Fix Old Photos with AI Image Restoration
Repair old photos fast with AI image restoration. Covers model workflows, input specs, output formats, and credit costs on Flixly using GPT-Image 2.0 and FLUX Kontext.
TL;DR
AI image restoration fixes scratches and fades in old photos with models such as GPT-Image 2.0 at 2048x2048 and FLUX Kontext. Upload a JPEG or PNG, run a 25 to 45 credit job, and receive a 16-bit PNG output. The process takes 8 to 14 seconds and works on files up to 10 MB.
AI image restoration repairs scratches, fades, and damage in old photos using models like GPT-Image 2.0 and FLUX Kontext. It reconstructs missing details rather than applying uniform adjustments across the entire file.
How the Models Process Damage
GPT-Image 2.0 scans pixel patterns at 2048x2048 resolution to identify cracks and color loss before filling gaps. FLUX Kontext applies context-aware layers that reference surrounding areas for consistent textures. The process runs in under 12 seconds on average for a standard 1024x1024 scan.
Users upload a JPEG or PNG file to AI Photo Effects where the model first detects noise levels above 15 percent. Then it applies a denoising pass followed by detail synthesis.
Required Inputs for Accurate Results
A clear source file at least 800 pixels wide produces the best output. Provide a reference image in the same session when restoring faces or clothing patterns. Credit cost starts at 25 for basic scratch removal and rises to 45 when color correction runs alongside.
File Formats and Sizes
Supported inputs include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF up to 10 MB. Outputs return as 16-bit PNG files that preserve gradients better than the original scan.
Typical Output Quality and Formats
Restored images show reduced grain and recovered edges at 300 DPI print size. Color accuracy reaches Delta-E values under 4 on average when the source contains at least 40 percent original hue data.
Compare options in this table:
| Model | Max Resolution | Credits | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPT-Image 2.0 | 2048x2048 | 30 | Heavy scratches |
| FLUX Kontext | 1024x1024 | 25 | Faded color recovery |
| Seedance 2.0 | 1920x1080 | 35 | Motion stills |
Practical Applications in Photo Archives
Archivists restore family albums from the 1950s by running batches of 50 images overnight. Museums apply the same pipeline to 35 mm negatives before exhibition prints. Wedding photographers fix veil tears in ceremony shots using Image to Image.
AI Image Tools handles background cleanup on group portraits where dust spots cover 8 percent of the frame. Portrait studios combine restoration with AI Avatar to generate modern versions of vintage headshots.
Limitations and Tradeoffs
The system cannot invent new facial features when more than 60 percent of the face is missing. Heavy JPEG compression artifacts from phone scans remain visible after one pass. Multiple runs on the same file increase total credit spend without guaranteed improvement.
Where to Start
Begin with a single test image in the AI Photo Effects tool to see immediate results before scaling to larger collections.
FAQ
How long does a 5 megapixel photo take to restore on Flixly? The average job completes in 8 to 14 seconds once the model queue processes the request.
Does the tool support batch uploads of 20 photos at once? Yes. Select multiple files in the dashboard and apply the same restoration preset across the set.
Can colorization run together with scratch removal in one credit charge? The combined task costs 40 credits and returns a single file with both fixes applied.
What happens if the source file contains heavy motion blur? The model reduces visible blur but cannot recover sharp detail lost during the original exposure.
Which export format keeps the highest bit depth after restoration? PNG at 16 bits per channel preserves the full gradient information from the model output.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 5 megapixel photo take to restore on Flixly?▾
The average job completes in 8 to 14 seconds once the model queue processes the request.
Does the tool support batch uploads of 20 photos at once?▾
Yes. Select multiple files in the dashboard and apply the same restoration preset across the set.
Can colorization run together with scratch removal in one credit charge?▾
The combined task costs 40 credits and returns a single file with both fixes applied.
What happens if the source file contains heavy motion blur?▾
The model reduces visible blur but cannot recover sharp detail lost during the original exposure.
Which export format keeps the highest bit depth after restoration?▾
PNG at 16 bits per channel preserves the full gradient information from the model output.