Scanned image quality is poor

background image

Scanned image quality is poor

The original is a second-generation photo or picture
Reprinted photographs, such as those in newspapers or magazines, are printed by
using tiny dots of ink that make an interpretation of the original photograph, which
degrades the quality. Often, the ink dots form unwanted patterns that can be detected
when the image is scanned or printed or when the image appears on a screen. If the
following suggestions do not solve the problem, you might need to use a better-quality
version of the original.

To eliminate the patterns, try reducing the size of the image after scanning.

Print the scanned image to see if the quality is better.

Chapter 8

98

Solve a problem

background image

Make sure that the resolution and color settings are correct for the type of scan job.

For best results, use the scanner glass for scanning rather than the ADF.

Text or images on the back of a two-sided original appear in the scan
Two-sided originals can "bleed" text or images from the back side to the scan if the
originals are printed on media that is too thin or too transparent.
The scanned image is skewed (crooked)
The original might have been loaded incorrectly. Be sure to use the media guides when
you load the originals into the ADF. For more information, see Load an original in the
automatic document feeder (ADF).
For best results, use the scanner glass for scanning rather than the ADF.
The image quality is better when printed
The image that appears on the screen is not always an accurate representation of the
quality of the scan.

Try adjusting your computer monitor settings to use more colors (or levels of gray).
On Windows computers, you typically make this adjustment by opening Display on
the Windows control panel.

Try adjusting the resolution and color settings.

The scanned image shows blots, lines, vertical white stripes, or other defects

If the scanner glass is dirty, the image produced does not have optimum clarity.
See Maintain the printer for cleaning instructions.

The defects might be on the original and are not a result of the scanning process.

Graphics look different from the original
Scan at a higher resolution.

NOTE: Scanning at high resolution can take a long time, and it can take up a large
amount of space on your computer.

Take steps to improve the scan quality

Use the glass to scan rather than the ADF.

Use high-quality originals.

Place the media correctly. If the media is placed incorrectly on the scanner glass, it
might skew, which causes unclear images. For more information, see Load an
original on the scanner glass.

Adjust the HP software settings according to how you plan to use the scanned
page.

Use or make a carrier sheet to protect your originals.

Clean the scanner glass. For more information, see Clean the scanner glass.

Solve scan problems

99