Scanning and Optimising Images — Photoshop

About this course

This practical overview presents clear, workflow‑focused guidance for scanning and optimising images using Adobe Photoshop. It balances technical fundamentals—scanner settings, colour management and file handling—with hands‑on post‑scan techniques such as cleaning, tone and colour correction, cropping and sharpening. The emphasis is on producing reliable results for print, web and archival workflows while preserving image fidelity throughout the process.

What you will learn

Through progressive, task‑based instruction you will learn how to make informed capture choices, diagnose common image problems, and apply Photoshop tools to restore and enhance scans. The course covers setting scanning parameters to match output goals, using non‑destructive edits for safe experimentation, and preparing optimised deliverables for different uses.

Core learning outcomes

• Determine appropriate scanning resolution, bit depth and colour space for specific outputs and avoid common capture mistakes.
• Implement consistent colour management practices, including basic monitor profiling and choosing the correct working space.
• Use Photoshop tools to correct exposure, contrast, white balance and selective colour shifts while preserving detail.
• Remove dust, scratches and distracting artifacts using clone, healing and spot‑healing techniques; correct perspective and crop for stronger composition.
• Apply sharpening and scaling strategies that retain clarity for print or screen without introducing halos or noise.
• Choose appropriate file formats and saving strategies to maintain master files and produce efficient delivery versions for web or print.

Who this is for

Designed for beginners through intermediate users, the material is suitable for hobbyists, photographers, archivists and designers seeking a dependable scanning-to‑output workflow. Beginners receive step‑by‑step exercises; intermediate users gain workflow refinements and automation tips to standardise results. No advanced scripting or proprietary hardware knowledge is required.

Practical applications and examples

Examples show how decisions at capture affect later edits—when to prioritise colour accuracy for archival preservation, and when to prioritise compression and size for web galleries or portfolios. Practical scenarios walk through restoring an old family photo, preparing high‑quality prints, and producing optimised images for online use while retaining a lossless master file.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing inappropriate resolution or bit depth for the final use—underestimating print needs or over‑scaling for web.
• Neglecting colour calibration and monitor profiling, which can lead to unexpected colour shifts across devices.
• Overwriting master images with lossy edits; not keeping an untouched master or version history.

Practice tasks and expert tips

Try structured exercises such as scanning and restoring an aged photograph, comparing scans at different resolutions, and exporting a small web gallery from optimised images. Expert tips emphasise investing in a basic calibration tool, retaining non‑destructive edit layers, automating repetitive steps with actions, and keeping clean master files to enable future re‑edits.

Ready to apply these skills?

This overview highlights the practical knowledge you can use immediately to build a reliable scanning and optimisation workflow in Photoshop. For step‑by‑step instruction, annotated screenshots and guided exercises, consult the full PDF to follow the examples and practice projects.