Optimization

What is Optimization?

"Optimization" is our way of referring to the minimal editing we do to raw scans, in order to deliver them online. Since we are delivering a faithful representation of the archival materials we scan, we do not seek to enhance images (for example, making a blurry photograph in focus). Our goal is to

1. ensure even exposure and contrast
2. apply proper white balance
3. align for presentation and readability
4. crop evenly, leaving a small border of background around the object

Using Adobe Bridge

Process

Open files in Camera Raw

• Browse to the correct folder in Adobe Bridge
• Select the file(s) you want to edit
• Right-click and choose Open in Camera Raw...

Edit files

• See Tools and Special Tips below

Save files

• Select the files you want to save from the thumbnail bar on the left
  • Use the Select All button at the top left to choose all the files
  • Use the Shift key to choose a range of files
  • Use the Ctrl key to choose random files
• Click the Save Image... button
• On the menu that pops up
  • choose the destination folder
  • set the filename (choose document name if you want to retain the name already on the file)
  • select type of file (always choose .tif)
• Click the Save button

Exit Camera Raw

• To exit at any time without saving changes, choose Cancel
• To exit with changes saved, choose Done -- this DOES NOT EXPORT the files in the proper format, just retains the changes you've made to the raw file

Using Adobe Photoshop

Note: These procedures are no longer part of our regular workflow

Macros

Photoshop Action Files

1. Photo
2. Sheetmusic
3. Multi image batch optimization (file and procedure)
4. Polyborder Image Opt

Other workflows

1. making PDFs of Sheet Music