Extract Individual photos from scanned images

[Chris B1969]

Hello,

I have scanned a great number of images that have anywhere from one to six photos in each scan. What is the best tool to slice the image so that I can save each individual photo as a jpeg file. Should I use the slice tool and do them manually?  The quick selection tool, and see if the software will just outline the rectangular shapes (I tried this a little but the software also tended to try to ouline certain shapes in the photos themselves). I am open to suggestions. 

[@mj]

Hi @Chris B1969 ,

Use this command with the file open:

File > Automate > Crop and Straighten Photos

Let us know how you go.

mj

[Conrad_C]

mj is correct, the Crop and Straighten Photos command is designed exactly for this kind of thing, splitting apart multiple photos from a single scan.

However, for it to work properly, be sure you scan the prints on a solid white background with the prints not touching each other or the scanner edges. It works best when there is a very definite solid white gap between each photo. If there is not, it can get confused as to where each photo starts and stops.

The example you posted will work well enough; I ran it through Crop and Straighten Photos and three nicely cropped photo documents came out of it. I noticed a black line along the left edge of your scan and wondered if that might cause a problem, but it looks like Crop and Straighten Photos figured it out and properly ignored the line. But if you have any issues, look out for any stray marks that are neither white space nor photo print.

[Chris B1969]

Thank you! I will try this.

[ch308901913ysy]

mj is correct, the Crop and Straighten Photos command is designed exactly for this kind of thing, splitting apart multiple photos from a single scan.

However, for it to work properly, be sure you scan the prints on a solid white background with the prints not touching each other or the scanner edges. It works best when there is a very definite solid white gap between each photo. If there is not, it can get confused as to where each photo starts and stops.

The example you posted will work well enough; I ran it through Crop and Straighten Photos and three nicely cropped photo documents came out of it. I noticed a black line along the left edge of your scan and wondered if that might cause a problem, but it looks like Crop and Straighten Photos figured it out and properly ignored the line. But if you have any issues, look out for any stray marks that are neither white space nor photo print.

can we use a light color papar like yellow or offwhite colored papar or pure white is specific for this i have offwhite paper bundle with t140hp printer.

By @Conrad_C

[Conrad_C]

can we use a light color papar like yellow or offwhite colored papar or pure white is specific for this i have offwhite paper bundle with t140hp printer.

By @ch308901913ysy

I don’t know if it’s programmed to handle that properly, you’ll have to try it out. My guess is that it should work, as long as the paper is close enough to white.

[Chris B1969]

Thank you. Will give it a try!

[@mj]

Hi @Chris B1969 ,

Did you succeed with the proposed method?

Keep us posted on your progress.

Best

mj

[Chris B1969]

Hello. Your suggestion has worked great. Not all scans might go as cleanly, but I will deal with those one at a time. Any suggestions on how to fix the attached. I suppose I could just clip it and rotate and resave.

[Conrad_C]

For that, you might try using the Crop tool with the Straighten option. After you click Straighten in the options bar at the top, you drag it along any line in the photo that should be perfectly horizontal or vertical, and it will rotate it for you. Then you just finish off the crop. Demo below. It’s not fully automatic, but at least it figures out the rotaton for you.

[Chris B1969]

Thanks. Is there a reason I am not finding the crop tool on the left or the straighten button at the top?

[@mj]

Hi,

Try this:

Window > Workspace > Reset ....

If this does not work, then choose any tool. 

Click on the drowndown arrow next to the tool on the Control Bar.

Then choose the Settings icon (a cog).

Then choose Reset All Tools.

Let us know how you go

mj

[@mj]

Hi,

One more thing.

If you have many individual scans, you can create an action and then run a Batch command on a folder or collection of scans.

Here's a how to link: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/actions.html

Best

mj

[Chris B1969]

Nice! This is so helpful!