Tip 1: Choose the best original

A good scan starts with a good original. Scanners can't capture information that doesn't exist, so make sure the original is the best photograph or artwork you can obtain.

Tip 2: Use the scanner controls

Remember -- it's preferable to have your settings as accurate as possible when you make a scan. Image editors can't add information -- they can only change the pixels that are already in the scanned image. It's easier to make adjustments in an image editor to tweak a well-scanned image than to make the changes after you've scanned it.

Tip 3: Preview a scan

A preview scan is a great way to view and enhance an image before the final image capture. You can crop it and make other crucial decisions based on the preview, such as adjusting the contrast, brightness, or other image parameters.

Tip 4: Sharpen the image

Use the sharpening controls to help fix fuzzy photos. Keep in mind that these controls won't work miracles -- a really blurred picture won't be made into a razor sharp image. Also, remember that sharpening makes everything sharper -- even dust or scratches. Image imperfections will become more evident when sharpening is used.

Tip 5: Select the resolution

Some scanner software has dialogue box settings so you can select the resolution to scan the image. For text and line drawings, resolution needs to be set to the DPI of the printer, but up to no more than 600 dpi.

For photographs, a resolution of 100 to 200 samples per inch will be sufficient. When you're scanning transparencies, scan them at the maximum resolution offered by the scanner, but not more than 2000 samples per inch.