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Minimize Scanned Image
File Sizes

One of the challenges of scanning and digitizing documents is meeting the huge storage requirements that ensue.

Two factors influence file sizes most: bit depth and resolution.

Bit depth is most often set at 2 bits for binary scanning, 8 bits for grayscale or 24 bits for color capture. As you add bit depth, you are effectively collecting more information per pixel and therefore increasing the file size.
Resolution is the next metric that you can use to control file size. Resolutions typically range from 100 dpi (dots per inch) to 300 dpi in most document imaging applications, but can go as high as 2400 dpi. As the resolution increases, so will file sizes.

fujitsu fi-5650C The most important issue is capturing the information on the page so that it is usable. Start by identifying whether you need binary, grayscale or color capture. Then apply the lowest possible resolution that produces acceptable results. A rule of thumb: binary scans typically need a higher resolution to generate adequate results (200+ dpi), while grayscale and color scans can produce good quality results with lower resolutions (try starting at 100 dpi).

Try scanning your documents at different bit depths and resolution settings to gauge the effects on image quality and file size.

If you intend to OCR your images you should considering scanning your documents at 300 dpi. While 300 dpi produces a larger file size than does 100 dpi and 200 dpi, it more consistently captures the OCR text. Of course, the lower the resolution of a file, the less readable it is.

Many document management systems expect TIFF images to be at least 200 dpi, and typically optical character recognition software requires 300 dpi to properly read letters. After lowering the resolution to the extent that you can, you can reduce the size of a TIFF Group 4 image by running despeckle software to eliminate unneeded backgrounds (for instance the pink or red background color on a form) and deskewing the image. In the case of JPEGs, which contain tonal information (grayscale or color), the resolution can often be lower.

Scanning and Document Management Booklet

Minimize Scanned Image File Sizes

Minimize Scanned Image
File Sizes