Our Scan Resolution Calculator is at the bottom of this page. 

What is scanning? A process whereby your physically printed photo is placed on a scanner device so that the image is converted into a digital file which can be stored on your computer or sent via email, etc.  Read the scan resolution explanation if you are interested to learn more

Do you need your printed photos scanned for you?

  • We can do it:  We are located in the United States. Just mail your photos.  We can offer the best quality this way.

  • Local Stores can do it:  A local Copy Shop or Photo Shop or a friend scan your image, such as; OfficeMax™, Staples™, or Fed-x / Kinko's™.

...then Mail the CD (safely mail photos), or Upload the files here online. 

Mail your insured photos to: 
Brian Prothro
2020 S. Congress Apt 1205, Austin Texas 78704
United States
 

Do it yourself scanning tips...  

See Scan Resolution Chart below if you need a suggestion for setting your scanners DPI (Dots Per Inch). 

  1. Remove ANY lint, dirt, or smudges from your photo, without causing damage to its surface.  Editing out dust is a big time cost, so clean as best you can.

  2. Clean the scanner glass using a lint-free cloth if possible, and blow the remaining lint away.

  3. Position your photo on your scanner as straight as possible. 

  4. Crop your photo removing the white boarder, if necessary.

  5. Select a scanning resolution - The higher it is the better... See calculator or chart below. This can be a long, detailed discussion. Either use the chart, or we have provided a more lengthy scan resolution explanation if you are interested.

     Unsure? ...call     (512-619-1155) or email ( life@ziponline.com ).  Give, a.) the size of your original image and b.) the size you want after repair, and it is it for Prints, Archival storage, or Computer viewing? 

  6. Important: Within your scanning software settings, select full color scans for your Black & White photos, because color scans contain valuable working data for Black & White images - especially with older photos that are fading.

  7. DO NOT let the scanner software make any adjustments such as; contrast, brightness, reduction, or color corrections.  Un-select ANY automatic color/contrast correction options.  Do not let it COMPRESS the file.

  8. Save the resulting image in  TIFF (is preferred) or JPEG.  If JPG, please select the highest number for quality (no compression), otherwise it degrades the quality of the image. Email us first if you are sending another file type. 

* NOTE: I answer the phone as "Zipadeedoodah", which is our other companies name!  www.zipnovelty.com

 

 Use this chart (or the calculator below it) for scanning your photos

If your original 
photo size is...		 and the size 
you want to 
print is...		  
Use this dpi
for Retouch & Repair when needing an Excellent Print		 Good Print Website or
Computer
Viewing
4x6 or 5x7 4x6, 5x7 600 dpi 300 dpi 150 dpi
8x10, 11x14 1200 dpi 600 dpi 300 dpi
16x20, 18x24, 20x30 2400 dpi 1200 dpi  
8x10 or 11x14 4x6, 5x7 300 dpi 150 dpi 72 dpi
8x10, 11x14 600 dpi 300 dpi 150 dpi
16x20, 18x24, 20x30 1200 dpi 600 dpi  

Important! Your scanner may have FIXED scan resolution numbers.  In that case, pick the one closest to, or higher than, this calculator suggests. Or as high as your scanner will go if it is limited. 
We scan for free when you are paying for editing and repair services, so you can always mail your photos to us. 
 

...or... Calculate Your Scan Resolution this way

 
What is your purpose for this file? ...use...
      600 dpi - For excellent Prints when we retouch your Photo.
      300 dpi - For OK quality Prints.
     150 dpi - For website or computer viewable photos.
Enter (dpi) number suggested above:
Quality Factoring: ( Leave this as 1 )

     

    Next, for example, if your original print is 5x7 and your desired use is 8x10, 
then you would enter a '5' in the next Original Width field, 
and enter '8' in the following Needed Reproduction field. 
Width of your Original Photo (for example):
enter 4 if - it is 4x6  
enter 5 if - it is 5x7  
enter 8 if - it is 8x10		 inches
Width of needed Reproduction (for example):
enter 4 if you need 4x6   
enter 5 if you need 5x7   
enter 8 if you need 8x10  		 inches
Press this button:

< Suggested Scan Resolution (DPI - Dots Per Inch)

 

Terms Of Service  ...  Copyright 2008-2009 Brian K. Prothro