Scanned PDF settings

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn about the available settings for scanning PDFs and for improving the quality and clarity of scanned PDFs in Acrobat.

Configurable settings available when scanning documents to PDFs in Acrobat

Available settings for enhancing scanned PDFs in Acrobat

Setting

Details

Scan using

Choose Default settings or your scanner’s native interface.

Pages

Select Front Sides or Both sides, if supported.

Color mode

Choose Autodetect, Color, Black and White, or Grayscale.

Resolution

Select the desired DPI (dots per inch).

Paper size

Choose the paper size or enter custom dimensions.

Output

Select Create New PDF, Append to File, or Save Multiple Files.

Optimize Image

Adjust the balance between file size and quality. Select Settings , choose the following image optimization settings as needed, and then select OK:

  • Apply Adaptive Compression – Reduces file size while maintaining quality.
  • Color Scans – Use JPEG2000 for efficient color image compression.
  • Monochrome Scans – Use JBIG2 (Lossy) for compact black-and-white images.
  • Deskew – Automatically straightens tilted scanned pages.
  • Descreen – Removes dot patterns from printed images.
  • Background Removal – Lightens or removes background noise (optional).
  • Text Sharpening – Adjust the slider to make text crisper.

Recognize Text (OCR)

Convert text images into searchable, selectable text. Use Settings to choose language and output type.

Add Metadata

Opens Document Properties after scanning to add metadata. For multiple files, enter shared metadata once.

Make PDF/A-1b compliant

Select if needed for archival purposes.

Available settings for enhancing scanned PDFs in Acrobat

Setting

Description

Apply Adaptive Compression

Reduces file size while preserving quality. For optimal results:

  • Scan grayscale or color documents at 300 dpi
  • Scan black-and-white documents at 600 dpi

Color/Grayscale

For color or grayscale scans, select one of the following options:

  • JPEG - Recommended for most uses
  • JPEG2000 - Not recommended for PDF/A files
  • ZIP - Use when lossless compression is preferred

Monochrome

For black and white scans, select one of the following options:

  • CCITT Group 4 - Standard compression for monochrome pages
  • JBIG2 (Lossless) and JBIG2 (Lossy) - Offers higher compression; lossless ensures best quality while lossy reduces file size by up to 60% but is slower than CCITT

Small Size/High Quality

Sets the balance point between file size and quality

Filters

Deskew - Automatically straightens tilted pages

Background removal - Cleans up uneven backgrounds

Descreen - Removes dot patterns to improve clarity and OCR; best for 200–400 dpi grayscale/RGB or 400–600 dpi black-and-white scans; use On for most images, Off for text-only or very high-res scans

Text Sharpening - Enhances text clarity. The default is Low; increase if text appears blurry or poorly printed.

Text Recognition Options

Document Language - Sets the OCR language for accurate character detection

Output - Selects the PDF type. All options require at least 72 dpi input and convert scanned text to searchable, editable content using OCR