Image Colorizer

This tool uses DeOldify, a deep learning model based on a Self-Attention GAN with NoGAN training. It analyses a grayscale image and predicts plausible RGB colors for every pixel — skin tones, sky gradients, foliage, fabrics, metal, wood. The model was trained on millions of natural images from ImageNet, so it learns what colors real-world objects tend to be. It runs on our AI server in 5-15 seconds, and the original photo is deleted immediately. Historical accuracy is a known challenge — the AI guesses likely colors, not what was actually there. To inspect a photo's metadata before colorizing, use the EXIF Checker.

DeOldify ships two image models, each with different strengths. Artistic uses a ResNet34 U-Net with extra decoder depth and five NoGAN training cycles — it produces the most vivid, eye-catching colors but can occasionally leave parts of an image gray or oversaturate. Stable uses a deeper ResNet101 backbone with more conservative training — it is more consistent with skin tones, nature scenes, and portraits, though colors may be less dramatic. Start with Artistic for social sharing and editorial use; switch to Stable if faces look wrong or landscapes seem over-colored. If the colorized result needs resizing afterward, try the Image Resizer or Social Resizer.

Colorization adds color to grayscale images — it does not fix blur, damage, or low resolution. If your old photo is both black-and-white and blurry, colorize first, then run the result through the Photo Unblur to recover edge detail. Scanly runs no face model, so faces are never reconstructed. If it only needs to be made bigger, the Image Upscaler (Real-ESRGAN) is the better fit. For background removal from the colorized portrait, use the Background Remover.

Bringing old family photos to life for framing, gifting, or sharing online. Colorizing historical photographs for articles, documentaries, and school projects. Adding color to scanned negatives or archive prints. Enhancing black-and-white portraits for genealogy records. Previewing how a grayscale illustration would look in color. After colorizing, optimize file size with the Image Compressor, convert formats with the Format Converter, or check metadata with the EXIF Remover. Explore all 92 image tools.