Knowledge Centre • Artwork & Visual Materials

What Is Flatbed Artwork Scanning?

Flatbed scanning can be an excellent solution for suitable flat originals where the material can safely be placed on the scanner bed.

Flatbed systems are useful for photographs, prints, small drawings, certificates, documents and other flat originals where contact scanning is safe and appropriate.

Standards context: The National Archives recommends selecting PPI according to material type and specifies colour imaging for most non-microform material. citeturn0search1

Flatbed artwork scanning

The capture method should be selected around the original object, its condition and the purpose of the digital master. Suitable material may be captured with a WideTEK 36 ART, reprographic camera system or flatbed solution, while delicate, oversized or surface-sensitive work may require a non-contact approach.

Materials and considerations

Photographic prints

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Small artwork

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Prints

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Certificates

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Documents

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Flat paper originals

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Key considerations

  • Photographic prints
  • Small artwork
  • Prints
  • Certificates
  • Documents
  • Flat paper originals

Need an artwork scanning specification?

We can assess the size, material, condition and intended use of your artwork or visual collection and recommend an appropriate capture method and digital output.