Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/small-text-document-resolution-test/

# Choose Document Scan Resolution by Testing the Smallest Text

Test the smallest meaningful characters and marks rather than selecting a resolution solely from the page's physical size. A larger file is not automatically a more readable or more accurate document copy.

Document capture2 min readUpdated 19 October 2026

## Put the checklist to work

Use the related browser utility on a working copy, then inspect the result. No signup is required.

[Check source pixel dimensions](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/photo-resolution-checker/>)Free · runs in your browser · no signup

Quick answer

## The short version

Test the smallest meaningful characters and marks rather than selecting a resolution solely from the page's physical size. A larger file is not automatically a more readable or more accurate document copy.

## A capture or editing plan

Capture one representative page with fine print, numbers and any pale annotations. Inspect the original-size characters and a realistic viewing copy. Compare another setting or a closer camera position if strokes merge or disappear. Check focus and lighting before attributing every problem to resolution. Keep the test that records useful detail without unnecessary enlargement of an already soft source.

## When to change the approach

OCR success is a separate check. A readable visual scan can still produce recognition errors, and a searchable file can still contain incorrect characters.

## Worked planning example

Planning example: Large headings look clear while a small reference number is unreadable. The next test focuses on that number and its actual capture detail instead of judging quality from the heading alone.

## If the first attempt fails

If increasing the export dimensions leaves letters equally soft, inspect the capture focus and the real source pixels. Extra output pixels do not establish newly recorded text. Test the smallest relevant characters in a fresh capture at suitable settings, then compare readability in the finished export. Keep resolution choices tied to the actual document and task rather than claiming one number guarantees successful OCR for every page.

## Before you finish

1. Test the smallest meaningful characters.
2. Check focus and light before increasing size.
3. Proofread OCR independently from visual readability.

## FAQs

What should I check first for document scanning dpi?

Test the smallest meaningful characters. Check focus and light before increasing size. Proofread OCR independently from visual readability.

## Sources

Sources for technical facts and documented capabilities. Worked scenarios are hypothetical planning examples.

- U.S. National Archives: [Digitizing family papers and photographs](<https://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/digitizing>)

## Related

- [Check source pixel dimensions](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/photo-resolution-checker/>)
- [Color vs Grayscale for Document Scans: Preserve What Matters](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/document-scan-color-vs-grayscale/>)
- [Verify Barcodes in a Scanned Document with the Intended Reader](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/document-barcode-scan-verification/>)
- [Browse all photo guides](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/>)

## Ready to check your working copy?

Use the related browser utility on a working copy, then inspect the result. No signup is required.

[Check source pixel dimensions](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/photo-resolution-checker/>)

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