Scanning Guide

• When you send your images to us at Riverside Photo your images need to be scanned to either the .jpg, .tiff or .psd formats - preferably a .tiff or .psd.
• A .tiff photo will always create a better finished result so we highly recommend saving as a .tiff file.
• Any JPEG/.jpg file should have minimal compression and be high quality (“Best Quality” or Photoshop “11” or “12” compression is best).
• If you are sending a scan please note the resolutions you need for best results - for most small prints the scanning resolution you need is 300 dpi (dots per inch)
• Always make sure the bed of your scanner and your photograph is as clean and free of fingerprints, dirt and hair as possible. This will improve the finished quality of the final image.
• When scanning place the photo in the middle of the scanner glass as on certain scanners the quality can degrade at the edges/corners of the glass.
• When possible, always scan from a negative. This improves the final image quality.
• Try and scan black and white drawings in "colour" NOT "bitmap" or "line art" - this helps us when making restorations.
• Be careful to NOT scan the entire scanner flatbed. Only scan your image. This can be done in your scanning program by clicking and dragging a box around your image or alternatively by masking the unused areas of the scanner bed when scanning the image.
• When placing an order, let us know your desired print size, even if you don’t order prints with us. This way we can be confident that you will be happy with the finished imagery.
• You can send us the file using the MailBigFile.com free service. To upload your images - simply enter our email as This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it & attach your file before sending.
• Address any technical questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0844 8260429.

Recommended Scan Size

Photo Largest side	Min no. of dots per inch (dpi)	Preferred no. of dots per inch (dpi)
5"	300 pixels	800+ pixels
6"	600 pixels	1200+ pixels
7"	600 pixels	1200+ pixels
8"	900 pixels	1400+ pixels
10"	900 pixels	1600+ pixels
A4 & 12"	900 pixels	1600+ pixels
15"	1000 pixels	2000+ pixels
A3 poster	1200 pixels	2000+ pixels
A2 poster	1500 pixels	2400+ pixels
30" large	1500 pixels	3000+ pixels

As a rule of thumb if you are planning to enlarge an image or the image is damaged that you should scan at higher than 300 dpi and conversely if the image is not due to be enlarged and not heavily damaged stick at 300 pixels per inch/dots per inch.