If your scanned image has become distorted, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to try and correct the issue. Before making any changes, ensure that the original document is free of any damage or warping and check that it is properly aligned in the scanner bed.
1. Check Scanner Settings
The first step is to check your scanner settings. If the scan resolution is set too low, the image may become distorted and more pixelated. Depending on your scanner model, either change the resolution to a higher value, or switch the setting to “Document” or “Fine” scan. If you are scanning photos, choose the “Photo” scan setting instead.
2. Rotate the Image
If the image appears to have been scanned at an angle rather than straight on, you can rotate it using a photo editing program such as Adobe Photoshop or even the preview function on your computer’s operating system. Using the rotation or transform tool, you can manually adjust the angle of the image until it appears as intended.
3. Adjust the Contrast
If the contrast of the image appears skewed, you can adjust it in the photo editor. Most image editing programs will have a contrast adjustment tool or slider. You can use this to bring out the details and colours in the image and make them more distinct. You can also use the brightness adjustment to lighten or darken the image, depending on what look you want to achieve.
4. Remove Distortions
If the image still appears distorted after adjusting the contrast and rotation, you may need to use a distortion removal tool. There are different tools available, depending on the type of photo editing program you are using. In Adobe Photoshop, for instance, you can use the “Lens Correction” option to remove any distortions. Some distortion tools will have a variety of options to choose from, such as correcting for fisheye lenses or vertical lines.
5. Crop the Image
Lastly, if the image is still not looking quite right, you can crop it to remove any edges that appear distorted or unclear. Again, this can be done through most photo editing programs. While cropping may slightly reduce the size of the image, it can help to improve the overall look and clarity of the scan.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues related to distorted scanned images. If the issue persists after trying all of the above, you may need to re-scan the document or take the image to a professional for further correction.