Video Tutorial: How to Prepare Paper Photos for Scanning

Watch This Quick Video to Learn Proper Photo Organization

Preparing paper photos for scanning is simple when you know the right techniques. Watch our quick video tutorial below to see exactly how to stack, organize, and secure your photos for professional scanning.

Key points covered in this video:

• How to organize photos into "chapters" or folders
• Proper stacking order for scanning
• How to label each stack clearly
• Keeping small photos secure so they don't slip out

Tip: Right-click the video and select "unmute" to hear the audio explanation.

The Essential Rule: Label Each Stack Clearly

The most important step in preparing paper photos is identifying your "chapters" or "folders" with numbered labels on top of each stack. We scan photos in exactly the order you send them, so clear labeling ensures your digital folders match your physical organization.

How to label effectively:

• Use sticky notes or index cards on top of each stack
• Number each stack clearly (1, 2, 3, etc.)
• Optional: Add brief descriptions ("Summer 1985," "Christmas 1990")
• Make sure labels won't fall off during shipping

Scanning Order Matters

We scan your photos in exactly the order you stack them, regardless of size. This means:

Top photo gets scanned first. The photo on top of the stack becomes the first image in that digital folder.

Mixed sizes are fine. You can have 4x6 prints mixed with 5x7s or wallet-size photos in the same stack—we handle all sizes.

Your organization is preserved. If you've carefully arranged photos chronologically or by event, that order is maintained in your digital files.

Stack carefully. Make sure photos are aligned reasonably straight so they don't shift during handling.

How to Keep Small Photos Secure

Small photos (wallet size, school photos, photo booth strips) can easily slip out of stacks during shipping or handling. Here's how to keep them secure:

Bundle small photos together. Group all small photos from one "chapter" and secure with a paperclip or rubber band.

Use paperclips, not staples. Paperclips hold securely but don't damage photos. Never use staples.

Place bundled small photos on top. Put the bundle of small photos at the top or bottom of each stack where they're less likely to slip between larger photos.

Note their location. Add a note on your chapter label like "small photos on top" so we know to look for them.

What Photo Sizes Can You Scan?

We scan paper photos of virtually any standard size:

• Wallet size (2.5x3.5 inches)
• 3x5 prints
• Standard 4x6 prints
• 5x7 prints
• 8x10 prints
• Panoramic prints
• Unusual or custom sizes

You don't need to separate photos by size—we handle mixed sizes within the same stack without any problem.

What About Photos in Albums?

Photos mounted in albums require special handling. We recommend:

Best option: Remove photos from albums before sending. If the adhesive has loosened over time, photos may come out easily. Stack them as shown in the video above.

Magnetic albums: These are usually easy to remove—just peel back the plastic sheet.

Self-adhesive albums: These are trickier. If photos are stuck firmly, contact us to discuss options. Sometimes we can scan pages directly (though quality won't be quite as good as scanning loose photos).

Slip-in pocket albums: Remove photos from pockets and stack normally.

Questions About Photo Preparation?

Not sure if your photos are ready? Confused about organization? We're here to help!

Send us photos: Take pictures of your stacks and email them to us. We'll confirm you're organized correctly.

Call us: Reach us at 1-800-844-1393 during business hours. We can walk you through the process on the phone.

Don't stress about perfection. As long as you've labeled your stacks and kept photos reasonably organized, we can work with what you send. The important thing is preserving these memories.

Ready to Get Your Photos Scanned?

Once your photos are organized in clearly labeled stacks, you're ready to send them for professional scanning.

Every photo receives expert attention: We scan at high resolution and apply professional color correction and dust removal to each image. Your digital files will look crisp, vibrant, and professionally finished.

Trusted since 2002: We've scanned millions of photos with meticulous care. Your irreplaceable memories are safe with us.