What is the best AI tool for restoring old photos?

AI photo restoration tools have democratised vintage photo restoration, eliminating the need for professional retouching expertise. They swiftly repair damage, enhance colour vibrancy, and preserve the nostalgic warmth inherent in these images. However, mastering such tools requires more than basic workflow knowledge—professional restoration techniques and an understanding of the tools' strengths and limitations are equally vital. Let's dissect the core techniques while exploring the advantages and constraints of AI photo restoration software.

Professional Restoration Techniques

1. Clean physical photos of dust and fingerprints. Scan/photograph under natural light. Capture damaged photos from multiple angles. Higher-resolution source material = superior restoration results.

2.  Prioritise the Gentle mode to preserve the photo's original texture. Experiment with several tools, as different AIs have distinct strengths. Save each restoration iteration to avoid duplication.

3. Compare details against the original image. Consult family members to verify portrait accuracy. Always retain the original file， never overwrite it.

Advantages:

Enables efficient photo restoration, image enhancement, and colourisation of black-and-white photos without specialised skills. Suitable for diverse scenarios, significantly reducing manual editing time.

Disadvantages:

Limited effectiveness on certain photo types. Prone to detail distortion. Free versions typically feature functional or output restrictions.