Best Practices for Scanning Traditional Artwork

Short Summary

This article explains best practices for scanning traditional artwork for Stackhouse customers and helps you choose the right next step before ordering or contacting support.

Quick Answer

Scan artwork at a resolution appropriate for the final print size, keep the artwork flat and clean, and save a high-quality RGB file. Use professional scanning for delicate, textured, oversized, or color-critical originals.

Before You Begin

• Handle original artwork with clean, dry hands.
• Capture or scan in even light with the artwork square to the camera or scanner.
• Use professional scanning for delicate, oversized, textured, or color-critical artwork.

How It Works

Review the Artwork Scanning Service Overview. Review the How to Prepare and Send Artwork for Scanning.

Step 1: Prepare the original

Clean the surrounding surface and keep the artwork flat and protected.

Step 2: Capture evenly

Use even lighting, a square camera angle, or a scanner suited to the original.

Step 3: Review detail and color

Check sharpness, glare, shadows, color, and crop before using the file for print.

Step 4: Export for print

Save a high-resolution RGB file and keep the original capture or scan.

Important Notes

• Phone captures can work for some uses, but professional scanning is better for large, textured, delicate, or color-critical originals.
• Glare, shadows, angled capture, and lens distortion can all show in the final print.
• Keep original capture files and edited print-ready files separate.
• Contact support before mailing valuable or fragile originals.

Examples

Example 1: Small watercolor on paper

Use even indirect light, capture squarely, and check for paper texture, shadows, and color before ordering.

Example 2: Large or valuable original

Use the artwork scanning service or contact support before shipping the piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone instead of a scanner?

Sometimes, especially for small or non-critical uses. Professional scanning is better for large, delicate, or color-critical reproduction.

What causes poor digitizing results?

Uneven light, glare, angled capture, low resolution, shadows, and heavy compression are common problems.

Should I contact support before sending artwork?

Yes, especially for valuable, fragile, oversized, or deadline-sensitive originals.

Related Articles

• Artwork Scanning Service Overview
• How to Prepare and Send Artwork for Scanning
• Best Practices for Photographing Traditional Artwork
• Tips for Digitizing Watercolor Paintings with Your iPhone
• How to Check Your Image Resolution

Need More Help?

If you still need assistance, submit a Help Center request with your order number if applicable, product type, file name or tracking number when relevant, screenshots or photos, and a short description of what you need help with.