How to Scan Documents to PDF (Small and Clear)

The size and quality of a scanned PDF are decided largely at scan time. Get the settings right and you'll rarely need heavy compression afterward.

Pick the right DPI

For documents, 150 DPI is usually plenty and keeps files small. 300 DPI is for high-quality printing. 600 DPI is overkill for everyday forms and produces huge files.

Grayscale unless colour matters

Scan in grayscale for text documents — smaller files, identical readability. Reserve colour for when it actually carries information.

Scan straight and well-lit

A straight, evenly lit scan compresses better and OCRs more accurately than a skewed, shadowed one.