Old photo scanner guide for AI restoration
The scan determines how much detail restoration software can recover. A careful scan gives AI models cleaner pixels, fewer artifacts, and better face detail.
Recommended scan settings
- 600 DPI for standard 4x6 or album prints.
- 1200 DPI for small portraits or fragile details.
- Color mode, even for black-and-white photos, to capture paper tone.
- PNG/TIFF or high-quality JPG output.
Before scanning
- Clean scanner glass with a lint-free cloth.
- Gently remove loose dust from the print.
- Flatten curled photos under books before scanning.
- Leave a small border around the image.
Phone scanning tips
If you do not have a scanner, use a scanning app rather than the normal camera. Place the photo near a window, avoid direct reflections, and keep the phone parallel to the print.
Related guides
- How to restore old photos
- Colorize black and white photos
- Fix damaged family photos
- Restore faded photos
- Compare restoration services
Restore after scanning
Once you have a clean scan, upload it for AI restoration and preview the result before paying for HD.
FAQ
What DPI should I use for old photo restoration?
Use 600 DPI for most prints. Use 1200 DPI for small photos, wallet-size portraits, or heavily damaged images where extra detail helps.
Is a phone photo good enough?
A phone photo can work, but a flatbed scanner is better because it avoids glare, perspective distortion, and uneven lighting.
Which file format is best?
PNG, TIFF, or high-quality JPG are good. Avoid low-quality JPG compression before restoration.