How to fix scratched or torn old photographs

Stabilize the tear before you scan

If a photo is physically torn, stabilize it first using archival, acid-free tape on the back of the print to keep the tear from widening. Regular household tape should be avoided, since it can discolor the photo over time and is hard to remove without causing more damage.

Scan at the right settings for repair

Scan the photo at a high resolution for maximum detail, and scan in color even if the original is black-and-white, since capturing the full tonal range makes it easier to match surrounding tones when removing scratches and stains during editing.

Digital repair, section by section

Start with the largest damage first, such as major tears, then work on smaller scratches and spots using a small brush size for a natural-looking result. Where the surrounding area is a solid color or simple texture, a retouch tool can borrow nearby pixels and paste them over the damaged spot.

Where AI restoration takes over

An AI photo repair tool can reduce spots, dust, scratches, and creases automatically while keeping the main subject intact, cutting the manual retouching work down to a single upload. This is usually the fastest path for everyday scratches, dust, and small tears.

When to call a professional instead

For severely damaged or torn photographs, especially irreplaceable ones, a professional restorer brings training in physical repair techniques (like mending tears with acid-free tape) plus manual retouching, and typically delivers the most natural result on complex damage.