❏ The ‘bit depth’ also known as ‘colour depth’, refers to the amount of ‘bits’ used to represent a colour pixel, which ideally should be somewhere between 16-32. ❏ Do you need a flatbed (works by placing the image onto the scanning panel one at a time for a higher quality) or a document handler (that automatically feeds multiple sheets through a scanner for a speedy process). When researching and buying the best scanner for artwork, your final decision should consider a number of different factors, depending on the priority that they take for you and your practice. How to choose the best scanner for artwork If you’re looking to make money from your practice, you’re going to want digital images of your work whether that is to advertise on Instagram, to display on your artist website or to make high quality fine art prints. Scanners provide a simpler alternative to photographing your 2D work, proving effective for detailed prints, photographs and drawings. There is also an element of angle distortion which can be fairly time consuming to rectify. It can be hard to control lighting and glare, especially without an expensive photography set up. Whilst photographing your work with a digital camera is a viable option, it does present its own challenges.

Is it better to scan or photograph your artwork? Scanning your artwork is a great way to get started when building a digital portfolio, making art prints and selling your art online all jobs that require some sort of imagery of your work.

The images that you use of your art should be of the highest quality, to show your work in the best possible light. Luckily, we’ve compiled this handy list containing 6 of the best scanners for artwork so you’re more informed when coming to make that purchase. With all the options out there, it can be difficult to assess what scanner to go for, whether you’re new to them or looking for an upgrade. Find out which scanner is best for your artworkĪn artist can end up needing a multitude of technical equipment as they progress through their practice, and a decent art scanner is one of them. Heads up: This post may contain affiliate links.

Art scanning