Digital Transfer Services FAQ

For a photograph, you should be concerned with PPI (Pixels Per Inch)

The larger the number of PPI the better quality print.

Why does it cost more?

Saving an image at 1200 ppi takes longer than at 600 ppi because the higher resolution results in a larger file, which requires more time to process, transfer, and save. This is because a 1200 ppi image contains four times the data of a 600 ppi image.

Standard save is 600 ppi.....if you are requesting 1200 ppi please contact us

Here is the difference between 300, 600, and 1200 PPI (or DPI, as it's often labeled on scanners) in terms of the detail captured, file size, and typical uses:

Resolution (PPI/DPI)

Detail and Quality

File Size & Scan Time

Typical Use Case

300

Standard quality. Sufficient for most general-purpose prints when viewed from a normal distance.

Smallest file size. Fastest scan time.

Standard-size photo prints (e.g., 4"x6", 5"x7"). Documents or images for web/email sharing.

600

Good quality. Captures significantly more detail, allowing for good quality when the image is enlarged.

Larger file size (about 4x the file size of a 300 PPI scan). Slower scan time.

Enlarging prints (e.g., doubling a 4"x6" to an 8"x12" print). Archiving photo prints for future-proofing. Detailed restoration work.

1200

Highest practical quality for photo prints. Captures maximum detail for significant enlargement.

Much larger file size (about 16x the file size of a 300 PPI scan). Slowest scan time.

Extreme enlargements (e.g., from a small section of a photo). Scanning film, slides, or negatives (which require very high resolution to look good when printed).

Export to Sheets

Key Takeaways

• Higher Number = More Detail: A higher PPI/DPI captures more pixels (data) per inch, resulting in a more detailed digital image.
  

• The Law of Diminishing Returns: For scanning an ordinary photo print, 600 PPI is often the recommended maximum for archiving, as 1200 PPI usually doesn't capture significantly more actual detail from the print itself, but it dramatically increases the file size and scan time.

• Print Size Matters: The main reason to scan at a higher resolution (like 600 or 1200 PPI) is if you intend to enlarge the image during printing. If you scan a 4x6 photo at 600 PPI, you can print it as an 8x12 and it will still have a good print resolution (300 PPI).

My Digital Memories helps families preserve, celebrate, and share their most meaningful moments. We digitize, restore, and organize photos, slides, film, and other media, while also offering Blooming Memories seed cards—plantable memorials that grow into living tributes.

We digitize photos, slides, negatives, film reels, VHS tapes, DVDs, and audio cassettes, preserving them in modern formats for easy access and storytelling.

You can drop off items at partner locations or ship them directly in a secure, trackable package. We provide safe packing and shipping guidelines.

We carefully clean, scan, and restore delicate materials. For damaged photos, we also provide professional photo restoration.

Most projects are completed within 2–4 weeks depending on size. Larger archives may take longer; we’ll keep you updated.

You can choose a USB drive, external hard drive, secure cloud download, or a format ready for import into genealogy and storytelling software.

Blooming Memories are plantable memorial cards embedded with wildflower seeds—perfect for funerals, celebrations of life, and anniversaries.

Yes. We work with funeral homes, florists, and other memory-care professionals to offer Blooming Memories and digitization services to their clients.

Pricing depends on media type and project size. Photo scanning starts at $0.35 per photo, slides/negatives at $0.75 each, VHS transfers from $25, and wholesale seed card pricing is available for partners.

We don’t just scan—we curate, restore, and organize. Your memories are digitized in high quality, enriched with metadata, and preserved as searchable, lasting legacies.

What is metadata, and why does it matter for my photos and videos?

Metadata is information attached to your files—like names, dates, places, events, and captions. It makes your archive searchable and meaningful so you can instantly find “Grandpa’s Navy photos, 1944” or “Emma’s 5th birthday.”

Yes. We preserve existing metadata and can add custom metadata—names, dates, places, captions—using industry-standard fields. We also use AI tools (like Excire Foto) for facial recognition and tagging.

Absolutely. We structure metadata in EXIF/IPTC/XMP fields so it can be imported by genealogy platforms like Family Historian, RootsMagic, and Gramps. This keeps your family tree linked to your photos.

Yes. You can open and edit the metadata in Lightroom, Photo Supreme, IMatch, or genealogy programs, adding new details as your research continues.

Metadata turns a photo into a family record. Instead of guessing who’s in a picture, future generations will inherit a searchable family story that’s clear and preserved.

Yes. We provide coaching and workshops on managing metadata with tools like Lightroom, Excire Foto, IMatch, and Family Historian so you can confidently maintain your archive.