Start with the best scan you can
For torn photos, scan flat and at high resolution. If the photo is curled or folded, avoid forcing it flat - use gentle weights on the corners or photograph it carefully.
Try to capture the full photo edge so the restoration has complete context.
Step-by-step: repair tears and creases
- Scan or photograph the photo with even lighting.
- Crop only after you have a clean full-frame capture.
- Run restoration focused on damage repair.
- If a large area is missing, restore first, then use a manual editor for precise reconstruction if needed.
- Upscale after repair if the source is small.
When a manual edit is still worth it
- Large missing corners where background reconstruction must match perfectly.
- Text-heavy photos (labels, captions) where accuracy matters.
- Photos with repeating patterns (brick walls, fabrics) that need consistent texture.
Example: torn print cleaned up
FAQs
Can restoration recreate missing parts of the image?
Minor missing areas can often be improved, but large missing regions may still need a manual edit for a perfect match.
Should I tape a torn photo before scanning?
Avoid tape on the front if possible. It can introduce glare and permanent texture. Scan the photo as-is if you can.
Related
Ready to restore your photos?
Upload an image, choose your settings, and preview results with a before/after slider.