When you scan printed photos with one of the Photomyne apps, the resolution of your final digital images depends on how you scan them and your device’s camera.
Here’s how it works and what you can expect.
What determines your photo’s resolution?
The three things that matter most:
-
How many photos you include in a single scan
- Scanning many photos at once means each one gets less detail.
-
Fill the frame for maximum image quality
- The more the photo fills the camera frame, the better the resolution.
-
The quality of your phone or tablet camera
- Newer devices with better cameras capture more detail.
Typical resolution levels (what you’ll see)
Here are three common ways people scan — from best quality to fastest:
Best quality (great for printing)
- Scan one photo at a time.
- Hold your camera close and steady, as long as focus is maintained.
- You’ll get up to about 8–9 megapixels per photo.
- This is ideal if you want clear prints or very sharp digital images.
High resolution (recommended for most people)
- Scan 1–2 photos at once.
- Keep the camera close and steady for good detail.
- You’ll get about 3–4 megapixels per photo.
- Great for viewing on your phone, computer, or sharing.
Normal resolution (quick scanning)
- Scan 2–3 photos in one shot.
- Faster, but each photo has less detail.
- Around 2–3 megapixels per photo.
- Works well for everyday viewing online or in apps.
Tips to get the best resolution
- Scan fewer photos at once — closer equals more detail.
- Make sure your device camera is directly above the photo before scanning.
- Older phones tend to produce lower resolution scans — that’s normal.
For sharper images, scan one photo at a time whenever possible.
Disclaimer: If you use the Magic Restore feature to enhance your photos
Magic Restore enhances your photos by applying advanced processing that optimizes overall visual quality. As part of this process, the image resolution may be reduced to approximately 1 megapixel or less. Resolution and image quality are not the same: resolution refers to very fine details that are typically only noticeable when zooming in closely, while quality reflects the overall look of the photo. Magic Restore works by gently reducing extremely fine details and then enhancing key visual elements such as colors, clarity, and the removal of glare, scratches, and other imperfections - resulting in a clearer, cleaner, and more polished image.