How to Restore an Image in GIMP

Edited by Jordan Mitchell May 28, 2025 Restore Photo

When you are dealing with an old black-and-white photo and want to recreate missing details, you may wonder if you can restore an image in GIMP. The truth is GIMP does allow you to restore old photos and enhance their quality. This article will guide you to make the photo restoration using GIMP step by step.

Part 1. What Is GIMP

GIMP is an open-source image editor widely used by millions of users. It supports commonly used image formats like JPEG, JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, and more. GIMP is designed with the necessary features for basic image edits. This free photo editor also offers advanced tools. Moreover, the full-layer support ensures complex edits. It lets you fix old, low-resolution and damaged photos.

Considering that GIMP is a reputable and free tool, you can navigate to its official website and download the right version on your computer. GIMP will display the current stable version based on your system.

Part 2. How to Restore Old Photos in GIMP

To restore an image file in GIMP, you should first create a digital copy. Then, open GIMP, load it and then follow the steps below to start the old photo restoration.

Step 1. Once the old black and white photo is loaded in GIMP, duplicate the original layer to make a copy for later editing. Use the lasso tool to select the area that needs to be corrected. After you draw a circle around the object you want to erase, repair, or add details, press Enter to create a selection.

Step 2. Go to the Filter menu, click Enhance, and then the Heal selection option. In the pop-up Heal selection dialogue, select All round from Sample from. Customize other settings according to your needs, and then click OK. The selection part will be repaired. You can use this function to restore an image in GIMP manually.

To restore old photos in GIMP, you can also use its Clone Stamp Tool to fix scratches and tears. Click a clean area to sample by holding Ctrl. Then, you can manually paint over scratches bit by bit to blend them.

Part 3. Best GIMP Alternative for Old Photo Restoration

GIMP does not offer a specific feature for you to perform the old photo restoration quickly. Restoring an image file using GIMP can be time-consuming. It is a steep learning curve with this image editor for most casual users. If you prefer AI tools and advanced photo editing functions, try using the reputable Picwand AI Photo Restoration.

Picwand AI helps you easily restore old photos, repair scratched and blurry parts, and enhance overall quality in seconds. It uses the latest algorithm to analyze your image file, add the missing details, refill the color, and make other photo enhancement operations.

This web-based old photo restorer supports all popular image formats. Upload your image file by clicking the Add your photo(s) button. Picwand AI will start the processing and restoration process. If you want to refill nature colors to a black and white photo, enable the Colorize feature.

Part 4. FAQs on How to Restore an Image in GIMP

Question 1. Is GIMP totally free?

Yes, GIMP is completely free and open-source. You can easily access free downloads for different versions from its official website. There are no hidden costs or subscriptions. While using GIMP to restore old photos, do various image edits, and make other actions, you won’t see any ads. Whether you use it on Windows, macOS, or Linux, you can get full access to all tools with no restrictions. Moreover, GIMP won’t add watermarks to your edited photos.

Question 2. Can I restore an old photo for free?

Yes, you can restore old photos for free using several online and open-source image editors. Besides GIMP, you can start a free old photo restoration using Paint.NET or an online photo restorer like Picwand AI, Fotor, or Picsart.

Question 3. How much does it cost to restore an old black and white photograph?

The cost to restore an old black-and-white photo can be decided by several factors, including the specific restoration method and tool you choose, the extent of damage, the final result, additional services, and more. As you can learn from above, there are free image editors like GIMP for you to restore old pictures. However, no photo restorer can perfectly repair missing details, including these AI-powered ones. If you prefer the best restoration quality, you should turn to professional services. These professional services may charge hundreds.

Summary

Your old black-and-white photos may suffer from scratches, fading, and discoloration. Fortunately, there are still methods to repair them and enhance their quality. This article gives you a step-by-step guide on how to restore an old photo in GIMP. You can use its features to repair and improve an image file manually. If you prefer a quick way to make the old photo restoration, try using the reliable Picwand AI.