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

  • See the solutions below for your problem type.

    Image Consists of a Few Dots Only

    If your scanned image consists only of a few dots, try these solutions:

    • Make sure you placed your original for scanning facing the correct way.
    • If you are scanning using the Epson Scan Black & White setting, adjust the Threshold setting and scan again.
    Related references
    Available Image Adjustments - Office Mode
    Available Image Adjustments - Home Mode
    Available Image Adjustments - Professional Mode
    Related information
    Placing Originals on the Product

    Line of Dots Appears in All Scanned Images

    If a line of dots appears in all your scanned images, clean the scanner glass with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or use a small amount of glass cleaner on the cloth, if necessary. Paper towels are not recommended.

    Caution:
    Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the scanner glass.

    Related tasks
    Cleaning Your Product

    Image Colors are Patchy at the Edges

    If you are scanning a thick or warped original, cover its edges with paper to block external light as you scan it.

    Image is Too Dark

    If your scanned image is too dark, try these solutions:

    • Adjust these Epson Scan settings (if available) and try scanning again:
      • Auto Exposure
      • Brightness
      • Histogram Adjustment
    • Check the brightness and contrast settings of your computer monitor.
    Related information
    Selecting Epson Scan Settings

    Back of Original Image Appears in Scanned Image

    If an image from the back of a thin original appears in your scanned image, place a piece of black paper on the back of the original and scan it again.

    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.
    Related information
    Selecting Epson Scan Settings

    Scanned Image Colors Do Not Match Original Colors

    Printed colors can never exactly match the colors on your computer monitor because printers and monitors use different color systems: monitors use RGB (red, green, and blue) and printers typically use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).

    Check the color matching and color management capabilities of your computer, display adapter, and the software you are using to see if they are affecting the palette of colors you see on your screen.

    To adjust the colors in your scanned image, adjust these Epson Scan settings (if available) and try scanning again:

    • Change the Image Type setting and experiment with different combinations of the next settings.
    • Adjust the Tone Correction setting.
    • Adjust the Auto Exposure setting.
    Related information
    Selecting Epson Scan Settings

    Scan Area is Not Adjustable in Thumbnail Preview

    If you cannot adjust the scan area while viewing a Thumbnail preview in Epson Scan, try these solutions:

    • Create a scan area by drawing a marquee on your preview image and adjusting it as necessary.
    • Switch to Normal preview mode, if available, and preview your image again.
    Related concepts
    Image Preview Guidelines
    Related tasks
    Selecting a Scan Area - Office Mode
    Selecting a Scan Area - Home Mode
    Selecting a Scan Area - Professional Mode

    Scanned Image Edges are Cropped

    If the edges of a scanned image are cropped, make sure your original is placed correctly for scanning. If necessary, move your original away from the edges of the scanner glass slightly.

    Related information
    Placing Originals on the Product
Published:  25-Aug-2014 Was this helpful? Thank you for the feedback!
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