Use a flatbed scanner
Start with 2–6 loose prints. Leave a little space between them so Nostalgia can find the edges. Keep borders and handwritten marks in the scan.
Set up your scanner
Open your scanner’s software, such as Image Capture on a Mac or the app supplied with your scanner. Use these settings for your first batch:
- Resolution
- 600 DPI for most prints. Higher settings can help with very small photos, but produce much larger files.
- Colour
- Use colour mode, including for black-and-white and sepia prints, to capture the paper’s tones.
- File format
- Save the whole scan as PNG or TIFF. Keep a separate backup of this untouched file.
- Automatic corrections
- Turn off filters and automatic retouching to preserve a clean starting copy.
Import and review the photos
Scan the whole area containing your prints and save the file.
Open Scan Station, sign in, and choose an album or create a new one.
Upload the file. Check the outlines around each photo, adjust any crops, and rotate sideways images.
Save the separate photos to your album.
Each imported scan must be under 50 megapixels and 80 MB. A full A4 scan at 1200 DPI is too large; use 600 DPI or scan a smaller area.
Use your phone
Open the scanner in the Nostalgia mobile app. You can also take a photo with your usual camera and upload it later.
Place the print on a plain, flat surface in even, indirect light. Turn off the flash.
Hold your phone directly above the print. Keep it parallel to the surface and avoid casting a shadow.
Capture the photo, then zoom in to check faces, writing and edges. Retake it if there is blur or glare.
Review the crop and save. If you captured an album page, check each suggested photo before accepting the split.
The app’s glare-reduction capture can help with glossy prints. Always check the result: a reflection that hides a face or handwriting is a reason to try again.
Save your progress and continue
In Scan Station, choose Scan more for this album for the next set of prints. If you leave a crop review unfinished, wait for Saved online before closing it.
Restoration can wait. Try one photo, compare it with the scan, then decide which others need work. Adding colour is optional.
If you scan the same photo again, review it in Similar Photos. In Versions, choose your preferred scan (called Source) and restoration separately. The web app’s Free up space action shows unused versions before you permanently delete them.
Keep the details that explain the photo
Add names, places and a known or approximate date. The date you scan a photo is usually different from the date it was taken.
Capture writing on the back separately, use matching filenames, and copy it into the photo’s notes. You’ll need to match the front and back yourself.
Leave stuck photos in their albums and keep Polaroid borders intact. Don’t force fragile prints flat. Photograph them safely in place or ask a photo conservator for help.
Fix a poor scan
- Reflections or shadows
- Move to softer light, turn off the flash and check where your shadow falls. A flatbed may work better for a glossy print.
- Blurred faces or writing
- Hold the phone steady, check focus and try again. More pixels or AI restoration cannot reliably replace missing detail.
- Dust or specks
- Clean the scanner glass before placing photos on it. Avoid rubbing fragile or damaged prints.
- Photos joined together or missed
- Leave larger gaps between prints and use a plain background. Review and adjust the crop outlines before saving.
Sources and review notes
Last reviewed September 6, 2026
Reviewed against: The tested Nostalgia small-batch flatbed workflow and Library of Congress guidance on handling and digitizing collections. FADGI is linked for specialist quality requirements; 600 DPI alone is not an archival certification.
Scope: Do not flatten, separate, clean, or remove a fragile, stuck, cased, glass, film, or unfamiliar object just to get a scan. A conservator or specialist may need to make the capture.