While creases, cracks, and scratches often damage the photo’s surface, tears and cuts typically leave you with a clean edge, even if ragged. You can fix most tears with the Clone Stamp tool. Pull in undamaged material to bring the two edges of the tear together.
Fixing Scratched and Damaged Photos
Scratched and damaged old photos can be a frustrating problem, but there are several ways to restore them to their former glory. Here are some tips:
Use Photo Editing Software
Many photo editing programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Pixlr, have tools specifically designed for repairing damaged photos. The Clone Stamp tool is particularly useful for filling in scratches and cracks by sampling undamaged areas of the image.
Try Online Photo Restoration Tools
There are also several online tools that use AI technology to automatically detect and remove scratches, tears, and other damage from old photos. These include services like MyHeritage Photo Repair, VanceAI Photo Restorer, and Inpaint. Simply upload your damaged photo, and the tool will do the rest.
Carefully Scan and Digitize Old Photos
If you have physical copies of old photos, be sure to scan them at a high resolution and handle them with care to avoid further damage. This will give you a digital version that you can then edit and restore using the methods above.
Consider Professional Photo Restoration Services
For severely damaged or irreplaceable photos, you may want to consider hiring a professional photo restoration service. These experts have specialized tools and techniques to carefully repair and enhance old photos, often producing stunning results.