Step-by-step guide to

Digitizing Your Prints.

Preserving old printed photos by digitizing them is a great way to safeguard memories for the future. Here’s a step-by-step guide outlining three different methods to digitize old printed photos:

Step 1

Gather Your Materials

Photos to be digitized
A scanner, digital camera or smartphone with a high-resolution camera
Clean microfiber cloth (if using a scanner)

Step 2

Prepare the Photos

Remove any dust or dirt from the photos using a clean microfiber cloth.
If the print is torn or creased, try to flatten it as much as possible by sandwiching it between heavy books, or similar.

Step 3

Choose a Method

Scanner: If you have access to a scanner, it’s one of the best methods to achieve high-quality results.
Digital or smartphone camera: With the latest advancements in this technology, these devices can produce very decent results.
Online conversion services use top-end scanners to produce high resolution images capable of preserving much of the original detail.

Which Method is Best for You?

Scanning Method

Place the photo face down on the scanner bed.
If your scanner has settings, choose the highest resolution available for the best quality.
Scan the photo and save the digital file to your computer.

Smartphone Method

Place the photo on a clean, well-lit surface. Natural light is preferable.
Make sure your camera lens is clean.
Position the camera directly above the photo, ensuring it’s in focus, filling the frame and hasn’t any shadows cast over it.
Take the photo.
You can use one of several scanning apps available on app stores to enhance the quality of the scanned photo.

Online Digitizing Services

There are many online services that specialize in digitizing old printed photos, depending on which region you live.
These services typically offer professional-grade scanning equipment and expertise to ensure high-quality digitization of your photos.
Simply Google “photo digitizing services” to find suppliers closest to your city or town.

Step 4

Backup Your Files

Ensure you have backup copies of your digitized photos to prevent loss. You can use external hard drives, cloud storage services (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud), or both for redundancy.
Regularly backup your digital photo collection to keep it safe.

Step 5

Transfer Your Files

Choose the method that best suits you.
Be sure to include all necessary instructions for the job.

Step 6

Preserve Your Originals

Store the original printed photos in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent deterioration.
Acid-free photo albums or archival storage boxes are ideal for long-term preservation.