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Scanner settings have a significant impact on storage and perceived performance. Features such as increased color depth, higher resolution, and auto-sensing features sound good but are not very useful when scanning documents.
High-resolution color images take up valuable storage space and take a long time to scan and upload. On the other hand, low resolution black and white images take up a very small amount of space and upload and scan quickly.
Color
Color
| Warning |
|---|
Large Files: (Not Recommended) |
Grey-scale
| Note |
|---|
Mid-Size Files: (Not Recommended) |
Black and White
| Tip |
|---|
Small File Size: (Strongly Recommended) |
Resolution
Example of a Scanner Interface
Higher resolution settings increase the file size and scanning time. We recommend scanning resolution be set between 240 and 300 dpi. 240-300 dpi is usually the best balance between scanner speed, image quality, and storage space.
Note
: The National Archives and Records Administration recommends scanning documents that are smaller or equal to 11”x17” at 300 dpi resolution for optimum image clarity. Documents larger than 11”x17” can be preserved clearly at 200 dpi.
Let's say your company provides you with 100MB of space. How many pages can you scan into your system at 300 dpi?
Color: 1 page ≈ 12 MB ≈ 8 pages
Greyscale: 1 page ≈ 7 MB ≈ 14 pages
Black and White: 1 page ≈ 75 KB ≈ 1,333 pages
| Tip |
|---|
Best Practice Tip : Before scanning multiple documents, scan a test page, even if your scanner has auto-configuration. This will allow you to make adjustments to the contrast, brightness, or other advanced settings before realizing that multiple documents scanned incorrectly. Please contact your Local IT if you need additional assistance setting up your scanning solution. |