This is a method for embedding data in a printed image which can be extracted by a digital scanner for security or document work flow purposes, for passports and other legal papers. The data could be security code or encrypted message, meta-data such as a URL, a voice file for the visually impaired or a contone image file for better reproduction. A signed or encrypted thumbnail of the image itself may be embedded i the halftone image to allow authentification of the printed image.