Old photos deserve care: one capture or scan is often all you have. AI can help make a digital copy clearer, but that is different from a full restoration studio. Start with the capture; then improve with sharpen a photo.
A better scan or capture
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Clean the glass and the photo | Less dust and smudges in the digital file |
| Straight from above / lay flat | Less perspective distortion |
| Diffuse light, no flash reflection | Faces and text stay readable |
| Keep the highest resolution | AI cannot invent what you never captured |
With a phone: lay the photo flat, reduce reflections (for example with a diffuse lamp shade), and use the camera app’s highest photo quality.
What AI does and does not do
Does: improve apparent sharpness, contrast, and face readability within what is still visible.
Does not (unless you have a separate restoration workflow): reliably remove scratches, “restore” missing corners, or historically accurate colourisation.
Always check faces: AI can change features slightly.
Workflow
- Scan or photograph carefully.
- Try sharpen a photo or improve photo quality.
- Compare at detail level.
- Keep the unedited file separate from the result.
More on blur in general: sharpen a blurry photo. For privacy when uploading family albums: AI and privacy in the Netherlands.
Family albums and consent
Old photos often show recognisable people. Upload only what you are allowed to share, and keep local masters offline if that matters to you. AI enhancement does not change copyright or privacy duties.
Conclusion
Frequently asked questions
Does GoedkopeAI automatically repair scratches and stains?
No. The tool makes a scanned or photographed photo clearer (sharpness and visible quality). We do not promise full damage restoration or colourisation.
Scanner or smartphone?
A flatbed scanner usually gives more even light and less perspective. A phone can work too: straight from above, without reflections, in good diffuse light, and keep the largest capture.
Which tool do I use afterwards?
After a good capture: sharpen a photo for softness, or improve photo quality if the image looks generally poor.