How to scan

This is a short introduction in how a normal scan process could look like. It is not an absolute must, but only a suggestion.
1. Adjust your Preview scan resolution and size
This step may be obsolete for the daily scanning, but should be done at least once. You should set up the optimal size, resolution and color depth, which allow to recognize enough in the preview area, but doesn't produce too much data.
50 - 72 dpi (if you have a zoom factor in the main view of more than 40% you might go higher) Colordepth "Line Art", only if absolutely necessary go on "Greyscale". Size & Position should be on All, because you want to see what is on the scanner bed.
 
2. Start the Preview Scan
Place whatever you want to scan at the zero position on the scan bed an close the cover. If it is not-plain (like an open book) put something heavy (not too heavy) on the cover to get additional pressure.
Press the Preview button:
During the scan process you get a Progress Panel, it can be aborted if you press [Command - . ] You will finally get a preview in the main window. If it is not what you expected (position), open the cover and place it correctly again. Don't worry about color or brightness, the final scan will look different.
 
3. Make your selection
Now click into the view and drag a rectangle with the mouse over the area of interest. This selection can be deleted simply by clicking into the image area but outside of the current selection. You may also use the text fields or the PopUp from the Size & Position section of the main window (only visible if you are in expert mode). You could also simply click on one of the predefined macro buttons.

 
4. Choose the color depth and resolution
Now you should decide what you want to do with your scan. Depending on that choose the color depth and resolution.

E.g.: You want to scan a letter for being printed on your 600 dpi laser printer: LineArt (1 bit) & 600 dpi

This letter should be faxed directly out of your computer system: LineArt (1 bit) & 200 dpi

It is a photography or a picture to be printed on your 600 dpi laser at 1:1 size: greyscale (8 bit) & 150 dpi This photography has also text on it: greyscale (8 bit) & 300 dpi

You have a color printer (ink jet 300 dpi) and want to print that photography: color (24 bit) & 150 dpi

It should be used for high end layout purposes: color (24 bit) & max resolution

 
5. Now check out hardware options
This is again a step, which might not be necessary everytime. Also we have normally the best overall values presetted.

This options differ depending on the scanner vendor and type. This option are filters being processed already during the scan process itself.

Hardware Options AGFA
Hardware Options EPSON
Hardware Options HP
Hardware Options Nikon
Hardware Options Océ
Hardware Options UMAX / HSD
Hardware Options XRS Rayven

They are useful e.g. to optimize the basic contrast.
 
6. Scan
Press the Preview button:
During the scan process you will get again a "Progress Panel", it can be aborted if you press [Command - .]

The result is a satellite window with your scan result.

 
7. Apply filters
To optimize your result we added some useful software filters. They can't replace a professional image software, but will cover most needs.
 
If you are not happy with the result repeat the necessary steps. Please also check out the specific help topics for possible options like ADF or the generic app handling.
See also