Flatbed scanners, like the Apple ColorOne, work similarly to copying machines. They have glass plates under lids and moving lights that scan across underneath. Like copying machines, flatbed scanners are capable of reproducing any type of image or print media. However, unlike copying machines scanners store these images as digital files which can then be printed, manipulated, or converted into editable text.

Most scanners are software driven and have no "start" buttons. Different software is used for scanning, depending on the platform and individual needs:

• Image Manipulation: Adobe Photoshop & OneScanner Dispatcher: These are graphic editing programs that allow users to alter the look and feel of images. Photoshop is the more versatile of the two programs for making several changes to a scanned image. However, it can have a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with it.
• Converting image to editable text: OmniPage Professional & Text Bridge: These are Optical Character Recognition (OCR) programs. OCR is the process of turing an image into computer-editable text. After OCR, text can be imported to a variety of word-processing, page layout, and spreadsheet programs. As 100% OCR accuracy is often difficult, users may want to spell check recently converted texts for errors.

Scanning Objects

To use the Apple ColorOne Scanner:

• Turn on the scanner.  The scanner must be turned on before the computer is powered up.
• Lift the scanner lid.
• Place the object  face down on the scanning plate, aligning it squarely to the upper right-hand corner.
• Close the scanner lid. For thicker objects or books, the lid can remain open or can be raised slightly from the hinges. If needed, the lid on the Apple ColorOne scanner can be detached.
• Open the desired program.
  •  Adobe Photoshop
  •  OneScanner Dispatcher
  •  OmniPage Professional
  •  TextBridge

Using Adobe Photoshop to scan images

Open  Adobe Photoshop Mac OS: Under the Apple menu open the Applications folder and select Adobe Photoshop. Once in Photoshop, select  Import under the  File menu, then choose  Apple Color OneScanner .

Using OneScanner Dispatcher to scan images

Open the Macintosh Hard Drive on the desktop. Open the Scanner Applications folder. Open the Apple Color OneScanner folder. Double-click on the OneScanner Dispatcher icon. Once in Dispatcher, click the "Scan" button.

Using Omni Page Pro to convert an image into editable text

Open the Macintosh Hard Drive on the desktop. Open the Scanner Applications folder. Open the OmniPage Pro folder. Double-click on the OmniPage Pro icon. Under the Process menu, select Scan Image. Click the "AUTO" button. The file will then be scanned and converted using pre-established settings.

Using TextBridge to convert an image into editable text

Open the Macintosh Hard Drive on the desktop. Open the Scanner Applications folder. Open the TextBridge folder. Double-click on the TextBridge icon. Make the appropriate settings in the TextBridge window and click the "GO" button.