Old photo enhancer: enlarge scans and check prints
Start with a clear scan and preserve the original archive. Scratch removal, fading correction and reconstruction of missing areas are separate tasks. This tool does not guarantee those repairs or an authentic reconstruction of the original scene.
Upload an image to upscaleProtect the photograph before preparing a scan
Do not wash or alter a valuable original just to upload it. Prefer an existing high-quality scan. If rescanning is necessary, follow the equipment instructions and consider an archival or restoration professional for fragile photographs. Choose a detailed, minimally compressed file rather than one that has merely been stretched.
Check orientation, ratio and format
Correct orientation in an external editor and remove scanner borders if needed, saving a separate copy. Upload a static JPG, PNG or WebP up to 10 MB with an aspect ratio from 1:3 to 3:1. If your archive is a TIFF, retain it and export a supported format for uploading.
Enlargement is not comprehensive restoration
When scratches cross eyes, a face is missing or writing is reduced to blocks, AI may fill in unsupported details. Fading, stains and creases may remain. Assess specialist retouching separately and keep an unretouched archival version.
Calculate both sides for a framed print
A 5 × 7 inch print at 300 PPI needs 1500 × 2100 pixels. Check both output dimensions. If the frame has a different aspect ratio, decide between borders and cropping first. Do not check only the long edge or treat the requested tier as the actual output size.
Review before printing
Compare facial features, clothing textures, badges, dates and handwriting with the source. Print a small section at the intended physical scale before ordering the full print. Keep the source, generated version and processing date, and disclose AI enhancement when sharing.
| Photo condition | Suggested next step | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Clear scan with too few pixels | Assess enlargement against the print dimensions | More pixels do not mean more authentic information |
| Visible fading, scratches or creases | Assess a dedicated restoration workflow first | Scratch removal and color restoration are not guaranteed |
| Missing faces or unreadable writing | Look for other photos or reliable records | Generated detail is not historical evidence |
This page explains preparation and review. It does not use simulated blur to demonstrate old-photo restoration.
Frequently asked questions
Can it recover how a person originally looked?
There is no guarantee. Generated detail is an inference, not a recovered negative or an authentic record.
Should old photos always use 4K?
No. Decide from the frame size, actual output pixels and target PPI. 4K is an experimental request tier and guarantees neither output dimensions nor restoration quality.
What are the upload and credit limits?
Process one image at a time. 2K uses 8 credits per image and 4K uses 18. Failed processing does not spend credits. Downloads are free and require the appropriate authorization.