Scanning and Manipulating Documents with Photo Editor

Most scanners, whether they are HP, Visioneer, or Microtek, function basically the same way. If you need to get a hard copy document in to an electronic format you will probably need to scan the document.

While there are many ways in which one can initially scan a document, this tutorial will guide you through scanning using Microsoft Photo Editor.

Opening Photo Editor

• Select Start >> Programs >> Microsoft Office Tools >> Microsoft Photo Editor

• The software program will open up with a blank interface.

Scanning a Document

• Place the document in the scanner according to the scanner directions. Most times, the document will need to be placed face down.

• You will need to select the scan icon on the menu bar or select Scan Image from the File menu to open the scanning program. It is important that the scanner be connected to the computer and in working order prior to opening photo editor.

• Photo Editor will engage the scanner program and you may adjust the settings such as contrast, brightness or resolution.

  • Contrast will define the difference between black and white on the document.

  • Brightness will define how bright or dim the document will scan.

  • Resolution is the quality (dpi) of the scanned image. Scans with larger resolution will result in larger files.

• Once you are satisfied you may press the Preview button and make any needed changes.

• To scan the document, press the Scan button.

• The image will be scanned and placed in the Photo Editor interface.

Manipulating the Image

Photo Editor allows you to manipulate the image in several ways.

• Cropping the image

  • Press the Select icon and click and drag your cursor over the part of the image you wish to keep.

  • You will see a racing dotted line around the area.

  • Select Copy from the Edit menu and then select Paste as New Image from the Edit menu.

  • Your image will be cropped to eliminate portions not needed.

• Image Size

  • Often times your scanned image will be entirely too large for your purposes.

  • Select Resize from the Image menu.

  • The current image size will appear in the size window. This is usually displayed in inches.

  • If the document has text such as an article it is recommended the image be resized to approximately 6" wide and 8-9" tall. This will allow for a smaller file size without losing much quality.

  • Enter the new size and click OK.

• Brightness, Contrast, and Gamma

  • Select Balance from the Image menu to change brightness, gamma, and contrast of the image.

  • Move the appropriate sliders until you are satisfied with your image.

  • Click OK.

• Transparency

  • Many times you will need portions of your image to be transparent. One thing to note is that only the image format gif supports transparencies so your image will be reverted to this format.

  • Select the transparency icon on the toolbar.

  • Move your cursor to the color on your image you wish to be made transparent and click once.

  • The window that appears will ask what level of color tolerance you wish to make transparent. The higher the tolerance, the more shades of that color will be made transparent.

  • Click OK.

  • The transparent color will appear with gray and white checks.

• Rotation

  • If you need to rotate your image, select the rotation icon on the toolbar to rotate the image 90 degrees to the right.

  • To rotate your image a different degree or counter-clockwise, select Rotate from the Image menu.

  • Make your selection on the window and click OK.

• Miscellaneous manipulation

  • Photo Editor allows you to apply other effects such as emboss or texture to your image.

  • Select any of the effect options from the Effect menu. You will be given options once you select an effect.

  • Once you are satisfied with your options, click OK to see the total effect.

Saving

You can now save your scanned image by selecting Save As from the File menu.

Other Options

The primary reason to scan documents is that there is not already an electronic copy of a worksheet, article, or picture. Once a document is scanned there are several ways in which you can present the document.