How to restore and colorize old family photos with free AI
Bring faded or black-and-white family photos back to life with free AI helpers, and keep your originals safe.
🌳 Start your free AI Family Tree
Copy our free prompt and let an AI helper build your family tree with you, one question at a time.
Build my family treeFirst, make a good copy. Scan the photo, or take a picture of it with your phone in bright, even light without a flash. Lay it flat and hold the phone straight above it.
Several free AI helpers, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, let you upload a picture and ask for changes, like "fix the scratches" or "add natural color." Free versions may limit how many images you can make each day.
Be aware: AI does not know the real colors of Grandma's dress. Colorizing is a guess. AI can also change faces slightly. Always keep your original photo and label new versions as "AI restored" or "AI colorized."
Store the original in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. The Library of Congress and National Archives both have free tips on caring for old photos.
What to do
- Scan or photograph the old picture in good light.
- Open a free AI helper that accepts pictures, and upload your copy.
- Paste the prompt below and look at the result carefully.
- Save the new version with a clear name, and keep the original.
Copy this photo restoring prompt
Please restore this old family photo. Gently remove scratches, dust and tears, and improve the contrast. Keep every face, expression and detail exactly as it is. Do not add or remove people or objects. Then make a second version with soft, natural, realistic colors.
Next step: build your AI family tree.
Questions people ask
Are the colors real?
No. AI guesses the colors. Ask relatives what they remember, and label colorized photos clearly.
Will the AI change my original photo?
No. You upload a copy. Your original stays exactly as it is.
Is it safe to upload family photos?
Avoid uploading pictures that show private documents or ID numbers. Check each AI helper's privacy settings.
Sources
Last updated: October 15, 2026