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.

Video Transcript

The following is a summary of what is shown and explained in the 50-second video above.

Opening: The video shows a table with several stacks of paper photographs of mixed sizes — 4×6 prints, 5×7 prints, and smaller wallet-size photos. The narrator explains that paper photos are prepared for scanning differently from slides, but the principle is the same: clear organization determines how your digital folders are structured.

Organizing into chapters: The narrator demonstrates grouping photos into separate stacks, each representing a different event or time period — for example, one stack for a family vacation and another for a birthday party. Each stack will become one numbered digital folder in the final delivery.

Labeling stacks: A sticky note or index card is placed on top of each stack with a number and brief description. The narrator emphasizes that the label must stay securely attached through the shipping process. A rubber band around the outside of the stack holds the label in place and keeps the photos from shifting.

Stacking order: The narrator places one stack face-up and points out that the top photo will be scanned first and the bottom photo will be scanned last. Any order the customer establishes in the physical stack is preserved exactly in the digital files.

Mixed sizes: The narrator demonstrates placing a 5×7 print and a 4×6 print in the same stack, confirming that mixed sizes are handled without any problem. There is no need to sort by size before sending.

Small photos: Wallet-size prints and school photos are shown being bundled together with a paperclip and placed at the top of a stack. The narrator specifically warns against using staples, which can scratch or permanently mark the surface of adjacent photos. A paperclip holds securely without causing damage.

Closing: The completed stacks are shown side by side, each labeled and rubber-banded, ready to be placed in an envelope or box for shipping.

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.