Scanning in the ITC Lab
There are two scanners in the ITC Lab, one an Epson Expression 1680 flatbed scanner with optional auto-document feeder and transparency-backlighting attachments, the other an Epson Expression 10000XL 12x17 flatbed scanner. Instructors and TAs can make reservations to use those scanners by emailing their ITC. Reservations are limited to 2 hour blocks, although the period of use can be extended beyond that if no one else is waiting to use the scanner.
SCANNING IMAGES (photos, book illustrations, art)
In the ITC lab, we scan images by importing them into Photoshop from EPSON. Theoretically, you could scan them in using just the Epson scanner, but Photoshop allows greater editing capabilities for the scanned image.
1. Adobe Photoshop Set-up
To import images into Photoshop using Epson scan, go to the file menu and select:
File > Import > EPSON Expression 1680 (This opens the Epson scanner.)
2. Epson Scan Software Settings for Epson Scanner
Repeat the EPSON instructions below for each image. Each time you scan an image, you will see it as an untitled document within Photoshop. We recommend these settings for the Epson Scanner, but you may adjust them as needed.
- Mode: Professional
- Document Type: Reflective
- Document Source: Document Table
- Auto Exposure Type: Photo
- Image Type: 24-bit Color/8-bit Grayscale
- Resolution: 150 or 300 is usually good (Feel free to experiment, but remember that for the web, you will need to readjust the resolution for screen resolution. For more information on the images for the web, click here.)
- Target Size: Original
- Preview: Previewing an image lets you select a specific area that you want scanned, called a “marquee.” This command calls up the Preview window.
- Set a Marquee: Once you’ve previewed the image, set your mouse pointer over the image, press down the mouse button, and drag your cursor around until the area that you want scanned has been outlined. Using the mouse, you can also move the marquee around the page (the hand icon) or change its size (the arrow icon).
Special Note: Setting the Marquee around the image saves time because then the scanner focuses on the selected portion rather than scanning the entire flatbed. - Scan: Press this button to begin scanning.
- Saving Files: If you are importing into Photoshop, go to #3.
- Save Settings: If you are just working within Epson (which is also possible), the save window should automatically open after the program is done scanning. If it doesn’t, you can reach it by clicking on the drop-down arrow to the right of the Scan button. This lets you set the location where the scanned image is saved and the image title and format.
3. Saving Files in Photoshop
- Make a full-quality set for archival purposes. Once you have scanned all of your images, save each image as a full-quality Photoshop document (.psd) to have an archive. (If for some reason you might need to use the image in software that does not read Photoshop images, then save the image as a .TIF file.)
- Use Photoshop to edit your files. First make a duplicate set of images. Use images from duplicate set for editing purposes.
Click here for basic image editing in Photoshop instructions.
SLIDE SCANNING
To scan slides, you must set-up the Epson scanner for scanning transparencies using the Transparency Attachment lid. This lid must be plugged and screwed into the Epson scanner in place of the Auto-Document Feeder, which is kept as the default attachment lid. This Slide Scanning handout is an illustrated guide for setting up the scanner and scanning slides in Adobe Photoshop.
Other Campus Resources
In addition to the ITC Labs, scanners are available for use in the CLICC Labs in Powell Library and through the OID Teaching Enhancement Center. The OID also provides a number of useful handouts explaining how to use their machines.
Contributed by jl. Last updated May 17, 2007 by jg