Exercise: Creating a digital image file

These are general instructions. The details will depend on the hardware and software.

A. Flat paper on a flatbed scanner

1. Position the original on the scanner.

2. Open the scanner control or image editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Elements or whatever comes with the scanner).

3. Select File > Acquire or Import.

4. Select the type of document and the desired resolution.

5. Preview and position the dotted line box around the image.

6. Scan. Wait.

7. Save the image in tif format for an Archival or Master Copy. Do not use spaces in file names.

8. Use image editing software to Save as a jpg or gif for an Access copy.

9. Open the tif copy again, adjust the image size to 72 pixels per inch. Save as a jpg or gif and change the file name to include 72.

B. Digital camera picture of an object:

1. Take a picture as per camera instructions. Most cameras are set up by default to create jpg files; however, some can create tif files.

2. Transfer the picture to a computer. Depending on the computer input capabilities, you may need to use a USB cord or you may be able to directly insert a memory card.

Tip: After tranferring the file(s), rename them something meaningful. Do not use spaces in file names.

C. More on editing - two useful skills: crop, resize

1. From the scanning workstation, copy the 72 pixels per inch jpg file, using a floppy or USB flash drive, then put it on your computer. Similarly for any digital camera picture files.

2. Open the file in Paint (Start > Program > Accessories > Paint)

3.  Use the Image > Stretch/skew menu option to resize the image. The Image > Attributes menu option will display a window that will show the size.

4. Use the Select tool to select areas and the handles on the canvas to cut and crop.

Paint comes with the Windows operating system. It is primative but it works for simple resizing and cutting. Most people use a more sophisticated program such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Elements.

[back to the Agenda]
Diane Berry for WNYLRC 9/29/05