How are photo prints scanned for digitization?

Standard rectangular photo prints are scanned by the hundred when stacked neatly. A 1-inch-tall stack equals about 100 prints, which makes print scanning fast, economical, and accurate without needing to count each photo.

What qualifies as a specialty photo print?

Photos with adhesive backing, prints stuck in frames, curled or fragile photos, non-rectangular shapes, or prints that require extra handling are treated as specialty prints. These are scanned individually to protect the image and ensure the best result. Photos in albums are handled as a separate service.

What resolution and format will my files be?

Photo prints are scanned at 600 DPI and delivered as JPG digital images. Many services scan at 300 DPI, which can lose fine detail. 600 DPI captures more texture and clarity while keeping files easy to view, store, and share across devices.

Is handwriting or writing on the back of photos preserved?

Yes. Any handwriting, notes, or dates on the back of a photo are captured for free as a separate image placed immediately next to the front image in the digital sequence, so context and stories are never lost. Heirloom also makes it easy to add this information as searchable text.

How are prints organized if they arrive in bands, bags, or envelopes?

Each banded stack, bag, or envelope is treated as its own grouping and scanned into a uniquely numbered digital folder. That folder corresponds to a tracking number Heirloom assigns, making it easy to match digital images back to their original groupings.

Will my photos be cropped, enhanced, or altered?

Heirloom first creates a high-quality 1-to-1 digital capture of each print so you have a strong master file before any editing. From there, you can make edits to your personal taste using tools like Canva, including optional AI-powered enhancements for color correction, cleanup, and creative adjustments.

How are digital photos easier to manage than physical prints?

Digital images are easier to sort, name, search, store, and share than physical prints. Once scanned, your photos can be organized into folders, backed up securely, and shared with family instantly without the risk of loss or damage.

1 4

Photo to Digital Service

10 reviews

$39.99 ~~$80.00~~

Type

100 Standard Prints 25 Specialty Prints

Heirloom's photo to digital service makes it easy to preserve your family's printed photographs before they fade, tear, or become lost. We professionally scan standard photographic prints into high-quality 600 dpi JPG files, making them easy to organize, share, and preserve for generations.

Whether you're sending loose photographs, photo albums, slides, negatives, film reels, videotapes, or other media, simply send everything together. Our preservation specialists carefully inspect every item, identify exactly what you've sent, verify it can be digitized, and prepare a detailed, itemized quote.

There is no counting, no guesswork, and no obligation. You don't pay anything until we've completed our inspection and emailed you a detailed, no-obligation quote. We begin scanning only after you've approved the quote and submitted payment.

Why Use a Photo to Digital Service?

Printed photographs naturally fade, bend, tear, discolor, and become damaged over time. Scanning your photos today preserves them as high-quality 600 dpi JPG files that can be viewed, backed up, organized, and shared without handling the original prints. Unlike storing photos in boxes or albums, digital copies make it easy to enjoy your memories while protecting the originals for future generations.

Why Choose Heirloom?

Most photo scanning companies expect you to count your photos, estimate quantities, and decide which service you need before sending anything.

Heirloom doesn't.

Simply send your memories, and our specialists will:

Identify every type of media you send
Inventory each group of photographs
Separate standard and specialty photo scanning
Verify every item can be digitized
Prepare a detailed, itemized quote
Answer any questions before work begins

Only after you've reviewed and approved your quote do we begin scanning your memories. That means no surprises, no unnecessary charges, and complete confidence that your photographs are receiving the care they deserve.

How do I estimate my photo count?

Standard rectangular photo prints are scanned by the hundred when stacked neatly—a 1-inch-tall stack equals about 100 prints. This makes print scanning fast, economical, and accurate without needing to count each photo.

What Is Specialty Photo Scanning?

Most loose photo prints up to 8 × 10 inches are considered standard photo scanning. Specialty photo scanning includes oversized, framed, fragile, curled, adhesive-backed, or unusually shaped photographs that require individual handling.

How are my photos organized?

Each banded stack, envelope, or bag of photos is scanned as its own group and assigned a unique identification number. Your digital photos are delivered in correspondingly numbered folders, keeping them organized the same way you sent them.

How will I receive my digital photos?

Your photos are scanned into high-quality 600 dpi JPG files and securely delivered to your private Heirloom cloud for viewing, downloading, and sharing. You can also add a Heirloom Flash Drive or External Drive to your order, and your original photographs are safely returned.

Will my photo prints be AI enhanced?

No. Heirloom's photo to digital service is focused on creating the highest-quality digital capture of your original photographs before they fade or deteriorate further. We carefully clean each image during scanning and use professional equipment, proper lighting, and 600 dpi resolution to faithfully preserve your memories. AI enhancements and photo edits are digital processes best performed later by the content owner, allowing you to improve copies of your photos while always preserving the original, unaltered digital capture.

How It Works

Send Your Media

Most customers drop off their media at any UPS Store using their own box and a prepaid Heirloom label.
Approve Your Itemized Quote

We inspect everything, count each item, and email the exact price. You decide whether to proceed.
Enjoy Your Memories Again

Stream memories from your digital vault. Download anytime. USB backup drives also available.