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Calibrating your scanner is important to ensure correct display on screen and in print. Signs of calibration needed include streaks, poor quality, and discoloration. Calibration involves a profiling chart and software, cleaning the glass, scanning, and making necessary changes. It should be done every 1000 scans. Calibrating the monitor and printer at the same time is recommended.
Calibrating the scanner ensures that the scanned image displays correctly on screen and in print. Signs that your scanner may need to be calibrated include, but are not limited to, black or dark gray streaks or lines, poor quality and color recognition, white lines or streaks, and/or grayish or blurry discoloration. These defects will show up on screen and in your printed copy. Calibrating your scanner will extend its life, saving you money in the long run.
Scanner calibration involves the use of a scanner profiling chart and color management profiling software. Most manufacturers include them in the box when you purchase your scanner. If not, you can buy them at any computer supply store or online. This graphics and software program tests and corrects the colors that the scanner sees against what is actually on the document. Install the software program according to the installation guide provided with the package.
Before starting the scanner calibration program, you need to clean the glass on the scanner glass with a lint-free cloth and water. Never use glass cleaner or an alcohol-based cleaner, as it will remove the protective coating on the scanner glass. Place the profile sheet face down on the scanner glass and turn off the color management and correction tools. Scan the document normally.
Launch your scanner’s profiling software and select the file that matches the graphic you scanned. Extract the scanned image and cut out the areas you want to analyze and fix. Make the necessary changes to match the original colors on the document. Print the image and compare it with the original document. You may need to calibrate your scanner a second time for best results, especially if you haven’t calibrated it before or if it was long overdue.
Scanner calibration should be performed, on average, every 1000 scans. This is approximately every two to three months for the average user. If you are scanning more than 1000 sheets every three months, you should calibrate your scanner more frequently.
If you can match the color and quality of the image on your screen to the original document, but the printout still looks poor, you may need to calibrate your printer. It is recommended that you calibrate your monitor, scanner, and printer at the same time to operate at their optimum capacity. It pays off to keep your electronic equipment running efficiently.
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