Flatbed Scanner

HP ScanJet II

Line Art

"Line Art", is any kind of high-contrast image; both color & B/W. Mostly, it is associated with graphic arts. Clip Art is often line-based and requires this scanning method for crisp reproduction. Any image can be scanned this way, but those containing gradients (continuous tonal variations) will be flattened dramatically. These are typical Line Art: pen and ink, engravings, photocopies, silk-screen posters, logos and text.

Resolution is especially important with Line Art. Since there is no anti-aliasing (blending of the edges) in a high-contrast image, low resolution scans look jagged. Typically, one must scan at the highest resolution the output device (such as a printer) can handle. The average laser printer prints best at 300 to 600 DPI. The images will print nicely at such high levels of detail. For super quality reproduction, as is required for offset printing, even higher DPI is required.

Typical Line Art : Please note the incredible detail that can be achieved with the flatbed as seen in the zoom-in of the fish's mouth (below). The above fish scan is at a resolution of 72 DPI (web res.) @ 100% scaling. Please note the, "jaggies" resulting from high contrast and a lack of resolution.

Cool, huh?