Why Should I Add 600 DPI Scanning?
Simply put; more detail, better quality. 600 DPI JPEG scans create larger digital files that capture finer detail in your original prints—ideal for making reprints, enlargements, and photo books:
- Perfect for preserving every detail in treasured photos.
- Ideal if you're planning to crop, zoom, or reprint.
If you prefer smaller files and simpler sharing on social media, 300 DPI is still a solid option.
Pro-Level Insight: Why 600 DPI Matters
Most professional photo archivists, photographers, and preservation experts recommend scanning at 600 DPI for one reason: future-proofing. Here’s why the pros choose 600 DPI:
1. Preserves the Fine Details
600 DPI captures subtle textures, grain, and tonal shifts that 300 DPI often misses—like the twinkle in an eye or handwritten notes in the background. This becomes especially noticeable with older, faded, or intricate photos.
2. Better for Cropping & Zooming
300 DPI images often fall apart (get pixelated) when you crop in or zoom to focus on a smaller detail. 600 DPI lets you crop freely and still keep quality intact.
3. Professional Print Quality
Want to reprint a small photo as an 8x10 or make a wall canvas? 600 DPI gives you twice the resolution, which means your reprints stay sharp, clean, and vibrant—even at larger sizes.
4. Archival Best Practices
According to standards used by the Library of Congress, Smithsonian, and major digitization labs, 600 DPI is the preferred minimum for preserving photographs. If your photos are irreplaceable, don’t settle for less.
5. Future Tech Compatibility
As screens, displays, and print technology continue to improve, low-resolution files won’t hold up. High-res scans ensure your digital archive will still look amazing 10, 20, or 50 years from now.
Added Benefits:
- Double the enlargement potential compared to 300 DPI
- Higher quality for keepsakes, gifts, or family photo books
- Better long-term archiving for future generations