--- title: HD Apeiron/42 tips for optimal scanning results description: "17 one-minute video tips for HD Apeiron/42 and Nextimage Apeiron: focus plane, lamp positions, presets, calibration, stitching and more." image: https://contex.com/hubfs/Tips-and-guidelines_2400x1030.png --- [Skip to content](https://contex.com/insights/hd-apeiron-42-tips-and-guidelines#main-content) [Partner area](https://contex.com/partner-area) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/contex-as/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/ContexScanners) [![Contex — When imaging matters](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=225&height=48&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png)](https://contex.com/) [Products](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner) [Applications](https://contex.com/) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Support](https://contex.com/support-faq/) [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [CONTACT US](https://contex.com/contact-us/) [Products](https://contex.com/large-format-scanner) [Applications](https://contex.com/) [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) [Support](https://contex.com/support-faq/) [About us](https://contex.com/about-us/) [Contact us](https://contex.com/contact-us/) 1. [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all) 2. [Fine art](https://contex.com/insights/tag/fine-art) 3. Tips and guidelines for optimal scanning results with HD Apeiron/42 Guide # Tips and guidelines for optimal scanning results with HD Apeiron/42 [Part of: **Fine art scanning: Guides and cases**](https://contex.com/insights/tag/fine-art) In short Getting the best scans from the HD Apeiron/42 is not one setting fits all. These 17 one-minute videos show how to position and level originals, set the focus plane, use lamp positions and the 3D surface effect, work with presets, calibrate, and avoid stitching lines on uneven surfaces. ![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=48&height=48&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png) [Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team) Published April 29, 2024 · Updated November 10, 2026 · 4 min read Share [mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3ETips+and+guidelines+for+optimal+scanning+results+with+HD+Apeiron%2F42%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fcontex.com%2Finsights%2Fhd-apeiron-42-tips-and-guidelines](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3ETips+and+guidelines+for+optimal+scanning+results+with+HD+Apeiron%2F42%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fcontex.com%2Finsights%2Fhd-apeiron-42-tips-and-guidelines) ![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tips-and-guidelines_2400x1030.png?width=1400&height=600&name=Tips-and-guidelines_2400x1030.png) In this article **Scanning fine art?** Read the complete guide to scanning artwork with Contex. [Read the guide](https://contex.com/scan-artwork-and-paintings/) **This is a compilation of tips and guidelines designed to assist users of the HD Apeiron/42 contact-free scanner in achieving an optimal scanning experience.** Although these are tips and guidelines, let’s start with a rule to set one thing straight: The actual scanning with a sophisticated scanner such as [HD Apeiron/42](https://contex.com/product/large-format-art-scanner-hd-apeiron-42/) is not a ‘one setting fits all’. There are different ways to set up and operate both the hardware and the [Nextimage Apeiron software](https://contex.com/product/nextimage-apeiron-art-scanner-software/), and different things to consider. So, if your scan result is not quite what you expected, try using a different preset, adjust the settings or change the lamp directions. That was the rule. Read on and watch the 2-minute videos to learn about the tips and guidelines that will make operating HD Apeiron/42 a success. You can also [open the tips and guidelines as a PDF](https://indd.adobe.com/view/02d7db6b-7673-4a90-8dd4-30f3bbb63b44). ## The video tips ### Moving the table Move the table to the most optimal position to place, align, or remove your original, or as part of adjusting the focus plane. ### Adjusting focus plane HD Apeiron/42 has a focus depth of +/- 10 mm and will scan in focus, provided that the plane is adjusted correctly. The focus plane can be set to any position between the table surface and 5.1 inches/130 mm above it. ### Lamp lever positions The four possible combinations of lamp positions offer different angles of lighting. Depending on the surface of the original and any added 3D surface effect, various lamp positions can produce different highlight and shadow results. ### Presets The three included presets represent the most common combination of settings and can be used as starting points to make your own. ### Import and export presets Nextimage Apeiron allows you to easily export and import presets. ### Closed loop calibration (CLC) HD Apeiron/42 includes a closed loop calibration (CLC) wizard which creates a perfect match between the scanner and a large format printer. This will create the best possible color matched copy of your original. ### Saving a scan in multiple versions You can save the same scan in multiple versions after changes in the settings. This will save time and ensure that the saved images are exact ‘copies’ of the scan. ### Align and crop Use the align option on originals that were not aligned with the print line on the table during scanning. Use crop if the input size was incorrect, or if your original needs cropping for other reasons. ### Optimize for speed or quality Optimize your scans for ‘Speed’ for fast scanning, or choose to optimize for ‘Quality’ when further image noise reduction and more accurate colors are crucial for various compliances. ### 3D surface effect With the 3D surface effect enabled, all the small differences and variations in the original’s surface will stand out, making a copy look more interesting and lifelike. ### Leveling originals Some originals are not automatically leveled when placed on the table. An example of this could be a hook in the frame of a painting making it tilt. However, when scanning, the surface should be as leveled as possible. ### Aligning originals Arrange your original on the table exactly as you wish it to be displayed. For most artworks the top of your original should align with the printed gray square on the table, which also marks the maximum scan area. ### About bumps and temperature What to do if you accidentally leaned on or bumped into HD Apeiron/42, and then see that your scans are not like you expected. ### Calibration If HD Apeiron/42 seems to perform below expectations, this issue may be resolved through calibration. ### Table alignment If the angle between the rail and the scan module is not correct, then every scanned line will be slightly angled relative to the original, leading to scanning results that may not meet expectations. Aligning the table ensures that the table rail is perpendicular to the scan module. ### Small originals The five lasers mark the overlap of the six cameras. By placing your original between the lasers, there is no need for the software to stitch two adjacent cameras. This ensures an absolute optimal scan. ### Difference in surface height Scanning originals that span multiple cameras requires stitching, and it is important that the greatest variations in surface elevation are not located along the stitching lines during scanning. ## More help with HD Apeiron/42 Get the [tips and guidelines as a PDF](https://indd.adobe.com/view/02d7db6b-7673-4a90-8dd4-30f3bbb63b44), visit [Contex support](https://contex.com/support-faq/), or see how other studios work with the scanner in our stories about [Soundwaves Art Foundation](https://contex.com/insights/soundwaves-art-foundation-case-study) and [American Reprographics](https://contex.com/insights/american-repro-framed-art-scanning). For the bigger picture, read our guide to [scanning artwork and paintings](https://contex.com/scan-artwork-and-paintings/). ## Frequently asked questions What should I do if a scan does not look as expected? Try a different preset, adjust the settings or change the lamp directions. If the scanner seems to perform below expectations overall, calibration may resolve it. How deep is the focus range of the HD Apeiron/42? The focus depth is +/- 10 mm, and the focus plane can be set anywhere between the table surface and 5.1 inches (130 mm) above it. How do I avoid stitching on small originals? Place the original between the five lasers, which mark the overlap of the six cameras. Then the software does not need to stitch two adjacent cameras. Can the scanner match colors to my printer? Yes. The closed loop calibration (CLC) wizard matches the scanner to a large format printer to create the best possible color-matched copy of the original. Topics [Fine art](https://contex.com/insights/tag/fine-art)[Guides](https://contex.com/insights/tag/guides)[Scanner care & support](https://contex.com/insights/tag/scanner-care-support) ![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=64&height=64&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png) About the author Contex team The Contex team shares news and practical know-how on large format scanning. Contex has made large format scanners for decades and sells them through distributors worldwide. [More from Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team) ## Keep reading [All fine art insights](https://contex.com/insights/tag/fine-art) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Camera-scanner_Topimage_1920x640.png?width=700&height=438&name=Camera-scanner_Topimage_1920x640.png) Guide Solved with a scanner: 9 challenges of art photography November 10, 2026](https://contex.com/insights/scanner-vs-camera-art-photography) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Original-to-print_Topimage.webp?width=700&height=438&name=Original-to-print_Topimage.webp) Guide Original to Print: 10 Essential Steps to Accurate Color in Fine Art Reproduction October 22, 2026](https://contex.com/insights/standardize-color-art-reproduction) ### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/soundwaves-art-foundation/John-Stendrini-from-Soundwaves-Art-Foundation.webp?width=700&height=438&name=John-Stendrini-from-Soundwaves-Art-Foundation.webp) Case study Soundwaves Art Foundation frees up time to raise more money for charity July 2, 2026](https://contex.com/insights/soundwaves-art-foundation-case-study) ## Do you want to know more? We share useful guidance on scanner technology, workflow improvements, image quality, digitization trends and real-world applications — straight to your inbox. 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