Cleaning
Before scanning, clean the photographs with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or fingerprints. Use a soft-bristled brush for very delicate photos.
Organization
Sort the photos by size or theme to streamline the process.
2 Scanning Process
Scanner Settings
Adjust the resolution between 300 and 600 dpi for good quality without overly large files. For photos with fine details, use up to 1200 dpi.
Placement
Lay the photos face down on the scanner glass, ensuring they are properly aligned.
File Format
Select "photo mode" and save as JPEG or PNG. These formats are compatible with OLDPIK.
Saving
Save the images with descriptive names for easier organization later.
Scanning with a Mobile App
Recommended Apps
Google PhotoScan
This app automatically corrects brightness and removes glare, making it ideal for digitizing photos anywhere.
CamScanner
Not just for documents, it's also usable for photos, offering basic editing and clarity enhancement.
Tips
Lighting
Scan photos in a well-lit area but avoid direct light that can cause reflections.
Stability
Keep your phone steady or use the stabilization feature some apps provide.
Editing
Many apps allow post-scan adjustments like contrast, brightness, and cropping.
Scanning Negatives
Choosing the Equipment
Recommended Negative Scanners
Brands like Epson (V600, V800) are renowned for quality scanning of negatives and slides.
Scanning Process
Cleaning
Clean negatives with a special cloth to avoid scratches.
Settings
Use the specific negative tray. Set high resolution, ideally 2400-4800 dpi.
Lighting and Color
Most of these scanners have auto-settings for color and exposure.
Format
Save as JPEG, PNG or WebP. These are the formats accepted by OLDPIK.
Post-Processing
Recommended software: Use programs like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for color adjustments, contrast, and dust or scratch removal.
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