Scanning and Printing Pictures

[Jeffthecarguy]

Just got this printer and so far so good, but I wanted to scan and print some pictures but the quality is noticeably worse in the re-prints...I expected to lose a little but its BAD... I adjusted the setting to "large" file and "best" quality but saw little difference... any help?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Jeffthecarguy 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

The first requirement is to have a high-density, excellent quality photo to use as the source of the scan.

If the original picture image is of a small photo and / or the file is low density (for example, as a result of the photo file having a low pixel count and / or old photos taken with a low resolution camera), the scanned content, even if scanned at a higher resolution, will not be "better" than the original and can, in fact, look worse.

What?

Scanning a low-density picture / photo at high resolution does not increase quality.

Standard applications include some scan and editing tools to improve the content before it is saved.

Applications cannot improve the quality of the original (source) content though it is sometimes possible to mask some of the defects..

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Scan - Photo - Save

HP_Smart_Win_Scan_Photo_Save_3

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Scan - Photo - Edit Sets

HP_Smart_Win_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_3

Next - Print the scanned and saved data

Photo Editing software can generally do a better job of printing photos and usually provides many more options for handling both color and image defects.

The only way to check the original photo pixel count is to have access to the file's metadata, that is, the details of how the photo was taken.

In general, a higher the pixel count results in a better print quality at larger size.

Band_Tails_Pixel_Count_Print_Size_1

Visual inspection can be useful but only in the context of what you can see.

The printer's camera will interpret the data to be scanned -- for example, a photo placed on the flatbed / printer glass - as best it can do.  Increasing the scan resolution can result in a better output if the original photo is very high quality.

The following example illustrates changing the actual image file data using Resize / Resample.

The menu does include some of the print editing features available in the software.

Example - Irfanview - Windows Image - Resize / Resample (and other menu items)

Irfanview_Print_Image_Resize_Resample_4

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Message Content References

Product Specifications for the HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer (1F3Y0A)

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Third Party Software

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 custom print size, tiles, and the “Mirror” or horizontal flip function, and 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 software versions for Windows are available.
• Irfanview is also available as a Windows 10 (or higher) 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

Plugins can be added to your installed Irfanview software.

For example, Plugins can be added to installed Irfanview software to open additional file types.

Open Installed Irfanview software > Help > Plugins

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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