FondlyRestore old Polaroid photos
Polaroids from the 70s and 80s turn pale, yellow or green, and they were tiny to begin with. Restore the color and enlarge them for a real print.
Taking a picture of a print? Lay it flat by a window in daylight and turn off the flash, so there's no glare.
What a lovely photo. Choose what it needs:
✦ Deep repair is our most powerful restoration, included with credits and Pro. 50 photos for $9, no subscription. Unlock Deep repair →
Faces are brought back into focus automatically. Your photo stays private and is deleted within an hour. By restoring it you confirm you may use it and agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy, including how faces are handled.
This usually takes under a minute. Please keep this page open.
Welcome back
Drag the little circle to see the before and after.
Print sizes 4×6, 5×7 and 8×10, cut to shape for any photo lab
A lovely gift: print it and frame it for someone in the photo. Drugstore photo centers print 4×6 to 8×10 the same day. Or give a Fondly gift card →
How to restore old Polaroid photos
- Scan the Polaroid at 1200 dpi (it is small), or photograph it flat in daylight without the white frame casting a shadow.
- Crop to the picture area if you like; the white border is fine either way.
- Drop it into the box above and restore it. Try "Add color" if the colors have shifted strongly.
- Download the enlarged photo.
Why Polaroids fade
Instant film develops its image with chemistry sealed inside the print, and those dyes keep changing for decades. Typical results: a yellow or green cast, washed-out shadows, and faces that look flat. Sunlight on a fridge door or in a frame makes it much worse.
Two ways to fix the colors
Download both and keep the one that feels right; many people love the warm, original look.
- Restore without "Add color": keeps the original palette while sharpening and boosting contrast. Best for mildly faded prints.
- Restore with "Add color": recolors the photo from its brightness, which removes strong color casts entirely. Often looks more natural for badly shifted prints.
From 3 inches to a framed print
An original Polaroid picture is only about 3 inches wide. With 4× enlargement (credits and Pro) and a 1200 dpi scan, you get enough detail for a sharp 8×10 print.
Frequently asked questions
Should I scan the white border?
You can. It does not affect restoration, and many people like keeping the classic Polaroid frame on the print.
Does it work for Instax and other instant photos?
Yes, the same steps apply to Instax, Kodak instant and other instant prints.
Do you keep my photos?
No. Your photo is processed by our AI provider and deleted within an hour. We never store, view or train on your photos.