How to scan and stitch a 12x12 scrapbook page

There are a couple of options for digitizing your scrapbook layouts. The easiest one is taking a picture of your layout - but you need to be very careful with the lighting and the angle of the picture.

If you need something high quality for archiving or contests, consider scanning your layouts. If you only have access to a regular Letter/A4 size scanner, which is smaller than the layout size, you can use the following instructions for scanning the layout.

You can use 2 scans or 4 scans for a scrapbook page. Using 2 scans is faster, but you might lose some of the bottom part of the design since the scanner is usually shorter than 12”.

Using 2 Scans

1. Detach the scanner lid and use it to cover the scanning area in each step of the
process.
2. Align the top of the page with the alignment mark (arrow icon) and click Scan.
3. Slide the page so the opposite corner fits within the scanning area and click Scan.

Using 4 Scans

1. Detach the scanner lid and use it to cover the scanning area in each step of the
process.
2. Align the top of the page with the alignment mark (arrow icon) and scan.
3. Slide the page so the opposite corner fits within the scanning area and scan.
4. Turn the page around and scan the same way along the bottom side.

Once you have the document scanned, there are several options for stitching your scrapbook page (multiple scans) into a single digital file.

One option is to load the pictures into any photo stitching software and follow the instructions. Usually it is pretty straightforward. A free introductory version of ArcSoft's photo stitching software, ArcSoft Panorama Maker®, is available at:
http://www.arcsoft.com/support/downloads/download_introversion.asp

Another option is to use ArcSoft Scan-n-Stitch™ or ArcSoft Scan-n-Stitch™ Deluxe. Both programs are designed for over size document stitching – all you have to do is load the pictures and push the “Stitch” button and the software will take care of the rest. The Deluxe version supports more page sizes and includes some options for editing the stitched image once you're done. Free introductory versions of both programs are available at:
http://www.arcsoft.com/support/downloads/download_introversion.asp