If your scanner is displaying garbled images when you scan, there are a few possible solutions you can try.
1. Check Your Scanner Settings
The first thing you should do is check that your scanner settings are correct. If the settings are incorrect, your scanned image could be distorted or appear garbled. Most scanners allow you to adjust the resolution, color depth, brightness, contrast and other settings. Depending on the type of document you are scanning, some adjustments may be necessary to get the clearest image possible.
2. Clean Your Scanner
Dust and dirt particles can accumulate on the glass bed of your scanner and cause blurry or distorted scans. Before you begin scanning again, make sure to clean the glass bed with a lint-free cloth and some glass cleaner. This will help ensure that your scans are clear and distortion-free.
3. Check the Quality of the Original Document
In some cases, the original document may be of poor quality or too old to be scanned clearly. No matter how many adjustments you make to the scanner settings, the image may still look distorted if the source material is not ideal. If you’re scanning old documents or photographs, try using a different original or image-editing software to improve the image quality before scanning.
4. Calibrate Your Scanner
If your scanner is not producing consistent results, it may need to be calibrated. Some scanners come pre-calibrated, but if yours does not, you can try to calibrate it yourself by running a test scan and comparing it to a reference image. If the two images are significantly different, you can make the necessary adjustments to your scanner settings. Alternatively, you can take your scanner in for professional calibration.
5. Upgrade or Replace Your Scanner
If you have tried all of the above solutions and your scanner is still producing distorted images, it may be time to upgrade or replace your scanner. Older scanners may not be able to produce high-quality images, especially if you’re scanning documents with intricate details or fine lines. Investing in a newer, higher-resolution scanner will help ensure that your scanned images are sharp and distortion-free.