How to Colorize Old Photos (Turn Black & White into Color)

TL;DR

Start with a clean, high-resolution scan before adding color.

Choose an AI tool for speed or manual painting for precise storytelling.

Use reference research to keep colors believable and historically respectful.

Always save the original black-and-white version alongside the colorized copy.

Related: prep better scans with our photo digitizing guide.

Colorizing old photos connects modern viewers with people and places that once felt distant. Thanks to today’s AI-powered tools, you can add lifelike color to a black-and-white scan in minutes—no art degree required. This guide walks beginners through the complete workflow: preparing the file, selecting the right tool, refining AI results, and labeling the output so the color remains an interpretation rather than an absolute fact. We’ll share trusted services, tips for accurate hues, and ways to incorporate the finished image into your PhotoScanRestore timeline without losing the original charm.

1) Prepare a high-quality monochrome scan

Colorization is only as good as the scan beneath it. Follow our scanning checklist to create a sharp, dust-free image at 600–1200 DPI. Crop and straighten the photo, then save a master copy in TIFF or PNG. Make a duplicate JPEG for experiments and keep the untouched version labeled clearly—this ensures you can revert or try a different color palette anytime.

2) Decide on AI vs. manual techniques

Most families prefer AI colorization because it’s fast and surprisingly accurate. Services such as MyHeritage In Color™ and Palette.fm analyse grayscale tones, then predict natural-looking hues using deep learning. If you want maximum control (for example, to replicate a known uniform color), you can hand-paint using Photoshop, Procreate, or Krita. Consider blending approaches: run an AI pass for a baseline, then manually adjust specific elements that need historical accuracy.

3) Run the colorization workflow

Upload your JPEG to the AI service or open it inside your chosen app. AI platforms typically return a colorized preview within seconds—download the high-resolution output so it matches the source size. Manual painters should add a new layer set to “Color” blend mode, select broad brushes, and paint large regions first (skin, clothing, background) before layering detail. In PhotoScanRestore, the Colorize tools live alongside restoration so you can preview before-and-after views instantly and learn more about how the AI colour pipeline works.

4) Refine hues and add context

Inspect the colorized result carefully. Skin should maintain natural undertones, whites should remain neutral, and backgrounds shouldn’t drift into neon territory. Adjust saturation or selective color sliders to keep tones believable. Consult family records, clothing catalogs from the era, or historical archives when color matters—referencing a 1950s yearbook, for example, helps match school colors or uniforms accurately. Document any artistic choices in your file notes or PhotoScanRestore timeline so future viewers recognize the image as an interpretation.

Export two deliverables: the colorized JPEG (ideally tagged with “colorized” in the filename) and the untouched black-and-white master. Upload both to your digital archive and share the color version with relatives using captions that explain the process. In PhotoScanRestore, include a note like “Color added with AI, original preserved” so collaborators understand the provenance. When printing, use archival photo paper and mention the colorization date on the back.

Troubleshooting & responsible storytelling

Odd skin tones: Use selective adjustments to warm or cool specific areas. Re-run the AI with an alternative palette if the issue persists.
Incorrect uniforms or flags: Overlay a manual color layer just on the miscolored item and sample the correct hue from reference materials.
Banding or blotches: Slightly blur the color layer (1–2 px) or paint over transitions by hand to smooth gradients.
Sensitive subjects: Obtain family consent before colorizing culturally significant or solemn images, and keep the monochrome version as the canonical record.

What's next

Colorization is a powerful storytelling tool—now pair it with restoration and preservation. Clean up fading with our photo restoration guide and log every version in your preservation workflow. To streamline the journey from scan to finished gallery, join the PhotoScanRestore waitlist and test colorization, scratch repair, and timeline sharing in one place.

FAQs

Is AI colorization accurate?
AI makes educated guesses based on grayscale values and training data. It often nails everyday tones but may miss unique fabrics or cultural colors. Always keep and label the original.

Can I undo the colorization later?
Yes. Because you worked on a duplicate, you can delete the colorized file or regenerate it with new settings anytime.

Will colorization damage my original scan?
No. Colorization happens on a digital copy. The original scan remains unchanged, and the physical photo stays safely stored.

How do I credit the process when sharing?
Mention the tool (“Colorized with PhotoScanRestore” or the AI platform used) and note that hues are interpretive. This keeps expectations clear for historians and relatives.

Can I colorize partially?
Absolutely. Many storytellers keep backgrounds monochrome and color only the subject to highlight emotion. Use layer masks or selection tools to blend techniques.

Editor’s note: Explore more creative workflows in the Restore Old Photos hub and pair this guide with our restoration and preservation playbooks.