Optimize your scan results

In order to get scans in best quality, we recommend reading through the following tips:

1. Clear and smooth background

Placing the document on an uneven surface, with an unclear background, may negatively impact the document recognition and subsequent automatic edge detection.

   

For this reason, an even surface like a table, the kitchen sideboard or the floor should be used as background. Be sure to avoid items in the near area of the document.

2. Background with high contrast

The higher the contrast between document and background, the better the document recognition and the subsequent automatic edge detection.

   

3. Sufficient brightness

The lighting conditions are a main factor, when it comes to the scan quality. Light influences the document recognition, the color optimization and the optimal character recognition.

Optimal lighting conditions are given, when the document is illuminated evenly by daylight. If this isn´t sufficient, it is important that the artificial light source (e.g. a desk lamp) is not placed too close to the document. Make sure that the illumination of the document is evenly and sufficient.

Furthermore during the scan the flashlight of the smartphone can be used by tapping on the flashlight icon next to the camera icon.

 

4. Avoid shadows

Shadows can affect the automatic color correction. Especially with artificial light, shadows often appear on the document. One example is the shadow of your hand, if the light source is above you. Try to make sure that no shadows are cast on the document.

5. Smoothen the document

The document recognition and subsequent automatic edge detection can be negatively affected by documents, which are kinked several times (e.g. a folded letter). For an optimal result ensure that the document is as smooth as possible.

6. Keep the smartphone straight over the document during the scan

Docutain has a perspective correction which ensures an ideal top view of obliquely photographed documents. But in consequence of physical laws the text of the document will never be as clear and readable as a straight scanned document. For this reason you should try to keep your phone as straight as possible.

   

7. Follow the instructions when aligning

Docutain supports you in aligning your phone with short instructions. Pay attention to these instructions for getting a perfect scan result.

   

8. Do not cut edges

For the automatic document recognition to work, the paper must be completely visible with all its edges.

     

9. Keep calm

Keep your phone as calm as possible during the scanning until the process is completed. By pulling away too early, the result may be blurred.

10. Cut and color filter functions

If the automatic scan result isn´t satisfactory, the scan can be subsequently edited manually (also at any time, after the document was stored).

   

11. Edit documents directly after scanning

After the scan process is complete, the editing mode opens, including the functions “filter” and “cut”.

 

12. Edit stored documents

Display the appropriate document. Tapping the pen-icon will open the edit mode just like after scanning a document. Here you can find all editing options as usual.