How Do I Scan Photos?

Before starting to scan photos, check your scanner's settings. When you scan a photo, you want to end up with a digital file that is a JPG (most everyone) or a TIFF (advanced users). Please see our Best Practices in Photo Preservation for recommended scanning settings.

Here’s a quick overview of the different scanning options available.

Portable Scanners

From wand-type scanners to the Flip-Pal Mobile scanner, these options offer simplicity and convenience for scanning photos. You don’t need a computer to scan photos with these devices. For the most part, scanners like these cost below $200.

With wand type scanners, you simply feed the photos through the slot. The digital images are captured on a camera SD card. You can then transfer the photos from your card to your computer. Typically, wand scanners do need a power supply.

The Flip-Pal Mobile scanner allows you to scan photos wherever you are. While it only fits 4 x 6 photos, the Flip-Pal comes with software to stitch scanned sections of a larger photograph together.

The Flip-Pal has a small screen so you can see your photo as it is scanned. We recommend this scanner for its portability, ease of use and it's great to use when the family gets together. You can invite them to bring photos for scanning (and they'll get their photos back right away!)

Printer Scanners

Yes, you can scan photos with your printer/scanner in a pinch if you need. However, we recommend this method of scanning only when it is necessary. Using your printer to scan a large number of photos takes a very long time. Many people start and then never finish their scanning project.

Typically, your printer scanner comes with software that allows you to save your scans in a folder on your computer. Be sure to save as a JPG and not a PDF and 300 or 600 DP

Flatbed Photo Scanners

Early on in helping people with their photos, we relied on our flatbed photo scanner. Coming with their own photo scanning software, these scanners allow you to scan multiple pictures at the same time. Then each picture is saved separately as a JPG.

Also, you will find there are more options in how you save photos to your computer and how you name your files. But, these scanners also are time consuming to use. If you are dealing with fragile old photos, then you must use a flatbed scanner.

High Speed Photo Scanners

When you have more than a few hundred photos to scan, a high-speed photo scanner will make life very easy for you. We use the Epson Fastfoto 680W which scans one photo per second!

Plus, it brings old photos to life with auto enhancement, color restoration, and more, ensuring that your digitized photos retain their original charm and quality. While there are other high speed scanners on the market, we prefer the quality and flexibility of the Epson Fastfoto 680W to scan photos.

If you find that purchasing the Epson FastFoto 680W is not within your budget at the moment, you can rent the scanners through E-Z Photo Scan with their Rent2Scan program. This company is the go-to expert in renting and supporting scanners to consumers nationwide.

The Bottom Line

If you have more than a couple dozen photos to scan, save yourself time, grief and frustration. Find a high speed scanner to digitize those stacks of photos fast. If you are renting a scanner, be sure to have all of your photos ready to scan. This way you can maximize your rental time.

Once the photos are digitized, consider sharing them through a private, photo safe site. We use Forever because it is simple and private. Click here for a trial 2 GB account.