How do I scan an image to be 8-1/2x11 inches?

Darlene writes, "How do I scan an image to be 8-1/2x11"?  When I scan the original 8-1/2x11 image, it says it's letter size, but when I send it within the e-mail, it is VERY small."

Darlene, you're not alone.  There are so many different scanners out there and even more scanning programs, that it is hard to know everything about each of them.

In this tip, you'll find some helpful things to remember and to look for in your scanning software.

First, all scanning software is different.  But, the one thing you need to remember is that when using software to scan a document, most will give you an option to "e-mail" the scanned image.  While this may seem the easiest option, there may be problems.

If you choose the "e-mail" option, make sure and look for any window or button that gives you more options.  Many programs will show you the size that it will be sending within the e-mail.  You might see a Drop-Down arrow for the size.  Make sure and choose the "letter" or "8-1/2x11" size option, if that is the size you wish for your document or image.

Remember that this option will make the file size larger; so if you are sending the e-mail to someone that has a slower Internet speed, be careful with this option.

If you do not see the "size" option as a button or within a window, you may want to choose to scan the document as a "Word" file or another option may be "PDF".  In these cases, you will probably need to SAVE the file to your computer first.  Once you have scanned and saved to your computer, then open your e-mail and send the file as an attachment by choosing the location in which you stored the scanned image.

These tips should get you on the path to scanning documents successfully.

As usual, if you have questions, "Go Ask Debbie!"