Scanning Old Photos the Right Way: 300 vs 600 vs 1200 DPI

Scanning Old Photos the Right Way: 300 vs 600 vs 1200 DPI

Scanning Old Photos the Right Way (300 vs 600 vs 1200 DPI)

For many families, photo albums are the most visible part of their history. They’re filled with milestones: weddings, childhood birthdays, first homes, family trips. But photos fade, paper deteriorates, and accidents happen.

That’s why scanning old photos has become an essential part of preserving family memories. But one big question always comes up: What resolution should you use?

What Does DPI Mean?

DPI (dots per inch) measures the detail captured in your scan. Higher DPI means:

  • Sharper detail (good for enlargements).

  • Bigger file sizes (takes up more storage).

  • Longer scanning time (higher quality, slower capture).

Choosing the right DPI depends on your goals. Let’s compare the most common settings: 300, 600, and 1200 DPI.

300 DPI: Good for Everyday Use

  • Best for: Standard 4x6 family snapshots you just want to preserve digitally.

  • Pros: Fast scanning, smaller files, prints look fine at original size.

  • Cons: Not suitable for enlargements or detailed editing.

👉 Use 300 DPI if you want a quick, space-efficient digital backup of large batches of everyday photos.

600 DPI: The Sweet Spot for Archiving

  • Best for: Most family photos you want to preserve for future generations.

  • Pros: High enough resolution for reprints and moderate enlargements, good detail capture.

  • Cons: Larger files and slightly slower scan times.

👉 For long-term preservation, 600 DPI is the recommended balance. It captures enough detail for both digital archiving and printing without overwhelming storage.

1200 DPI (and Higher): Best for Special Photos

  • Best for: Very old or small photos (wallet-size, tintypes, or fragile originals).

  • Pros: Exceptional detail, allows large-format printing, useful for restoration work.

  • Cons: Huge files, much slower, diminishing returns beyond 1200 for standard prints.

👉 Reserve 1200 DPI for irreplaceable photos where you want to capture every detail — creases, handwriting, even film grain.

File Formats Matter Too

When scanning, resolution isn’t the only decision. File format affects preservation:

  • JPEG: Smaller, fine for casual scans (but lossy compression).

  • TIFF: Best for long-term archiving; larger but lossless.

  • PNG: Good for digital sharing; keeps detail with manageable size.

💡 Tip: For heirloom photos, scan in TIFF at 600 DPI. For casual snaps, JPEG at 300 DPI is fine.

Adding Context: Don’t Just Scan, Tell the Story

A scanned photo without a story is just a picture. To keep meaning alive, pair each photo with:

  • Captions: Who, when, where, and what’s happening.

  • Voice notes: Record the family member who remembers the moment.

  • Tags/metadata: Add keywords like names, places, and dates.

This ensures your archive isn’t just images — it’s living history.

How to Store and Protect Your Scans

  • Cloud storage: Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive for accessibility.

  • External hard drives: Keep at least one offline backup.

  • Redundancy: Follow the “3-2-1 rule” — 3 copies, 2 types of storage, 1 off-site.

Final Thought

Digitizing your old photos is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give future generations. But remember: it’s not just about the pixels. It’s about the stories behind the smiles, the context behind the snapshots.

Chaptr was created to pair images with voices and memories. Become a Founder Member and help us build the ultimate way to keep family stories alive.

Back to blog