Checked pattern on B&W scanned images from magazine

Anyone know what causes this and how to prevent it??

Look at your magazine with loupe (magnifying glass). See the dots? That's known as half toning.

Best is to use descreen option in scanning sofware.
Also, scan at highest optical rez of your scanner and downsample.

There are some other more sophisticated techniques, but none that are magic. You won't get a silk purse from halftoned sow's ear.

Mac

Anyone know what causes this and how to prevent it??

What you're seeing is called the "moire" effect. Your scanner probably has a descreening option on it, and try to find it. You can also look on the website scantips.com for more ideas. One I remember is turning the image at an angle. It help when I had my old scanner - and before I discovered I didn't need to bother because it had a descreening option. :) (Some of us have to learn the hard way.)

Then you'll have a Photoshopped sow's ear.

M

You won't get a silk purse from halftoned sow's ear

....Mac, are you sure ? We can photoshop it :)

Maybe...you are beyond my range of expertise, now :)

M

hm..

then how about a cotton tie from a monkey's tail ?

;)