Digitize And Restore Photos Online

Digitization creates a digital copy; restoration edits that copy. Keep the two stages separate so you can return to the captured photograph when a later edit changes something you want to preserve.

Start with a manageable selection

Choose a few photographs and record where each belongs in the collection. Capture the front and any useful writing on the back without forcing or detaching fragile material. For originals that are stuck together or unsafe to handle, consult the National Archives advice on conservation.

Use the scanning guide for capture preparation. Check the first files for glare, focus and missing edges before continuing through a collection.

Preserve context and versions

Give each photograph a stable identifier. Keep names, dates and the source of that information together, marking uncertain details. Store an unchanged capture separately from edited copies and maintain another backup you can open and check.

The family restoration guide covers collection organization and checking each person in a group.

Restore selectively

Try a representative copy and inspect the result before editing more photographs. Compare faces, text and distinctive objects. Do not accept an invented feature because it appears sharper. Keep both versions and label colorization or other substantial changes.

Already have good scans? Continue with restoring photos from a scan. For visible examples of what can change, consult the before-and-after gallery. This workflow does not imply a batch-processing feature, a fixed price or guaranteed restoration results.