Keep the original
Do not discard a sheet after scanning. Store it flat, clean and supported in an acid-free folder or enclosure sized so the paper cannot slide and crease.
Scan safely
Check for tears, brittle folds, loose bindings or raised media before placing material on a scanner. Do not force bound instructions flat. Photograph fragile sheets from above instead.
Create useful files
Capture a high-resolution preservation master and a smaller web copy. Keep colour information when annotations, paper tone or printing methods matter.
Use descriptive names and metadata
Include the puzzle ID, manufacturer, sheet title, language and page number. Record where the original is stored and who supplied the scan.
Maintain more than one copy
Store backups in separate locations and occasionally check that files still open. Keep an unedited master when creating cleaned or cropped derivatives.