The quality of a scanned image with Epson Scan is poor. What should I do?

• See the solutions below for your problem type.

  Back of Original Image Appears in Scanned Image

  If an image from the back of a thin original appears in your scanned image, make sure you selected the correct Image Type setting for your original and select the Text Enhancement setting in Epson Scan.

  Scanned Characters are Blurry

  If characters in your scanned images are blurry, try these solutions:

  • Make sure you do not move the scanner or original while scanning.
  • Operate the scanner on a flat, stable surface.

  • Adjust these Epson Scan settings (if available) and try scanning again:

    • Select the Text Enhancement setting.
    • Adjust the Threshold setting.
    • Increase the Resolution setting.

  Characters are not Recognized During Conversion to Editable Text (OCR)

  If characters in your scanned images are not recognized during OCR conversion (Windows only), try these solutions:

  • Make sure your original is straight.
  • Adjust these Epson Scan settings (if available) and try scanning again:
    • Select Text Enhancement
    • Select the correct Image Type setting
    • Adjust the Threshold setting
  • Set the scanning resolution between 200 and 600 dpi.
  • Check the manual for your OCR software for any additional adjustments.

  Ripple Patterns Appear in an Image

  You may see a ripple pattern (called a moiré) in scanned images of printed documents. This is caused by interference from differing pitches in the scanner's screen and your original's halftone screen. To reduce this effect, adjust these Epson Scan settings (if available) and try scanning again:

  • Select the Descreening setting.
  • Select a lower Resolution setting.

  Spots or Lines Appear in All Scanned Images

  If spots or lines appear in all your scanned images, follow these steps to clean the scanner glass:

  1. Turn off the scanner.
  2. Unplug the AC adapter.
  3. Disconnect any connected cables.
  4. Pull down on the cover open lever and open the scanner cover.
     
  5. Wipe off any stains on the glass scanning surfaces using a soft, dry cloth.
     
     

     Note: If the glass surfaces are stained with grease or some other hard-to-remove material, use a small amount of glass cleaner on a soft cloth to remove it. Wipe off all remaining liquid.

     Caution:
     Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the scanning surfaces. Be careful not to place too much force on the glass.

  6. Close the scanner cover.
  7. Plug in the AC adapter.

  Scanned Image Edges are Cropped

  If the edges of a scanned image are cropped, try the following solutions:

  • Select Auto Detect as the Size setting (Epson Scan) or the Document Size setting (Document Capture Pro or Document Capture).
  • Adjust the cropping area shown in the Crop Margins for Size "Auto" setting in Epson Scan.
    • Document Capture Pro (Windows): Select Detailed Settings from the Scan window. Click Configuration and select the Document tab. Adjust the cropping area shown in the Crop Margins for Size "Auto" setting.
    • Document Capture (OS X): Open the Scan menu and select Display the EPSON Scan Setup Screen. Click the Scan button. Select Main Settings from the Scan window. Click Configuration and select the Document tab. Adjust the cropping area shown in the Crop Margins for Size "Auto" setting.