How should I scan a damaged photo?

Scan at 600 DPI minimum. For torn photos, align pieces as closely as possible on the scanner. Don't tape the original - tape damages photos. Just position the pieces carefully for scanning.

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Damaged Photo Repair

AI repairs torn, scratched, water-damaged, and faded photos in 30 seconds. Don't lose your memories to physical damage — restore them today.

✓Fixes scratches & tears✓Removes water damage✓Restores fading

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What Damage Can AI Repair?

Our AI is trained to handle the most common types of photo damage.

✂️

Scratches & Scuffs

Surface scratches from handling, storage, or accidents. AI identifies scratch patterns and removes them.

Excellent results

📄

Tears & Rips

Torn photos can be scanned in pieces. AI reconstructs the missing areas based on context.

Great for clean tears

💧

Water Damage

Water stains, warping, and color bleeding from floods, spills, or humidity damage.

Good results

🌅

Fading & Yellowing

Chemical degradation from light exposure and aging. AI restores original tones and contrast.

Excellent results

📍

Foxing Spots

Brown spots from fungal growth or chemical reactions in paper. AI removes while preserving detail.

Great results

🔥

Heat & Fire Damage

Partial burn damage, heat warping, smoke staining. Limited but possible repair for moderate damage.

Varies by severity

⚠️ Limitations: AI cannot repair photos with large missing sections (over 30% of image), severe chemical deterioration, or complete emulsion loss. For these cases, consult a professional photo restorer.

How to Scan Damaged Photos for Best Results

For torn photos: Align pieces carefully

Position torn pieces as close together as possible on the scanner. Don't tape the original photo — tape causes permanent damage. Just position carefully and scan.

Scan at 600 DPI or higher

Higher resolution captures more detail for AI to work with. For severely damaged photos, use 1200 DPI if your scanner supports it.

For curled/warped photos: Use a heavy book

Gently flatten curled photos under heavy books for a few hours before scanning. Don't force — this can crack brittle photos.

Save as PNG (lossless)

JPEG compression adds artifacts that interfere with AI repair. Always save damaged photo scans as PNG or TIFF.

Damaged Photo Repair FAQ

What types of photo damage can AI repair?: AI can repair: scratches, small tears, water stains, fading, yellowing, foxing spots, creases, and moderate physical damage. For photos with large missing sections (over 30%), results may be limited.
Can AI repair a torn photo?: Yes! Scan both pieces aligned together. For clean tears, results are excellent. For tears with missing pieces, AI reconstructs based on surrounding context — results depend on what's missing.
Can AI repair water-damaged photos?: Yes. AI removes water stains, reduces warping artifacts, and restores colors affected by water damage. Severe damage with emulsion loss has limited repair options.
Is damaged photo repair free?: Yes! Try 3 damaged photo repairs free, no signup required. Free users get 720p output. Pro Lifetime ($4.99 one-time) gives unlimited repairs at full resolution.
Should I repair the physical photo or just restore digitally?: Digital restoration is usually the better option. It's non-destructive (original preserved), reversible, and much cheaper than professional physical repair. Keep your original safe and work with digital copies.

Don't Let Damage Destroy Your Memories

Every damaged photo is a memory at risk. Repair yours in 30 seconds — before more detail is lost.

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3 free repairs · No signup · Works on most damage types

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How to Scan Damaged Photos for Best Results

For torn photos: Align pieces carefully

Position torn pieces as close together as possible on the scanner. Don't tape the original photo — tape causes permanent damage. Just position carefully and scan.

Scan at 600 DPI or higher

Higher resolution captures more detail for AI to work with. For severely damaged photos, use 1200 DPI if your scanner supports it.

For curled/warped photos: Use a heavy book

Gently flatten curled photos under heavy books for a few hours before scanning. Don't force — this can crack brittle photos.

Save as PNG (lossless)

JPEG compression adds artifacts that interfere with AI repair. Always save damaged photo scans as PNG or TIFF.

Damaged Photo Repair FAQ

What types of photo damage can AI repair?

AI can repair: scratches, small tears, water stains, fading, yellowing, foxing spots, creases, and moderate physical damage. For photos with large missing sections (over 30%), results may be limited.

Can AI repair a torn photo?

Yes! Scan both pieces aligned together. For clean tears, results are excellent. For tears with missing pieces, AI reconstructs based on surrounding context — results depend on what's missing.

Can AI repair water-damaged photos?

Yes. AI removes water stains, reduces warping artifacts, and restores colors affected by water damage. Severe damage with emulsion loss has limited repair options.

Is damaged photo repair free?

Yes! Try 3 damaged photo repairs free, no signup required. Free users get 720p output. Pro Lifetime ($4.99 one-time) gives unlimited repairs at full resolution.

Should I repair the physical photo or just restore digitally?

Digital restoration is usually the better option. It's non-destructive (original preserved), reversible, and much cheaper than professional physical repair. Keep your original safe and work with digital copies.