How To: Use Content-Aware Fill to Restore an Old Photograph

Step 1: Do No Harm


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Before scanning or photographing your original, gently blow or brush off loose dirt or dust. If it is in a frame, remove it only if it comes out easily. If the photo has been taped together, don’t peel the tape—this could further damage the image. After scanning the sections of a torn original into a single file, place each piece onto a separate layer: Type W to get the Quick Selection tool, then select one part of the image. Go to Layer > New > Layer via Copy (or type Cmd/Ctrl + J) to jump the selected part to a new layer. Do the same to the other segments, naming each layer to identify it.