I think it's almost universal to get scanned files that don't have enough detail. I don't know whether people scan to small files intentionally because they don't want big files on their disks or in email, or whether it is unfamiliarity with the scanners and software, but I get images all of the time that don't have enough pixels to make a nice clear image. I create my own scan files at 300dpi with the dimensions of the original document (though sometimes I'll enlarge or reduce somewhat to fill out a printed letter-sized page), and save as a high-quality JPEG (not highest or maximum, that's typically unnecessary and wasteful of disk space). JPEG format is important (not TIFF, not PNG, not GIF) because it is very standard and it allows significant compression (smaller files) without affecting perceived quality. Remember, the most important thing about an image file affecting detail is the Number Of Pixels, NOT the resolution (in dots per inch / dpi) or dimensions (in inches). A page sized 300dpi scan yields JPEG files of from less than 100KB (simple line art or grayscale images) up to maybe as high as 2MB (complex color image). You can then always make a smaller version if desired, but you have a high fidelity copy in your digital archive. I doubt anyone with a cable modem, DSL, or other broadband would mind receiving such clear image. Ask about file size if you're not sure what the recipient wants or can handle. Gordon On Mar 23, 2004, at 6:07 PM, Ron Mlejnek wrote: > Hi Listers, > > This is somewhat "off topic", but the business name of Kinkos was > mentioned. > > I have a cousin who lives in a distant state and she owns a scanner. > The only problem is that she does not know how to use it and when she > sends images, they are all too small. I have already been the route > of trying to teach her how to use it, but now she thinks I am too > particular and a nut case to boot! She will not send me the originals > either!! > > Anyway, has anyone used a commercial service to scan images? Another > cousin suggested that I send her a gift certificate to Kinkos, but the > closest one to me is 100 miles away. I have no idea how far the > closest one is to where she lives. > > Anyone ever have a similar problem and a possible solution? > > Ron Mlejnek > http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~elainetmaddox/index.htm