Scanned Images

[Seany1]

All scanned documents are being reproduced by the scanner attached to Mac as though magnified many times. I've tried reducing the dpi setting but that's not resolving the issue. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Seany1 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining what’s happening. To get a clearer picture, I’d like to probe a bit before suggesting any fixes.

• Which scanner model are you using, and is it connected via USB or network?
• What scanning software or app are you using on your Mac (for example, HP Smart, Preview, Image Capture, or another third‑party tool)?
• When you say the documents look magnified, does this happen only when you view them on screen, or do they also appear enlarged when you print the scanned file?
• Are you scanning mainly PDFs or images (JPEG/PNG), and does the issue occur across all file types?
• Have you noticed whether the scanned output shows the entire page cropped/enlarged, or is it just the text and images inside that look zoomed in?

These details will help narrow down whether the issue is coming from the scanner hardware, the Mac software, or the way the files are being interpreted. Could you share a bit more about those points?

We're looking forward to helping you get back up and running! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

Note: Do not share any of your personal information in public, such as serial number, phone number, email ID, etc.

[Seany1]

Thanks Hawks_Eye for your response. 

In answer to your questions:

• I have the Smart Tank 7605 connected via my home wi-fi to my iMac.
• I'm using the HP Smart app (version 26.0.0.3703 / App ID 316786BD-4)
• The documents only appear blown up on screen; the few I've tried printing come out normal A4 / original size.
• I've not tried scanning images, only documents - to PDF. I would try to scan an image now but, bizarrely, a new, additional, issue has arisen: the "Scan" option has today completely disappeared from the aforementioned HP app!
• The entire page of the scanned document appears enlarged. 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again.

[Hawks_Eye]

Thank you for sharing those details @Seany1 

Since the documents print correctly but appear enlarged only when viewed on your Mac, this points more toward how the scanned PDF is being displayed rather than an actual scanning size issue. The disappearance of the “Scan” option in the HP App adds another layer, so let’s go step by step:

 

Check HP App Scan Option

• Close the HP App completely and reopen it.
• If “Scan” is still missing, restart your iMac and then launch the HP App again.
• If the option does not return, remove the printer from the HP App and add it back:
  • Open the HP App.
  • Go to Printers → select your Smart Tank 7605 → Remove Printer.
  • Then click Add Printer and reconnect via Wi‑Fi.

Verify Display of Scanned PDFs

• Open one of the scanned PDFs in Preview on your Mac.
• Use View → Actual Size or Zoom Out to confirm whether the file is truly enlarged or just being displayed at a higher zoom level.
• If the file prints correctly at A4, the scan dimensions are intact; the magnification is only a viewing issue.

Test with Image Capture

• On your iMac, open Image Capture (built‑in macOS utility).
• Select your Smart Tank 7605 and perform a test scan.
• Check whether the scanned file appears normal. This helps confirm if the issue is isolated to the HP App.

Update the HP App

• Ensure you are running the latest version of the HP App from the Mac App Store.
• If already updated, uninstall and reinstall the app to refresh its configuration.

Check Scan Settings

• When the “Scan” option is available again, verify the settings:
  • Paper Size should be set to A4 (or Letter depending on your region).
  • Output Type should be PDF if that’s your preference.
  • Avoid custom scaling options—keep scaling at 100%.

Please try scanning with Image Capture and let me know if the output looks correct there. That will help confirm whether the issue lies in the HP App or elsewhere.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Seany1]

Thanks Hawks_Eye for your further response.

Firstly, since my last message I had recovered the missing scan function but I've now lost it again! Surely, I don't have to follow the long process you describe every time this happens in order to be able to use my HP scanner?!  What can be done to prevent the issue?

Secondly, I have tried the following but  but the image sizes are still an issue:

• I had already checked the View / Actual Size option before your suggestion. Selecting 'actual size' makes the images slightly larger than they already appear!
• I tested with Image Capture and the didsplayed image is the correct size without any manipulation. I also confirmed this by selecting the 'Actual Size' in the 'View' option.
• I deleted the HP app and then downloaded it again from Apple - that's made no difference and I've since lost the "scan" option (again) as I mention above.
• (Before losing the scan option) I checked the scan settings and they are all as you recommend.

Having undertaken some brief investigation online I read elsewhere that "resolution metadata mismatch" in the scan file is a very common issue with HP scanners on Macs. What are your thoughts and, more importantly, if it is a "common issue" do you know what HP suggests to overcome it?

[Hawks_Eye]

You are Welcome @Seany1 

Thank you for clarifying further details. Let’s address both the disappearing “Scan” option and the enlarged display of scanned PDFs in a structured way:

1. Stabilizing the Scan Option in the HP App

• Restart Cycle: Each time the “Scan” option disappears, close the HP App fully and relaunch it. If it does not return, restart your iMac before opening the app again.
• Re‑add Printer: If the option is still missing, remove the Smart Tank 7605 from the HP App and add it back. This refreshes the connection and often restores missing features.
• Network Consistency: Ensure your printer and iMac are connected to the same Wi‑Fi band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Switching networks can sometimes cause the app to lose certain functions.
• App Refresh: If the issue repeats frequently, uninstall and reinstall the HP App. This clears cached configurations that may be causing the intermittent disappearance.

 

2. Addressing Enlarged PDF Display

• Preview Settings: In macOS Preview, use View → Zoom Out or View → Fit to Page. “Actual Size” relies on resolution metadata, which can make the file appear larger even though the dimensions are correct.
• Cross‑Check with Image Capture: Since scans through Image Capture display correctly, this confirms the printer is scanning at proper dimensions. The enlargement is limited to how the HP App embeds resolution metadata in the PDF.
• Workaround: If you need consistent viewing, continue scanning with Image Capture until the HP App stabilizes. Files created there will display correctly without adjustment.

 

3. Preventing Recurrence

• Keep App Updated: Always ensure the HP App is the latest version from the Mac App Store.
• Avoid Custom Scaling: When the “Scan” option is available, confirm scaling is set to 100% and paper size is A4.
• Test Different Formats: Try scanning to JPEG or PNG once. If those display correctly, it further confirms the issue is tied to PDF metadata rather than the scan itself.

 

4. Next Step

Since Image Capture produces correct results, the printer hardware and macOS drivers are functioning properly. The inconsistency lies in the HP App’s handling of scanned PDFs. Using Image Capture as a fallback ensures reliable scans while you continue monitoring the HP App after updates.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Seany1]

I have already tried the steps under 1. This hasn't resolved it - and, even if it does, I really don't expect to be doing it every time I need to use the scanner!

2. and 4. seem to suggest that I shouldn't use the HP app any more and rely instead on the apple Image Capture app instead - also disappointing!

Have also tried 3 (except for trying jpg format) and that's made no difference....

[Hawks_Eye]

Thank you for sharing the detailed follow‑up. I completely understand your concern—scanning should be a smooth, reliable process, not something that requires repeated resets. 

Let’s tackle both concerns with HP‑recommended steps that aim to prevent recurrence rather than just temporarily fixing the issue:

1. Stabilizing the “Scan” Option

• Reset HP App Permissions: On macOS, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders. Ensure the HP App has permission to access your scanner. Missing permissions can cause the “Scan” option to vanish intermittently.
• Use HP Easy Scan (if available): HP Easy Scan is optimized for macOS and often more stable than the HP Smart App for scanning. Download it from the Mac App Store and test if the scan option remains consistent.
• Firmware Update: Check your Smart Tank 7605 for the latest firmware via the printer’s control panel (Setup → Printer Maintenance → Update Printer). Outdated firmware can cause features to drop in and out.
• Static IP Assignment: Assign a static IP to your printer via its Embedded Web Server (EWS). This prevents the Mac from “losing” the device when the network refreshes, which can cause the scan option to disappear.

2. Correcting Enlarged PDF Display

• Resolution Metadata Mismatch: You’re right—this is a known behavior. HP scanners sometimes embed DPI metadata that Preview interprets differently, making “Actual Size” appear larger.
• HP’s Recommendation: HP suggests scanning to image formats (JPEG/PNG) when exact display size matters, or using HP Easy Scan which handles PDF metadata more consistently on macOS.
• Workaround: If you must use PDF, open the file in Preview, then Export as PDF again. This re‑writes the metadata and usually corrects the display size.

3. Preventing the Issue Long‑Term

• Keep both the HP App and macOS updated. Compatibility patches are often included in minor updates.
• Prefer HP Easy Scan or Image Capture for critical scans until HP Smart stabilizes. Both are fully supported by HP for macOS.
• If the problem persists even after firmware and app updates, HP’s official guidance is to rely on Easy Scan for macOS users, as it avoids the metadata mismatch entirely.

4. Next Step

Since you’ve already reinstalled the HP App and confirmed settings, the most effective path forward is:

1. Update printer firmware.
2. Assign a static IP.
3. Install HP Easy Scan and test stability.
4. Use Preview’s Export as PDF to correct metadata when needed.

This way, you won’t have to repeat the long process every time—you’ll have a stable setup and a reliable fallback.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Seany1]

As far as I can make out, the fact is that as sold, this scanner is not suitable for mac users!

I do need to use PDFs which as you can see was the very heart of the problem I first raised. You seem to be suggesting either use JPG or PNG instead - or follow a cumbersome workaround for scanned PDFs.

How do I:

1. access 'Easy Scan'?
2. assign a static IP to printer?

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for replying @Seany1 

Here are the clear steps you can follow to access Easy Scan and assign a static IP to your printer on macOS:

Accessing Easy Scan on macOS

1. Open the Mac App Store from your Dock or Applications folder.
2. In the search bar, type HP Easy Scan.
3. Select it from the results and click Get or Install.
4. Once installed, open HP Easy Scan from Applications.
5. Add your printer if prompted, then test scanning a PDF to confirm stability.

Assigning a Static IP to Your Printer

1. On the printer’s control panel, tap Setup → Network Setup → Settings → Print Reports → Network Configuration Page.
   • Print this page to note the current IP address.
2. On your Mac, open a web browser and type the printer’s IP address into the address bar. This opens the Embedded Web Server (EWS).
3. In the EWS, go to Network → IPv4 Configuration.
4. Select Manual IP.
5. Enter the current IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway exactly as shown on the configuration page.
6. Click Apply to save.
7. Restart the printer and Mac, then re-add the printer if needed.

With Easy Scan installed and a static IP assigned, you should see more consistent scanning behavior and avoid repeated resets. 

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye