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jeriweaverScanning Large images

Published: 2007-10-09 03:27:42 +0000 UTC; Views: 35156; Favourites: 687; Downloads: 554
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Description This is a tutorial on how to scan a large painting and stitch it together.
Uses windows and Photoshop (but it should apply to most programs even if the menus are different)

Image used in the tutorial is here: [link]
so you can see how it looks in real size.

Any questions just comment.
Please remember that this is how I do it, it is not the only way.

I've used this method to scan images as large as 30" and stitched together using as many as 9 pieces.

~WaiLik reminded me of photomerge, I've used it before, it's really easy.
If you actually have Adobe Photoshop, try the photomerge tool file>automate> photomerge
Use the adobe help files to figure it out. You have to scan your pieces like in the tutorial still, just once you've scanned save them and use the merger tool.

I personally don't use it, because I've done it this way since before I even owned Photoshop and I'm a creature of habit.
It only takes about 2 minutes this way once your used to it anyway so it doesn't really save much time. You don't have to save your chunks like you do with the merger either.
If you are doing more than 3 or 4 chunks on most of your art you might want to see about getting Photoshop for that merger though.

Please don't save or redistribute, if you want to share it favorite the deviation or send someone the link to it.
Related content
Comments: 119

forrie [2014-10-17 19:23:12 +0000 UTC]

I have really large work that I want to try this method with, which was recommended to me by someone.    Starting at 40" and upwards 65" wide, it would be a daunting (but less expensive) task to scan the art piecemeal.    Problem is, large-format scanners are pretty expensive.   I can live with an 8.5 x 11" scanner, but am concerned about shadow and other artifacts -- plus, I would imagine you'd need a flat finish (ie: not shiny varnish) to get better results.

Has anyone here done something at this scale?  Do you recommend a particular scanner -- the cover would need to come off and the glass/bevel flush even.

What DPI did you use?


Thanks.

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jeriweaver In reply to forrie [2014-11-15 17:34:14 +0000 UTC]

In a situation with images that large, it's actually better to photograph than scan the artwork.  muddycolors.blogspot.ca/2013/0…
It will be much faster and get you way better results. 
Sometimes you can see ads on art store notice boards for people to photograph your art for fee, if you dont have the means to do it yourself. 

If your only option is so scan, then you are going to have to make sure you get lots of overlap on each scan so that you can crop out the shadows. 
If you are using Photoshop, this is one of those situations where you should try some of the build in automatic functions ( File>Automate>Photomerge)
It'll mean you have to save each piece separately, but you'll probably have an easier go of it because if one section if scanned crappily, you can rescan and save over and then run the automated sequence again.

Really though, at that size, get yourself a decent point and shoot camera and save yourself hours of time. 

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ArTRefugiuM [2014-09-28 17:21:40 +0000 UTC]

I have a much easier solution for this Use Microsoft ICE to stitch together the parts. I make whole canvas paintings into proper scans this way.

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HienFan [2013-07-21 10:35:27 +0000 UTC]

Just what is this picture coloured with?

I noticed all the colours in this are perfect yet I always have a problem with pink paint(and the fact my scanner is too small like most people's)

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Jajamola88 [2013-06-11 22:41:55 +0000 UTC]

Hooray! I can do my comic's art on paper (I'm not too good with tablets) and color digitally!

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DANIwasinvented [2012-07-01 09:06:15 +0000 UTC]

i will never draw on large paper again

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jeriweaver In reply to DANIwasinvented [2012-07-13 17:45:41 +0000 UTC]


Larger scanners are starting to become more affordable and available, so never fear!

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Shmekana [2012-05-04 00:33:09 +0000 UTC]

Dear lord. I'm going to have to do this 4 times per painting though D:

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the3712thstar [2012-04-04 01:06:59 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much!! Extremely helpful!!

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Allyson-x [2012-02-13 20:51:48 +0000 UTC]

Such a great tutorial! I was in a panic trying to scan a drawing I made too big without cropping it down to nothing... but then I found your wonderful tutorial and you are now saving my life ^^ Thank you!

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blightedangel [2011-11-22 09:21:13 +0000 UTC]

You just saved my latest painting. Thank you!

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TheSnowWolfeh [2011-06-02 03:00:58 +0000 UTC]

Now as soon as my scanner stops malfunctioning, I shall try this Thanks!!!

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DamonLSalvatore [2011-05-13 09:48:28 +0000 UTC]

Hmm. I wonder if anybody's figured this out for GIMP? I have so many drawings better than the Daz3D stuff I have, but they're too large for my scanner.

That and I can't afford Photoshop.

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Liennepien [2010-09-12 15:24:52 +0000 UTC]

I've been having the problem of scanning bigger than A4 files for a while now, and this turial was just what I needed! Thank you so much!

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jeriweaver In reply to Liennepien [2010-09-17 17:14:25 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome :3

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Deviant-KB [2010-09-11 05:25:19 +0000 UTC]

Incredibly helpful. Sincerest thanks for such an informative tutorial!

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jeriweaver In reply to Deviant-KB [2010-09-17 17:14:34 +0000 UTC]

welcome :3

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Erro-meatbun [2010-07-22 08:28:39 +0000 UTC]

i was wondering how would you go about doing a 6 foot by 6 foot painting?.. and i dont have a flat scanner.. well i do but the top doesnt go all the way back.. if that makes any sense

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jeriweaver In reply to Erro-meatbun [2010-07-22 14:17:22 +0000 UTC]

Something that big you would be better off photographing it or taking it to a professional large scale scanner.

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Erro-meatbun In reply to jeriweaver [2010-07-23 04:55:32 +0000 UTC]

hmm that may work.. thank you :3

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Morderishen [2009-11-28 04:10:47 +0000 UTC]

You rule so hard man, thanks for this tut

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jeriweaver In reply to Morderishen [2009-11-30 18:09:38 +0000 UTC]

welcome :>

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Fixxen [2009-11-14 13:32:20 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for making this tutorial! It oughta be very helpful

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jeriweaver In reply to Fixxen [2009-11-15 23:57:17 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome :>

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PaperMemories [2009-08-07 23:11:07 +0000 UTC]

Thanks. And faved.
Will use for future reference. :3

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icecheetah [2009-04-30 11:01:08 +0000 UTC]

Great! I only knew how to do this for comics before now.

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joeyv7 [2008-10-18 07:16:22 +0000 UTC]

Thanks very much, I'm sure this will come in handy when I finally get a scanner. Can I ask, what scanner do you use? Most people seem to hate theirs, and I'm a little leery of ending up with the wrong one

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jeriweaver In reply to joeyv7 [2008-12-08 23:14:16 +0000 UTC]

sorry, really late reply.
I just use a Canoscan Lide20, nothing special.
you don't need anything fancy, just make sure it's fairly flat and you can remove the lid

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joeyv7 In reply to jeriweaver [2008-12-12 18:08:05 +0000 UTC]

OK thanks, & thanks for getting back

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LykaiosIsadora [2008-10-03 02:11:32 +0000 UTC]

Oh dear! The pain of having too large pieces have pledged me for awhile now!

Thank you so much for this tutorial <3

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jeriweaver In reply to LykaiosIsadora [2008-10-04 20:36:36 +0000 UTC]

welcome

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saylem [2008-08-18 06:48:18 +0000 UTC]

Very helpful! Thank you!

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jeriweaver In reply to saylem [2008-08-18 20:38:18 +0000 UTC]

welcome

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Aakerman [2008-07-17 13:51:18 +0000 UTC]

It's a really good help Kitty. So I added it to my collection
I have problems with my scanner these days, A4 and bigger it will cut in for some reason, can only do small drawings. So I used this tutorial to get my fanart piece for you, guruu and juli in on the computer

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Gothicbunni [2008-03-30 14:34:42 +0000 UTC]

My god, thank you! D:

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jeriweaver In reply to Gothicbunni [2008-03-30 20:59:08 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome

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kurosakiIchisan [2008-01-17 00:30:33 +0000 UTC]

thanks i need this and lol we have the same scanner

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Bhoay [2007-12-20 15:17:12 +0000 UTC]

Oh, wow~! OwO This is really helpful~! Thanks very much~! >w<

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Meisterlijk [2007-11-23 11:14:20 +0000 UTC]

ive got the same scanner

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Fantasy-Dreamer-489 [2007-11-16 02:27:12 +0000 UTC]

If only my scanner didn't have an indentation and was enclosed on three sides........
I can't even fit my sketchbook on my scanner........

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brennennn [2007-11-09 03:11:45 +0000 UTC]

Awesome work, Kitty! Your tutorials always have the most useful information out there, and make for a great read for education.

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jeriweaver In reply to brennennn [2007-11-09 06:43:37 +0000 UTC]

thanks

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beard5 [2007-11-06 17:36:15 +0000 UTC]

This is brilliant, thank you very much.

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mystumpf [2007-10-11 10:05:57 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much,for the tutorial,very helpful!

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mangaanime [2007-10-10 14:26:14 +0000 UTC]

So good!!! I've fav it!

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CommaQueen [2007-10-10 06:45:17 +0000 UTC]

What an amazingly helpful tutorial. I wish I'd had this a couple years ago; would have saved me from some really bad pictures. Ah, well--it's a good resource to have now, at least. +faving.

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exchanged-stock [2007-10-10 06:18:51 +0000 UTC]

Great tutuorial which I am sure will be useful for many ...

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GdorChaser13 [2007-10-10 06:12:59 +0000 UTC]

Must. Get. Photoshop. -adds to list of things to buy-

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Devkyu [2007-10-10 04:37:55 +0000 UTC]

This is definitely helpful. I've ended up taking pictures and they never turn out any good. I'll definitely put this to good use ^_^.

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sbug51 [2007-10-10 04:21:05 +0000 UTC]

eh, there is a much much easier way! just use file>automate>hotomerge in photoshop! it does everything you need!

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