Preparation of Scanned Documents for FamilySearch: Difference between revisions
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The value of documents used as sources in FamilySearch Family Tree or saved elsewhere can be enhanced by editing. | |||
Documents may be scanned from microfilm or from originals. Also documents may be downloaded from archives and other online sources. | |||
When working with scanned documents, be sure to consider the following: | |||
*The legal rights one has for using a particular image (especially images coming from online archives). | |||
*Privacy concerns of living people. | |||
=== Scanning from originals or microfilm === | |||
When one creates a digital image from an original document or from microfilm: | |||
*Scan paper documents at a resolution of at least 300DPI. | |||
*Scan microfilm at 600DPI. The machine defaults at the Family History Library are 300DPI and should be changed to 600. | |||
*Using lower resolutions causes images to pixelate making reading, translation, and interpretation difficult. | |||
*Attempt to get the best contrast and focus that the scanner is capable of. | |||
*Large documents may require using a camera. In this case, use as high a resolution camera as available, a tripod to keep the camera steady, and use ambient or side-lighting so that there is no visible glare on the document. | |||
=== Adjust scanned image quality in a photo editor === | |||
Revision as of 10:27, 22 July 2015
The value of documents used as sources in FamilySearch Family Tree or saved elsewhere can be enhanced by editing.
Documents may be scanned from microfilm or from originals. Also documents may be downloaded from archives and other online sources.
When working with scanned documents, be sure to consider the following:
- The legal rights one has for using a particular image (especially images coming from online archives).
- Privacy concerns of living people.
Scanning from originals or microfilm[edit | edit source]
When one creates a digital image from an original document or from microfilm:
- Scan paper documents at a resolution of at least 300DPI.
- Scan microfilm at 600DPI. The machine defaults at the Family History Library are 300DPI and should be changed to 600.
- Using lower resolutions causes images to pixelate making reading, translation, and interpretation difficult.
- Attempt to get the best contrast and focus that the scanner is capable of.
- Large documents may require using a camera. In this case, use as high a resolution camera as available, a tripod to keep the camera steady, and use ambient or side-lighting so that there is no visible glare on the document.