Quick answer
For contracts, start with the Office preset in PDF2Scan, or Subtle if the type is small: 1–2° rotation, 15–20% noise, 0.2 px blur, contrast around 55%. Export at 200 dpi if you can (PRO), keep blue-ink signatures in color with PRO color mode, and check every page at 200% zoom before sending.
Key takeaways
- Readability first: names, dates, amounts and clause numbers must stay sharp.
- Office for most contracts; Subtle when the type is small.
- Color mode (PRO) keeps blue signatures and red stamps.
- Merge annexes into one scanned PDF with PRO so the package stays together.
- Keep the original digitally signed file: a scan effect removes digital signatures’ validation data.
Recommended settings
| Setting | Contract | Form or application | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preset | Office | Office | Natural office-scanner look |
| Rotation | 1–2° | 1–2° | Visible but tidy |
| Noise | 15–20% | 20% | Breaks up flat white paper |
| Blur | 0.1–0.2 px | 0.2 px | Protects small print |
| Contrast | 50–55% | 55% | Toner-like text |
| Paper tint | 0–5% | 0% | Modern office paper |
| Resolution | 200 dpi (PRO) | 150 dpi | Sharp clauses, reasonable size |
| Color | On for blue ink (PRO) | Off | Keep signatures recognizable |
Step by step
- Open the scan tool and drop the contract PDF.
- Apply Office; switch to Subtle if footnotes look soft.
- Use Split view to compare signatures and tables with the original.
- With PRO, turn on color for blue-ink signatures and choose 200 dpi.
- Export as PDF. For contract + annexes, use PRO merge to produce one scanned PDF.
Checklist before you send
- Every page is present and in order.
- Names, dates, amounts and clause numbers are readable at 200% zoom.
- Signatures and initials are visible on every page that needs them.
- The file is under the recipient’s size limit (often 5–10 MB).
- You kept the original file, including any digital signature.
A scan effect changes appearance, not content. Use it for legitimate workflows, such as a counterparty or portal that requests a scanned-looking copy of a document you actually signed. Never use it to alter or misrepresent an agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Which preset is best for contracts?
Office for most contracts; Subtle for documents with small print or dense tables.
Will the scan effect change the contract text?
No. It changes the look of the page (tilt, grain, softness) but the words stay the same. Always compare the preview with the original.
Can I keep my blue signature in color?
Yes, with PDF2Scan PRO color mode. Without it, the page is converted to grayscale like most office scans.
What happens to a digital signature?
It is flattened into the image and can no longer be validated electronically. Keep the original signed PDF as your record.