Computing & Information Services

Scanning in the IRCs

All scanners are kept in IRC 3, also known as the talking IRC, due to the amount of noise that they produce while operating.

Scanning an Image

Before you scan, make sure that the scanner is plugged into the power outlet and the computer. If either of these two connections is not made, the scanner will not work.

Place the image to scan face down on the bed of the scanner.

Open EPSON Scan.app (in the Applications folder on the IRCs).

If a EPSON Scan cannot be started error appears, quit the program. Unplug the USB cord from the back of the computer and plug it in again. Also make sure the scanner is plugged into power. Reopen EPSON Scan and try scanning again.

Choose the location for your files to be saved. If you aren't sure where you want your files, choose the Desktop.

Under Image Format, select something appropriate for your uses.

  • JPG is typically suited for snapshots or web images, as it produces small, highly compressed images with some loss of image quality. In the Options button, you can trade size for quality. Higher quality images take up more space.
  • TIFF saves your image no loss of image data. TIFF files are usually large and thus unsuitable for email or webpages. This format is commonly used by people who plan to edit their images or otherwise need very high-quality.
  • PDF is the standard format for scanned text.

After you've chosen which settings you want, click OK. The scanner will recognize the type of image you're scanning and take you to the location of the file when it finishes scanning.

Once it is finished, you may want to edit the image in Photoshop or save it.

[Back to Top]

Changing the Image Resolution

  1. While EPSON Scan is scanning the image, press the Pause button. Change the mode from Full Auto to Home.
  2. The Epson Scan window will appear. Change Destination to Other, and then from the Resolution dropdown, select a resolution in DPI.
    • A lower DPI makes for a faster scan.
    • A higher DPI will create a clearer scan, but will take longer.
    • If you want to enlarge your image, increase the DPI.
    • Anything below 300 DPI is sufficient for most scans such as photographs or printed material.
    • 72 DPI is a normal computer screen resolution. If you are scanning graphics for a web page, this setting will suffice.

[Back to Top]

Scanning Film or Slides

  1. If you want to scan film or slides, ask CUS for the film holder. We will install it for you.
  2. Follow these directions for importing the image.
  3. While EPSON Scan is scanning, hit the Pause button. Change the mode to Home mode.
  4. Change the document type to your film or negative type. Before you scan, you should make sure the resolution is at least 300 DPI - you may have to increase the resolution to anywhere up to 3200 DPI (see Changing image resolution) for instructions on how to do this.

[Back to Top]