An improved method and apparatus for reconstructing digitized images processes one or more color formats, e.g. contone or 1-bit, and readily operates with both single and multiple scan systems. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides an image reconstruction path that receives a digitized image, e.g. from a scanner or from memory. The output of the image reconstruction path is a processed RGB or CMYK image that may be printed or stored in memory. The image reconstruction path itself is configured to operate in either of a multiple or single scan environment if the source of the digitized image is a scanner. Within the image reconstruction path there is a plurality of functional units that can be controlled by user or internal controls, or that can be optionally bypassed. These functional units include a preliminary color adjustment function, an automatic deskew function, a background and dust removal function, a descreen function, a text detection and enhancement function, a color conversion function, a scaling function, and a color manipulation function.