Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/scan-old-photos/

# How to Scan Old Photos (Best Settings for Restoration)

Get better restorations by scanning the right way: resolution, file format, lighting, and handling tips.

7 min readUpdated 03 February 2026

## Recommended scan settings

Scan at a higher resolution than you think you need. A better scan gives the restoration more real detail to work with.

Save as JPG (high quality) or PNG. Avoid tiny file sizes that indicate heavy compression.

## Scanning checklist

- Clean the scanner glass before scanning.
- Scan flat and avoid shadows near edges.
- Use consistent color/contrast settings across batches.
- Keep a backup of the raw scans before editing.

## Step-by-step: scan for the best AI results

1. Scan at high resolution and save the raw file.
2. Crop and straighten lightly (don’t over-edit).
3. Upload and restore damage first.
4. Upscale only if you need more resolution for printing.

## Example: better input = better output

![Old photo scan before restoration](<https://restorebunny.com/images/difference-before.jpg>)

![Restored output from a high-quality scan](<https://restorebunny.com/images/difference-after.jpg>)

Clear scans improve restoration accuracy

## FAQs

Should I scan in color or black and white?

Scan in color, even for black-and-white prints. It preserves more subtle tonal information for restoration.

## Related

- [AI Photo Restoration](<https://restorebunny.com/features/photo-restoration>)
- [Pricing](<https://restorebunny.com/pricing>)

## Ready to restore your photos?

Upload an image, choose your settings, and preview results with a before/after slider.

[Get Started](<https://restorebunny.com/signup/>)[View Pricing](<https://restorebunny.com/pricing/>)

RestoreBunny Team

Photo restoration editors

Guides follow our [editorial policy](<https://restorebunny.com/editorial-policy/>) for sourcing, product claims, AI limitations, updates, and corrections.