How to Use the Large Format Scanner
Before Scanning:
- The scanner can feed documents up to 1.5mm (0.6in) thick.
- All loose media (charcoal, pastels, graphite, etc.) must be placed in the transparent sleeve provided prior to scanning!
- This will protect your original document and the large format scanner from damage. It is also helpful to spray your document with fixative to avoid smudging once in the sleeve, which can be done in the woodshop.
- NOTE: If the sleeve is dirty and reducing your scan quality, please alert the desk staff, who can clean it or make a new sleeve.
STEP 1: Log-Into the Adjacent Workstation Using Your EID
STEP 2: Launch 'Nextimage'
Nextimage is the software that works with the large format scanner to specify image sizes, quality, and colors. Launch the program either using the shortcut on the desktop, or by searching for 'Neximage' using the Windows icon on the taskbar.
STEP 3: Feed Document into Scanner
NOTE: ALL LOOSE MEDIA MUST BE IN A TRANSPARENT SLEEVE!
Feed your document, face-up, into the middle of the scanner – the scanner should grab the document and pull it in slightly.
STEP 4: Specify Scan Preferences and Destination
Unlike other programs, Nextimage requires you to specify where and how you would like to save your file before you scan. Once Nextimage has launched, you will be met with a blank screen with a series of tabs and buttons on the right.
It is important to go into each of the tabs to specify the quality, color-type, and output file destination before hitting the scan button on the bottom right:
The 'Scan' Tab
The scan tab allows for you to specify the input size (though 'Auto' works well for most cases) and resolution (specified in DPI, or dots-per-inch). Increasing the resolution of a file will result in a higher fidelity image, but will also dramatically increase the size of the file – keep this in mind as it will make editing the file in other programs more laborious. For most cases, 300 DPI is a good resolution.
The 'Image Adjustment' Tab
The image adjustment tab allows for you to specify the image type (black and white, greyscale, color) and make preliminary adjustments to the resulting image. These adjustments can also be made in Photoshop or other image-editing software, so in most cases you will only need to worry about the image type here.
The 'Output File' Tab
The output file tab is where you specify where the image will be saved
STEP 5: SCAN (toolbar) --> MODEL SETUP–> CS500-11en-pro
Select “Scan” then select “Model Set Up” from top menu bar and change scanner model to CS500-11EN-PRO
STEP 6: TOOLS --> OPTIONS --> MM to IN
Select “Tools” then select “Options” from top menu bar. In the “Unit Setup” tab, change units from “mm” to “in”.
STEP 7: SCAN (button) --> Paper size=USER DEFINED –> Input 36x48
Click the “Scan” button to open up the scan option menu. Change the “Paper Size” to “User Defined” and input the maximum document dimensions allowed by the scanner: 36" W x 48" L. If your document is smaller than this, you can crop it down in Photoshop during postprocessing.
STEP 8: Adjust settings and SCAN
IMPORTANT: Choosing any setting other than 'High' under Quality when scanning at photo quality will result in random artifacts appearing in your scan.
Recommendation: If unsure which setting to choose, select Photo Full Color (even if your drawing is black and white). This setting consistently results in high-quality scans. We also recommend setting DPI to 300.
Optional: Choosing 'Maps and Drawings' is a handy preset for architectural linework.
Change additional settings to match your document (i.e. orientation, resolution, output, etc). The DPI setting will affect detail and quality, but a DPI over 300 will result in grainier scans. Press “Scan” to start scanning. If you get the warning “Scanner is not ready. Continue?”, press the “FORWARD” button on the scanner and then press “Yes” button on the screen to start scanning.
Troubleshooting: If you get a warning saying "Scanner could not be found," go back and repeat step 3.
STEP 9: Save
Save your document. Open your document to ensure it scanned properly. Some smudging is normal, but if you notice significant streaking and smudging, notify desk staff.
STEP 10: Release your document
On the scanner, press the “Forward” or “Reverse” button to release the paper. Please do not pull out your document unless it is completely released.
