How to Upload or Transfer Images to a Computer

Using a Digital Camera

Method 1: Transferring using camera software

1. Run the software that came with your camera. Pop the CD into your computer and go through the setup steps. If you bought the camera used, or for one reason or another, just don't seem to have the CD, you can probably find one on eBay. You might even be able to find it available for download on the camera manufacturer’s website.
2. Connect the camera to the computer. Most of the time, you'll hear a sound or something will pop-up if the camera is connected properly and working.
3. Sync the camera to the computer and transfer the pictures. With most camera software, as soon as you connect the camera to the computer, something will pop up asking if you would like to sync the pictures to the computer. After that, just follow the instructions on the screen. If nothing pops up or it was never supposed to pop up in the first place, find and open the camera software.
4. (Optional) Delete pictures from camera’s memory. Now that the pictures should be safely on your hard drive, the software should have an option for you to delete the files on the camera.

Method 2: Transferring using the operating system software

1. If the manufacturer does not force you to use their software, many operating systems (MacOS, Windows and all recent Linux distributions) will detect the camera and mount it for you (like a flash drive).
2. If the camera has a USB connection, just connect it to computer. If your computer has a memory card reader, it is even more convenient to plug the memory card in directly.
3. Open the camera folder, find the picture files, and copy them to your desired location.
4. Remove the files from the camera’s memory. After you are sure the files are safely on your computer’s hard drive, delete the originals on your memory card.
5. Some cameras allow you to transfer files but do not support writing changes to the memory card(i.e. deleting). In this case you may need to clean the card using the camera controls (most cameras have a button or a sequence of buttons to clear the card).

Using a Scanner

Part 1: Setting Up Your Scanner

1. Turn on the computer and printer to make sure they are connected. If the system is not working:
   • Check the power sources including the wall and power surge connectors.
   • Troubleshoot for loose cable connections.
   • Confirm the USB cable is connected to the correct port.
   • Make sure you have the right type of cable.
   • Review the owner's manual instructions on installing the printer or scanner.
   • Send a help desk ticket or access the online help feature.
2. Navigate to the scanning program's location. In Windows, click on the start button to bring up active programs. If you're using a Mac, click on the scanner icon. If the program is not installed or you cannot find the installation disks, you can use basic built in utilities or download reputable ones from websites like CNET.
3. For Windows computers, the basic built in utility is called Windows Fax and Scan and can be found by using the search bar in the start menu.
4. Run the scanning program. Find the scanner program. Activate and open the scanning program by double clicking on the program's name or by hitting the scan button on your printer or scanner. Click the next button to continue to next step. You should be prompted to place the image for scanning.

Part 2: Scanning the Image

1. Place the image for scanning. Place documents face down on the printer or scanner surface. Align photo within the arrows or grids on the device. Close the lid if there is one. Press scan on the scanner or use the scanning program on your computer.
2. Choose your scanning preferences. You'll have the choice of scanning in color, black and white, gray or custom. You can also choose the digital format in which you want to save your picture (jpg, jpeg or png).
3. Choose to preview. Clicking preview �allows you to review your selection before continuing and make necessary changes to the settings. Use the preview to decide on the type of format, orientation and resolution before continuing. "Orientation" allows the user to select portrait or landscape and "Resolution" determines the sharpness of the image.
4. A higher resolution will make the details of the picture more noticeable. To make a sharper image, increase the resolution. Note: This will also increase the size of the image, and dramatically increase the size of the file. You may not be able to send it as an email attachment without making it smaller. Above 300 dpi is unnecessary.
5. Click "Finish" or "Scan". Once you have chose the settings you want in the preview, click finish or scan to continue and complete the process. Which word is used will depend on your program and another one altogether may even be used.
6. Use the built in program to guide you through the process. Follow the Scan Wizard or other built in program if you still have trouble. The Wizard will show you step-by-step on how to copy pictures from a scanner to the computer or web site.
7. Save your photos. Some programs will automatically save your images to a cache within the program itself but for most programs you will need to save the images somewhere on your computer or upload them directly to the internet. Look for the save button or use the save prompt when it comes up. Save the pictures somewhere where you won't lose them.
8. You don't have have to worry about renaming every photo. If you have a large number of photos that can take a long time!