Scanner technology has evolved greatly over the years, and for the most part, quality scans are produced with ease. However, there are several factors that can lead to poor-quality scans, and understanding them can help you produce better results.
The first and most common cause of poor-quality scans is a dirty or scratched scanner glass. Dust, debris, fingerprints, etc. can all reflect and distort light, which in turn affects the image’s resolution and sharpness. The same goes for scratches—they will reduce the accuracy of the scan and cause the edges of the image to become blurred or distorted. To prevent this, ensure that your scanner’s glass is clean and free of scratches before each use.
Another factor that affects scan quality is the resolution set on your scanner. All scanner models come with different settings that affect resolution and scan quality. To get the best result, it’s important to select the right resolution for the type of image you’re scanning. Generally, higher resolutions will produce better images, but if you’re dealing with large files or documents that contain a lot of information, lower resolutions might be more suitable.
Finally, a third common issue is inadequate lighting. If you’re using a handheld document scanner, make sure there’s enough light directed at the page to get a clear scan. Alternatively, a flatbed scanner should also have optimal lighting to ensure an accurate scan. Poor lighting will cause grainy or blotchy images due to unevenly distributed exposure, and consequently, it will negatively affect the overall scan quality.
By ensuring that your scanner glass is clean and scratch-free, enabling the right resolution setting, and providing adequate lighting, you can significantly improve the quality of your scans and achieve the desired results.