How to Scan 12 x 12 Scrapbook Pages at Home
If you want to know how to scan 12 x 12 scrapbook pages at home, then keep reading! I have started scanning all my scrapbook pages and love having a digital copy!! It is easy to do if you have the right equipment.
WHY SHOULD I SCAN MY SCRAPBOOK LAYOUTS?
You may be wondering WHY you would want to take the time to scan 12 x 12 scrapbook pages. Years ago, it had never occurred to me to do it.
But a couple of years ago I bought a really nice photo scanner that makes scanning photos fast. I realized how nice it was to have a digital copy of all my old non-digital photos.
As I was looking at a Christmas scrapbook layout one day I thought about how there was only one layout, but all 4 of my kids were on it. Who would get it when I died? Then it hit me, if I had a digital copy of the layout then they could all enjoy it!
The best reason to have a scanner that can handle 12 inch by 12 inch scrapbook layouts is so you have a digital copy of the layout. This preserves it and keeps it even if the worst happens and the original layout gets destroyed.
Another reason to scan your layouts is so you can enter them into scrapbook competitions or upload them to social media. A scanned copy is so much nicer than a photo of the layout.
WHICH SCANNER CAN SCAN 12 X 12 SCRAPBOOK LAYOUTS?
When you decide to buy a large format scanner you will quickly learn that there are very few options that will scan a FULL 12 x 12 layout!! Some will scan papers and even legal size paper, but they won’t go all the way to 12 inches wide.
It is very important that you purchase a FLATBED scanner. You can’t scan a scrapbook layout that has any embellishments on it through a roller type scanner. The layouts need to be able to lay flat.
I found 2 scanners that fit the bill and would be good for home use.
- Viisan has a couple of flatbed scanners that scan up to 12 x 17 inches. These run around $330 to $370.
- Plustek OpticPro A320E is another flatbed scanner that scans up to 12 x 17 inches. This one runs around $650.
- Epson has some nice large flatbed scanners, but they run in the $1000’s…so seemed very unlikely to be a scrapbookers choice.
PLUSTEK OPTICPRO A320E SCANNER
I decided to get the Plustek Opticpro A320E scanner and that is what I use regularly. Although, the Plustek was more expensive than the Viisan brand, I felt confident with the Plustek brand. I own a Plustek photo scanner and love it.
It is very easy to use and I felt the reviews were better than the reviews for the Viisan scanners.
The downsides to owning a large flatbed scanner is the cost and the size. These are large scanners and do take up a lot of space on a desk.
HOW TO SCAN 12 X 12 SCRAPBOOK LAYOUTS AT HOME
Once you have purchased your scrapbook layout scanner, it is time to start scanning.
There will probably be software to download onto your computer. Once you follow the instructions on getting the software and setting up the scanner you can get started.
The Plustek scanner only involves connecting the scanner to my computer with the USB cable. Then I place the layout face down on the scanner and press a button. It will scan the layout and automatically save it in the scanner folder on my computer.
One side note to mention is that as I have been scanning old layouts that I created years ago…I have found items are falling off the layouts. 🙁 Even though I always use permanent, name-brand adhesives…it isn’t lasting forever like I had hoped. So I am having to do some regluing on some layouts.
Do you scan your scrapbook layouts? Which scanner do you love?
Check out these other articles while you are here:
- Adhesives and Tape Runners for Scrapbooking and Crafts
- Best Online Scrapbook Stores for Unique Supplies
