How to make a photo look old and scratched?
In today’s modern era, while high-definition and brilliantly colored images are common, old, scratched, and faded photos have a distinctive appeal. Such images not only reminisce about the past but also create a special emotional state. If you also want to make your photos look old and scratchy, there are some easy ways.
Why go for the old and scratchy look?
Old, worn photos tell a story. Blurred colors, grainy textures, and scratches add depth, making the image feel more authentic and timeless. This aesthetic is known for
- Creating vintage-themed social media posts
- Adding nostalgia to personal memories
- Artistic projects that require a retro vibe.
- Telling a story with emotional or historical context
If you want a simple and quick way, you can use OldRoll APK to transform your photos into a charming old look.
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Easy ways to make a photo look old and scratched

1. Use Vintage Filters and Effects
Most photo editing apps offer vintage filters that mimic the look of old film photography. Here’s how to do it.
- Apply Sepia or Black-and-White Filters: These classic filters instantly give a photo an aged look.
- Reduce Saturation: Lowering color intensity can replicate the faded effect of old photos.
- Add Grain: Film grain adds texture, making the photo look like it was taken on an old camera.
2. Add scratches and dust effects
Scratches and dust are hallmarks of old photos. You can easily add them.
- Use the Scratches or Dust overlays available in photo editing apps.
- Apply the texture to the image and adjust the opacity for a more natural look.
- Get a realistic effect with blending modes like Overlay or Soft Light.
3. Add light leaks and vignette effects
Light leaks were common in older cameras that gave photos a certain beauty.
- Add light leak effects to editing apps.
- Apply a vignette effect to the edges of the photo to give an old photo effect.
4. Adjust contrast and sharpness
To give a vintage effect, reduce the image’s contrast and blur the sharpness a bit to create a soft, aged look.
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5. DIY methods for physical photos
If you have printed photos
- Lightly scratch the image with sandpaper.
- Lighten colors naturally by exposing them to sunlight.
- Gently bend the photo to add a slight crease and then straighten it.
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Final thoughts
Making a photo look old and scratchy is all about experimenting with textures, filters, and colors to get that perfect vintage vibe. Whether you prefer to use editing apps or manual techniques, the possibilities are endless. Just a few simple adjustments can turn your trendy photos into timeless memories.