What is a Scan?
A good digital scan is the first step to a good print. ArtScans specializes in creating the highest quality color separations from fine art. Our custom scanning equipment captures all of the subtleties of fine works of art, from brush stroke texture to deep shadow detail. Our scans can be used for creating limited edition Giclee prints, offset lithographs, posters, brochures, postcards and even Internet Web pages.

Direct digital scans are also an excellent method for archiving artwork for future use. If you are about to sell a piece you may want to scan it first to obtain a high fidelity digital master for creating subsequent reproductions. We keep your scans on file for your future use.

Who We Are:
ArtScans a small, family owned and operated business. It is because we are small that we can provide the personal, one-on-one service our clients require for top quality as well as special jobs.

ArtScans has been doing accurate color capture for reproduction since 1992. We own and operate a large (44" x 50") flatbed scanner that is the only one of its kind in the world. Both the scanner and its software were designed by us and are continually updated to meet the needs of the fine art community. Part of our commitment to our customers is to stay on the leading edge of technology, ensuring the highest quality scans possible.

Advantages of Our Process:

Direct Scan:
With our process, your prints are only one generation away from the original. In contrast, a transparency process creates a print that is two generations away from the original, because after a transparency is made it must be scanned digitally before it can be printed. Fewer generations mean more accurate color and shadow detail reproduction.

Oversize Scans:
We can accommodate 44" x 50" pieces of art on our scanning bed, with even larger sizes possible by scanning in sections and invisibly seaming them together.

Texture Reproduction:
Our scanner can accommodate pieces with raised portions such as collages or artwork with thick brush strokes.

Communication with Your Printer:
For the highest possible color reproduction accuracy, we work closely with your printer and take into account the inks, paper and coatings you will be using. The resulting time spent proofing is reduced, saving time and money.

Guarantee:
If for any reason you're unable to use our product, we will be happy to offer a refund or do whatever it takes to work with your printer to fix problems.

Archival of Files:
Archival copies of your scans are securely stored for your future needs and are used only with your permission. We keep a second copy off-site for security against natural disasters.

Your Art:
Whether shipped to us or dropped off in person, your artwork will always be handled with respect and the utmost care. From the moment it arrives at ArtScans we work to minimize handling, any friction with its surfaces and excessive exposure to light. It is more accurate to scan artwork unframed. If your piece is framed, it can still be scanned, but the scanned image may look darker if there is glass in front of the art. We will assess the need to unframe, and do so only with your permission.

Our Location:
ArtScans is located in Culver City, California, and we receive art shipped from all around the world. Every day packaged art arrives and we take the utmost care in personally unpackaging and repackaging everything carefully.

Output Formats:

You may choose to receive your scans on either:
CD (675 MB)
Jazz cartridge (1 GB)

File formats available for both the Macintosh and PC:
Scitex CT
RGB or CMYK TIFF
IRIS Graphics FEP
Raw RGB

To Order Scans:
1. Fill out and sign our order form (email us here for order form).
2. Call us for an appointment and price quote.
3. Enclose payment.

We'll notify you when the artwork and scan are ready for shipping, delivery or pick-up. Our turn-around is usually 2 to 5 business days.