Get higher-quality scans in Photomyne by choosing the correct scan mode, using proper lighting, and positioning photos carefully.

Here’s a simple guide to help you.

1. Choose the right scan mode

Before you start, pick the correct camera option in the app.

1. Open the Photomyne app.
2. Go to the camera screen.
3. Choose the mode that matches what you’re scanning:
   • Photos – printed photos
   • Slides – photo slides (requires a backlight)
   • Negatives – film negatives (requires a backlight)
   • Art – drawings or paintings
   • Text – documents, letters, recipes, etc.
   • Scrapbook – full album or scrapbook pages

Selecting the right mode helps the app detect and enhance your scans correctly.

2. Best scanning steps for printed photos

A. Speed vs quality

• Decide what matters more for this session:
  • Speed – scan up to 3 photos together in one shot.
  • Quality – scan one item at a time for the highest resolution (important if you plan to print later).
• If you choose speed, place up to 3 photos in view and capture them together.
• If you choose quality, place a single item in view and fill as much of the frame as possible.

B. Manual vs Voice Control (iOS)

• When you’re ready to scan, long-tap the camera icon until the circle becomes full, then release.
  • On Android, a long tap is enough.
• Take multiple shots until you’ve finished capturing everything you need.
• Tap Done at the top-right when you’re finished.
• On iOS, you can also enable voice control and scan hands-free with a voice command if you prefer.

3. Scanning conditions

A. Lighting

• Prefer natural daylight and avoid strong artificial light (especially fluorescent).
• Avoid direct lighting right above the item.
• Place light sources to the left or right of the photos - not behind, in front of, or directly above.
• Remove photos from plastic sleeves or covers to avoid glare.
• If you struggle with reflections, consider using a photo tent to diffuse light and soften shadows.
• Try changing angles and locations until you find the conditions that work best.

B. Background

• If you’re scanning individual photos on a surface, choose one that’s:
  • Smooth
  • Even-colored
  • Preferably a solid color

C. Angle

• Hold your device directly above the surface.
• Keep it parallel, not tilted.

D. Distance & boundaries

• Take the closest shot possible while keeping the entire item in frame.
• Let the photo take up most of the camera screen with only narrow margins around it.

4. Best scanning steps for slides and film negatives

Slides and negatives need a backlight and a bit of careful positioning.

A. Set up your backlight

• Choose one of these:
  • A bright white screen (computer or tablet)
  • A light pad (recommended for laying slides flat, for steadiness and more control) - available on Photomyne’s Amazon store.
• Turn the screen or light pad to maximum brightness.

B. Scan the slide or film negative

• Select the Slides or Negatives mode in the app.
• Place or hold your slide or negative in front of the backlight.
  • For negatives, align the image within the light strip in the middle of the frame.
  • Try to get as much of the image as possible inside the frame.
• Capture the image with the app.
• The app will automatically:
  • Detect the image
  • Rotate it if needed
  • Crop away the margins and enhance the image
  • Invert negatives into positive photos

5. Extra help & accessories

If you want more support or tools:

• Join the Photomyne Experts Facebook group to learn from other advanced users.
• Explore recommended scanning accessories such as light pads and photo tents for an extra boost to your scanning setup.