Counfused about scanning resolution (dpi).

[nephifofum]

Hi.

I am confused about the resolution (dpi) settings when scanning photos. I don't see any differences in quality or clarity whether I scan the photo at 300 dpi or 1200 dpi. It seems all the higher resolution does is actually make the image a lot bigger.

Am I missing something? I want to be able to adjust the QUALITY of my photo scans, not the display size. Some of the photos are pretty old and the scans are turning out terribly.

Thank you!

[Dragon-Fur]

@nephifofum 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

Unfortunately,

You cannot fix the quality on old photos.

Increasing the DPI during the scan operation cannot increase the number of pixels in the original photo / file.

What?

If the original file (or photo) is not any good, you cannot fix it by increasing the scrutiny of that file using a higher DPI.

Modern photos, taken with a decent camera, usually include a fairly high number of pixels (tiny dots) that make up the actual picture.  The higher the pixel count generally means a higher quality photo.  Higher quality photos scan and print with better results, even at very high resolutions.

One of the many articles on the subject

Understanding DPI and how it relates to printing

Clearly written and easy-to-understand, background on the mysteries of DPI:

Understanding DPI and Pixel Dimensions

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True,

Increasing the DPI on an old, pixel poor photo file ends up getting "real close" to the poor pixel count.

It's like looking at the photo with a very strong magnifying glass.

The photo might even look worse when you scan it with the kind of detail used in 1200 DPI.

What to do?

Maybe something, maybe "not much".

Consider / Try

Scan a photo using HP Smart - Windows

Scan the content using a reasonable DPI (300 to 600 DPI)

Optionally  Edit the Scan as can be done using the available scan editing tools in the application / scan software,

Save the file.

If you like print that file.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Scan Photos > Optional Edit

HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_8

Need more?

Open the file with your very best photo editing software

Manipulate the image as can be done to increase the quality.

Different photo editing software includes different options.

The following illustrates one example of one photo print / editing software.

General Example - Irfanview - Photo > Image > Color Correction

Irfanview_Print_Color_Correction_2

References / Resources

Technology Tips Gallery  From our HP Expert greenturtle

HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 / OfficeJet Pro 8030 – Video Library

Install Full Driver printer software (required for using photo editing software)

HP Officejet Pro 8025 | 8020 | 8035 : Download and install full software solution (updated Feb2021)

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Irfanview > Brilliant Free Photo Viewing, Editing, and Print Software

 Irfanview provides an exceptional software experience that can be used for a variety of scan and print tasks, including the “Mirror” or horizontal flip function plus several other options not found elsewhere.

• Create a Restore Point (optional, recommended)
• Download the appropriate version (32bit or 64bit) of the program from the Website and install the program
• Additional information at the website, including:  FAQ

NOTES

• Both 32bit and 64bit versions for Windows are available.
• Irfanview is also available as an Windows 10 Application from the Microsoft Store

For example,

Irfanview 64bit version – Information and Download

Software and All Plugins for 64bit version:  https://www.fosshub.com/IrfanView.html

Includes Plugin for creating Multiple-page PDF files for images (Poster or large paper printing)

Includes access (where available) to Scan with HP Twain > Adjust settings > Save

How to find Help within the Irfanview software

Once installed, open the software > tab Help

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HP Document - Scan Guide

HP Printers - How to Scan

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HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

OR

Open the Homepage / Support Website for your printer

Category Software and Drivers > Check/ Get the App

>>> Open and Read >>> HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

NOTES: 

• Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• When working through a browser to access HP Smart, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different browser – assign that browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default browser.)

• Where possible, HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

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HP Printer Support Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 8028e All-in-One Printer 

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