I want to enlarge an image that I'm scanning with Epson Scan. How do I obtain the best quality?

  • To obtain the best quality, you should resize your image when you're scanning instead of enlarging it later in an image-editing program. You can do this using the Target Size setting in Home or Professional Mode.

    If you are going to scan your image to a particular size, such as 8 x 10 inches, you should select the Target Size setting after previewing it, but before adjusting your scan area (indicated by the marquee). This sets the scan area to the correct proportions so your image will not be cropped unexpectedly.

    Follow these steps to select the Target Size setting:
    1. You can choose a predefined scan size from the Target Size list. Click the arrow in the list and select the Target Size you want.

      A dotted line (marquee) appears on your preview image proportioned for that size.

      Note: If you need to rotate the orientation of the scan area marquee, click the orientation icon.
    2. If you need to create a scan size that is not in the Target Size list, you can create a custom size. Click the arrow in the list and select Customize. You see the Target Size window:
    3. Name the custom size, enter the size, click Save, and click OK. Then create a marquee on the preview image to define the scanned image area. The size is automatically proportioned.
    4. In Professional Mode, you can fine-tune the size using additional tools. Click the + (Windows) or (Macintosh) next to Target Size to display these tools:
      • Scale: reduces or enlarges your image by the percentage you enter
      • Trimming: turns automatic image cropping on or off (see Epson Scan Help for details)
      • unlock icon: unlocks the width/height proportions of the scanned image size so you can adjust it without constraint.
    5. Once you have selected your scan size, you can click and drag the marquee to the area in the image you want to scan.
    6. Note: For more information about using the Target Size tools, click Help in the EPSON Scan window.
    7. Now you are ready to scan your image.
    Note: If you plan to enlarge your image later in an image-editing program, you need to increase the Resolution setting to retain a high image quality after enlargement. Increase the resolution by the same amount you will increase the image size. For example, if the resolution is 300 dpi (dots per inch), but you will increase the image size by 200% in an image-editing program, change the Resolution setting to 600 dpi in Epson Scan.
Published:  14-Jul-2008 Was this helpful? Thank you for the feedback!
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