"Image needed"
for this online database

I display images of certificates when correspondents contribute them or when I can find them among dealer listings. Anytime an image is available, a small image is displayed in the column you just clicked to reach this page.

My requirements for mid-resolution images are less stringent than those for high-resolution images. Whenever someone contributes a high-resolution image, I automatically make thumbnail and mid-resolution images that you see in the database.

I require high-resolution images to be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch = 118 dots per cm) which is roughly the resolution needed to read printers' names. If you cannot read printer names in your scans, increase the resolution to 400 dpi. I display mid-resolution images at 640 pixels wide. To preserve most details, most certificates used for mid-resolution display should be scanned at 200 dpi or higher.

Scanning suggestions. Want to learn more? I have a whole section of this website dedicated to scanning certificates.

• Scan in full color
• 300 dpi resolutions are desired, but the minimum resolution for display is 200 pixels per inch
• No reduction
• Scan entire certificates with full borders
• Turn off auto-exposure
• Turn off automatic sharpening
• Turn off automatic color adjustments

I NOT need

• stubs
• coupons
• backs

Significant signatures

• Scan at 600 dpi with some extra space

Hints for scanning certificates too large for your scanner

• Scan in two or more pieces
• Always keep the same orientation for all the pieces
• Scan pieces with at least 1.5" of overlap
• Remove the cover of your scanner for delicate certificates
• Although it seldom works, try scanning EXTREMELY delicate certificates in holders
• Send the pieces and I will patch together

Save format

• JPG or JPEG. Save at medium-high level quality. I do not need the highest level quality.
• TIFs and PNGs are okay, but are about 8 to 10 times larger than necessary.

How to send

• If sending a few JPGs, send as e-mail attachments (zipping does NOT compress JPGs.)
• If sending TIFs or several JPGs, send via WeTransfer.com (it's free) or use "Dropbox Transfer." (Without going into a long explanation and tedious "geek-speak", I'll just warn that I do NOT use Dropbox.)