Best Results Guide (Scanning & Upload Tips)
Practical tips to get cleaner, more natural restorations and upscales - from scanning settings to photographing printed photos.
Use the highest-quality original you have
If you have multiple versions of the same photo (original scan, phone photo, screenshot, WhatsApp copy), upload the highest-quality original. Better inputs usually produce sharper faces, cleaner edges, and more natural texture.
If your photo is compressed from messaging apps, consider using the image upscaler to improve clarity.
Recommended scanning settings
- DPI: 300 DPI for most prints; 600 DPI for small photos (3x5, 4x6) or when you want more detail.
- Color mode: scan in color (24-bit) even for black-and-white photos to preserve tone and paper texture.
- File format: export as PNG or high-quality JPG. If your scanner outputs TIFF, convert to JPG/PNG first.
- Sharpening/filters: turn off heavy scanner sharpening, noise reduction, or “beauty” effects. Upload a clean scan.
For format details, see Supported image formats.
How to photograph printed photos (no scanner)
- Use bright, indirect light to avoid glare and reflections.
- Keep the camera parallel to the photo (avoid perspective tilt).
- Clean your lens and keep hands steady (or use a tripod).
- Fill the frame with the photo but don't crop the edges.
- Avoid shadows from your phone or body.
Common issues and quick fixes
- Glare: move the light source, change the angle, or use indirect light.
- Soft/blurry scan: rescan at a higher DPI or ensure the print is flat on the scanner bed.
- Colors look strange: avoid filters; scan in neutral settings and let restoration handle enhancement.
- Over-processed look: try a lighter restoration run and compare with the before/after slider.