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Resolution

The data in the image you have scanned is a collection of dots carrying information about brightness and color. The density of these dots is called "resolution," and resolution will determine the amount of detail your image contains. The unit of resolution is dots per inch (dpi). Dpi is the number of dots per inch (2.5 cm).

The higher the resolution (value), the more detail in your image; the lower the resolution (value), the less detail.

How to Set the Resolution

Set the resolution in Resolution on the (Scanning from a Computer) tab ( (Scanner Button Actions) tab if using a personal scanner) of the Settings dialog.

Appropriate Resolution Settings

Set the resolution according to the use of the scanned image.

Item Type Use Color Mode Appropriate Resolution
Color photo Copying
(Printing)
Color 300 dpi
Creating a postcard Color 300 dpi
Saving to a computer Color 300 dpi
Using on a website or attaching to e-mail Color 150 dpi
Black and white photo Saving to a computer Grayscale 300 dpi
Using on a website or attaching to e-mail Grayscale 150 dpi
Text document (document or magazine) Copying Color, Grayscale, or Black and White 300 dpi
Attaching to e-mail Color, Grayscale, or Black and White 150 dpi
Scanning text using OCR Color or Grayscale 300 dpi

Important

  • If you double the resolution, the data size of the scanned image quadruples. If the file is too large, the processing speed will slow down significantly, and you will experience inconvenience such as lack of memory. Set the minimum required resolution according to the use of the image.

Note

  • When you will be printing the scanned image by enlarging it, scan by setting a higher resolution than the recommended one above.