Guide
How to preserve and store old photos
The archival basics that keep prints from degrading — and why digitizing is the single best insurance policy for family photos.
Drag to compare — a real Reviva restore
Prints don't last forever, and the clock is always running. These are the practical steps that slow the decay — and the one that makes it irreversible-proof.
Control light, heat, and humidity
The three enemies of a photograph. Store prints away from direct light, in a cool, dry, stable environment — never an attic or basement where temperature and humidity swing.
Use archival materials
Acid-free, lignin-free boxes and sleeves, and photo-safe (never magnetic) albums. PVC plastics off-gas and damage prints over time.
Handle by the edges
Skin oils etch fingerprints into emulsion permanently. Hold prints by the edges, and wash hands first for fragile ones.
Digitize — the only real backup
No storage stops decay entirely. A digital copy does. Photograph or scan every print you care about; a fire, flood, or another decade can't touch a backed-up file. Reviva can restore each one as you digitize it.
How it works
From your camera roll to restored in seconds
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Step 01
Sort and prioritize
Start with the irreplaceable and most fragile prints.
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Step 02
Capture a digital copy
Photograph each print in even light, or scan it.
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Step 03
Restore and back up
Restore the copy in Reviva and store the files in two places (cloud + local).
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Step 04
Store originals archivally
Move originals into acid-free storage in a cool, dry place.
Ready to see your photo restored?
Free to try — your first restore takes seconds.
Frequently asked
What's the best way to store old photos?
Cool, dry, and dark, in acid-free archival boxes or photo-safe albums — and always keep a digital backup, which is the only thing that truly stops loss.
Is it better to scan or photograph old prints?
Both work. A good scanner gives the highest quality; a careful phone photo in even light is faster and good enough for restoration and backup.
Keep exploring
More ways to bring your photos back
Digitize and restore as you go
The best backup is a restored one. Start with your most fragile print.