How do I decide which resolution to select when scanning from Epson Scan?

• If you plan to enlarge a scanned image so you can print it at a larger size, you may need to increase the resolution from the default Epson Scan setting. Follow these guidelines to determine the resolution setting you need:
  • You will enlarge the image as you scan it. If you will enlarge the image using Epson Scan's Target Size setting (Professional Mode only), you do not need to increase the Resolution setting.
  • You will scan the image at its original size but enlarge it later in an image-editing program. Increase Epson Scan's Resolution setting in your scan. Increase the resolution by the same amount you will increase the image size to retain a high image quality. For example, if the resolution is 300 dpi and you will double the image size later, change the Resolution setting to 600 dpi.
  • You will scan the image at 100% or smaller size.

  You can also determine your resolution setting based on how you will use the scanned image. Follow these guidelines to determine the resolution setting you need:

  • E-mail/view on a computer screen/post on the web: 96 to 150 dpi
  • Fax: 200 dpi
  • Print/Convert to editable text (OCR): 300 dpi

  Note: Higher resolution settings result in larger file sizes. For example, an 8.5 x 11-inch original scanned at 300 dpi can produce a 24MB file. The same original scanned at 72 dpi creates only a 1.3MB file. Large files take longer to process and print, so consider the practical limitations of your computer system when selecting a resolution. To keep your file size manageable, select the lowest possible resolution that gives acceptable quality.