How to scan old photos with your phone

What the PhotoScan help advises

1. Take the photo out of the plastic sleeve or album

   The Google Photos help advises removing photos from sleeves and albums before scanning. If the photo is behind glass, the advice is to turn the flash on.

2. Rest it on a flat surface

   Use a flat surface with a contrasting background, to frame the photo better.

3. Hold the phone directly above

   Don't tilt the phone while capturing. For a portrait photo, hold the phone in portrait; for a landscape photo, in landscape.

4. Keep the flash on

   According to Google, keeping the flash on helps remove residual glare and shadows. If there is a lot of glare, the advice is to move to a place with less light.

Caring for the original

NARA notes that scanning lets you view and share photos without handling them, which spares the original from handling that can cause damage. Handle with washed hands and gloves, as NARA advises, and don't force the photo.

For fragile photographs, the Canadian Conservation Institute recommends a digital copy.

After scanning

The restoration works on the digital image. On your phone, open RestauraAI in the browser, upload the photo file and check the preview before you decide. The first preview is free, with a watermark.

For a damaged photo, the restoration treats stains, scratches and fading in the digital copy. The original paper stays as it is and can be stored as described in the guide on how to store old photos.