DIY Photo Scanning Part 2:

Saving and Storing Digitized Images

File format

For images, there are only a few different file formats you need to be aware of for basic viewing and storage.

Overall, JPEG or JPG (same thing) is the most common and compatible file type for digital photos. There are a few drawbacks, the most notable being that modifying it in photo editing software, or even rotating it with Windows Picture and Fax Viewer, results in a reduction of image quality. For this reason, JPEG is referred to as a 'lossy format.'

However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't use JPEGs. Instead, if you do want to edit JPEGs, you can save them as a TIFF, which doesn't degrade with editing. In Photoshop, they are usually converted to its format (PSD), which also prevents quality loss.

The other solution is to save edited image files under a different name, so that the original is unchanged, and you have a copy that you've improved or tweaked.

Another common format is GIF, which is used primarily for small web graphics, like banners or buttons.

Saving and Storage

One of the most frustrating things about scanning photos, or dealing with any digital file, is saving it and not being able to find it. Many default to the My Pictures file in My Document (for Windows XP), but others will save it in a buried folder, or within the actual scanning program.

To prevent a frantic search for your digital photos, you should make sure that you open up this option (usually there is a button labeled 'Options' or 'Settings') so you know where the file is going. Once it is open, you can also choose to give your file a name, or the scan program will give it an arbitrary name, usually including a string of numbers.

Our photo scanning service operates under this premise: before your photos are scanned, we create a specific folder on our servers for your order. We title it with your order number and then each of your photos receives your order number in the title as well.

It is a good idea to backup your scanned photos, digital photos, movies, as well as other important files.

So What Can I do With My Scanned Photos?

Once your photos are digitized, whether you choose the DIY route or use Home Movie Depot's photo scanning service, you can do any of these things with them:

Resize your photos

Get prints

Email to friends or family

Set as your screen saver

Create a slideshow DVD with Pinnacle Studio 11

Touch up with photo editing software

Make t-shirts, postcards, etc.

Load onto USB drive for use in a digital photo frame

Want more ways to have fun with your digital photos?

If you haven't gotten started, we can help! Get those family pictures scanned to DVD so you can start enjoying them again.