Updated October 27, 2026
The short answer
Start with a scan or an evenly lit photo of the print. Restoration aims to reduce scratches, fading and small damage while retaining the photograph’s existing color or monochrome character. Compare the before-and-after still image, especially faces and missing details, before downloading. When restoration is available, sign in for up to 3 restorations per UTC day and check the remaining allowance in the tool. A Tiny Desk video is a separate optional task: choose a supported person or pet input and review its own settings and credit quote. Restoring a photo does not start a video.
Page notes and guidance
- — Compare faces and repaired details with the original, check the daily allowance and choose an optional current effect explicitly. Still-photo restoration and video creation are separate tasks.
A careful still-photo repair
A faded print can carry details worth preserving even when the paper is creased or the contrast has faded. Start with a clean digital copy, keep the source file and compare any repair closely. The restoration tool processes one photo: upload it and start restoration. The tool aims to repair damage while retaining existing color or monochrome character; inspect the result rather than assuming every detail has been recovered.
How to restore old photos free
- Add the old photo. A digital copy, or a phone picture of the print taken flat, in daylight, without flash.
- Tap Restore photo. Sign in with an available option and submit once. Wait for confirmed completion; processing time varies. Check an unresolved task before submitting again.
- Compare and download. Use the before-and-after comparison, inspect faces and repaired details, then download subject to the displayed entitlement. When restoration is available, sign in for up to 3 free restorations per UTC day; check the remaining allowance in the tool.
What the AI photo restoration fixes
- Damage: small surface marks, dust and limited tears that the model can infer around.
- Age: faded contrast and uneven tones, without claiming to recover the exact original colors.
- Softness: blur and grain, with the result checked against the original rather than assuming recovered facial detail is exact.
- Color or monochrome: the restoration aims to retain existing colors and keep monochrome photos monochrome; it is not a colorization option.
- What to verify: faces, expressions, poses and clothes. Preservation is a generation aim; compare these details with the original and keep the source photo.
After restoring: choose an optional current video effect
The restored result is a still image. Choose the current Tiny Desk task only if you also want a newly generated desk-concert video. Use a photo that matches its person or pet requirements. The listed methods explain their own availability; selecting one does not submit a generation:
- Tiny Desk AI — A new desk-concert performance from a person or pet photo, with supported people-photo combinations and newly generated sound. Review the Tiny Desk settings and separate credit quote.
- Outstanding Lead — One portrait replaces only the lead singer in shots 1 and 3 of a five-shot performance. Shots 2, 4 and 5 stay the original picture, and the fixed soundtrack covers the full result. Review the separate credit quote before submitting.
Tiny Desk video creation has its own model, resolution, duration, format and complete credit quote. People mode supports one portrait, two separate portraits or one two-person photo; pet mode uses one animal photo. Review the quote and submit separately. Restoration uses its daily allowance rather than video credits.
Tips for restoring old photos
- Photograph the print well. Keep the print flat, use even window light and avoid flash reflections. A scan or a sharp overhead photo gives the tool more visible detail.
- Match the photo to the effect. Use a clear person or pet photo for the current Tiny Desk task. Two separate people portraits and one two-person photo are distinct inputs; pet mode uses one animal photo.
- Review before choosing a video. Check the restored face and repaired details first. A clearer input can provide a better visual reference, but does not guarantee a more lifelike video.
- Keep the original. Save the original file separately. Compare eyes, mouth, clothing and important marks in the repaired copy.
Explore current video methods
Read the input requirements for Tiny Desk AI, Outstanding Lead. Check the availability stated for each method above; opening a page does not generate a video.