III. Scanning Images
  1. Dimensions of Image:  Scan image in dimensions slightly larger than what you intend to display it.  This allows you some "working room" if you decide to modify the graphic later.

  2. Resolution: Remember that PC monitors can not "resolve" an image greater than 96ppi (Mac monitors resolve at 72dpi).  Generally you scan an image in at least twice the resolution you plan to display it if you plan to work on it.  Otherwise, scan the image close to 100ppi  or choose the scan software default for monitor images.  If you have a choice of Low, Medium, or High choose Medium.

    3.  
  3. Colors: Scan the image at no more than "thousands of colors" unless you really want a high quality scan.  Remember, although JPEGs can contain millions of colors the file size increases as the number of colors increases (and your monitor can only resolve 72 or 96 ppi anyway).   If the graphic has broad, flat colors (in which case you will be saving as GIF), you may scan at only 256 colors since most GIFs do not use all 256 colors anyway.

  4. Initial Saving:    Generally you want to save to the format you will be using in the final product (GIF or JPEG).    However, if you wish to manipulate the image later, and if you are scanning into an image editing software (such as PhotoShop), save images to the "native file format."  This ensures that you will be able to modify the image at any time.  If you are using direct scanning software (i.e. there is no "native" format), and you wish to manipulate later, then it is a good idea to save the image as a TIFF file.  The TIFF format was developed especially for storting scanned images and will save more information than either GIF or JPEG.

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  5. Final Saving:  After you have manipulated the image (if you do), then save copies of the image in 72 ppi / 96 ppi in GIF or JPG for final use.
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