Save your images in TIFF format when you want to build an archive of images for future generations to enjoy. Steps to Quality Scans Getting good results from a flatbed scanner can be tricky. I hope this tutorial will make it easy. Choosing the Right Scan Level Scan level refers to the combination of scan resolution and color depth that is right for your purpose. Resolution is the number of dots per inch available from the scanner.
Color depth is the range or number of individual colors the scanner can discern and record.
By matching the scan level to the type of display or printing you intend to do the process becomes more efficient and can achieve higher quality results. If the picture is for use on a computer screen then the resolution should match the screen's resolution and ability to display colors. This would currently be considered low to medium with a moderate range of colors. If the picture is to be stored for archival purposes, the highest scan level your storage medium can reasonably process and store should be used. The rule is to scan at the resolution required by your intended output device.