We love old black and white photos. They tell stories about people, places, and times that changed our lives. But sometimes it's hard to really feel those memories when they're stuck in shades of gray. AI comes in here to give these memories a new lease on life.
It used to take a long time and a lot of skill to colorize old photos. But AI tools have made it quick, easy, and surprisingly accurate now. Anyone can turn a faded black and white picture into a bright picture full of emotion and detail with just a few clicks.
People all over the world are already using AI to colorize photos for a number of reasons. Families are bringing their old photos back to life, museums are restoring old photos, genealogists are making family histories more interesting, and marketers are using old photos in new ways.
This blog post will give you a list of the ten best AI tools that can help you colorize old photos in just a few minutes. I'll show you how to do it step by step, give you useful advice, and help you pick the right tool for your needs so you can bring your memories back to life in full color.
How does AI colorization work?
It may seem like magic, but AI colorization is really just smart technology at work. There is an AI model behind every colored photo that has been trained to see patterns, textures, and context in black and white photos and then guess the best colors to bring them to life. Let's go through it step by step.
1. How neural networks predict colors
When you upload a black and white photo, the AI looks at every part of it, like the faces, clothes, background, and little things. It uses neural networks to figure out what each part of the picture might look like in real life.
For instance, it knows that grass is green, the sky is blue, and skin has warm tones. AI doesn't color randomly, but it studies patterns from millions of real photos and makes smart, realistic predictions.
2. Context awareness
AI tools are trained to understand context. They can tell what an object is and what color it should be by looking at the shapes and lighting in a photo.
For instance, it can tell the difference between a shirt and a tree, even if they are both gray. This context awareness makes modern AI colorization more accurate and realistic than older methods.
3. Key technologies behind AI colorization
- Deep learning, GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks), and pretrained datasets are the main technologies used.
- Deep learning helps the AI see complicated patterns in pictures.
- Pretrained datasets give the AI a memory of thousands of real, colored photos, which lets it match the colors in black and white photos with real ones.
4. AI vs manual colorization
To colorize something the old-fashioned way, you need time, skill, and often professional tools. An artist must choose colors very carefully and paint over every detail by hand. AI can do the same job in seconds, even for someone who has never designed anything before.
But AI isn't perfect. It generates informed predictions, so the colors it produces may not always match the original ones exactly. For special projects, manual editing is still better because it gives you more control and accuracy. But AI is faster, easier, and more accessible, which makes it great for personal use, marketing, and quick restorations.
| Tool name | Free/Paid model | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Pixelbin | Has free credits + paid | Fast processing, simple UI, first 3 free uses |
| Hotpot | Free + premium/credit system | Easy upload, not much setup, decent default results |
| Media.io | Offers free trial (3 days) and limited free use; full features require subscription. | Easy-to-use, web-based tool with automatic AI colorization |
| Deep AI | Free/paid tiers | Simple interface, direct upload or URL input |
| Palette.fm | Free + filter styles | Creative control via filter selection |
| VanceAI | Free credits + paid | Part of a full AI imaging suite |
| Cutout.pro | Free credits + paid | Part of a broader AI tool suite; the user interface is polished |
| ImageColorizer | Free + paid | Offers scratch removal, brightness, and clarity adjustments |
| IMG2GO | Free | Simple, no-install, options for model choice |
| Kolorize | Free samples + paid | Easy UI, good for comparisons across colorizers |
Top 10 AI tools to colorize black and white photos
There are several AI tools available in the market that can colorize black and white photos into colorful ones. Here, I will list 10 AI tools that I have tested. Many of them really give amazing results; some require further touch-ups. But some of them may not give the expected output.
1. Pixelbin
Pixelbin is an online AI image editor tool that turns your black and white photos into color images in just a few seconds. You don’t need to install anything; you just open your browser and upload a JPG, JPEG, or PNG file (or paste its URL) and let the AI do its work. Once it finishes, you can download the colorized photo in high resolution.
The tool tries to give “Natural” colors so your photo looks like it might have been taken in color originally. Your image stays clean with no watermark added. There are tools that produce results, but with watermarks.
But you can use several of the best apps to remove watermarks available in the market. Also, Pixelbin cares about privacy: your photos are not shared and are kept safe.
Features:
- Upload or paste the URL of the photo (JPG, JPEG, or PNG).
- AI-powered automatic colorization - fast results.
- High-resolution downloads so image quality stays good.
- No watermark on the finished color photo.
- Free trial / free first uses (you get some free credits).
- Browser-based-works on desktop or mobile, no heavy software needed.
Steps for how to colorize black and white photos using Pixelbin
Step 1: Visit the official website of Pixelbin and click on AI tools > see all.
Step 2: In the search bar, search for a “Black and white image to color” and upload the image.
Step 3: After uploading the image, you will get a colorized version of it. If you want to make further edits, click on “Edit image with AI.”
2. Hotpot
It is an AI-powered platform that is used to colorize black and white pictures. It uses advanced deep learning models to automatically add natural, realistic colors to old or black-and-white photos, which makes the process quick and easy.
This platform also offers features like AI background removal, text-to-image generation, AI art creation, image upscaling, and enhancement tools. Hotpot is a user-friendly platform. Both beginners and professionals can use it because it has an intuitive interface.
Features:
- AI colorizer: One-click black-and-white photo colorization.
- AI restorer & upscaler: Repair old photos and increase resolution.
- Background & object remover: Automatic removal of unwanted elements.
- AI image & headshot generator: Create images or avatars from text.
- Templates & game asset generator: Ready-made templates and game visuals.
Steps for how to colorize black and white photos using Hotpot
Step 1: Visit the official website of Hotpot and click on AI editing > Photo colorizer.
Step 2: Then, you will be taken to a page where you will have to upload the image.
Step 3: upload the image, select the colorization factor, and click on the enter tab.
Step 4: Within a minute, you will get a colorized image. Download the time or edit it further.
3. Media.io
You can use Media.io to edit photos, videos, and audio files online. Here, there is no need to download or install any software. One of its best tools is the Photo Colorizer, which uses AI to quickly add color to black-and-white photos.
This tool is beginner-friendly and can be used by us to bring family pictures or historic images back to life without needing any special editing skills. Besides colorizing photos, Media.io also offers many other free tools. You can convert videos, edit audio, remove photo backgrounds, make GIFs, improve image quality, and compress files.
It works with many file types and keeps your data safe by encrypting uploads and deleting them after processing. This makes it a simple and secure choice for anyone who wants quick online edits.
Features:
- Photo Colorizer: Adds color to black-and-white photos automatically with AI.
- Video & audio editing tools: Trim, convert, merge, and edit media files easily.
- Image tools: Remove backgrounds, upscale images, and enhance quality.
- Supports multiple file formats, including JPG, PNG, MP4, MP3, and more.
- Data security: Encrypted uploads and automatic file deletion after processing.
- Free & paid options: Basic features are free to use, and premium plans are for extra tools.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using Media.io
Step 1: Visit the official website of Media.io and click on online tool > photo colorizer.
Step 2: Click on “Colorize photo online” and then upload the image.
Step 3: Within seconds, you will get the colorized image. Set the canvas as per your liking and download the image.
4. DeepAI Colorizer
DeepAI is a creative web tool that lets anyone use artificial intelligence (AI) through their browser. You can do things like generate pictures, edit photos, make short videos, compose music, and chat with an AI that learns, all without installing special software.
It started in 2016 and has grown to offer many tools for artists, developers, and everyday users. When it comes to images, DeepAI has tools like a Colorizer that adds color to black-and-white photos automatically, a Super Resolution tool to increase image quality, a background remover, and image replacement tools.
So if you have old black and white photos that you want to change into color or perform other image editing tasks, DeepAI helps you make them look better easily.
Features:
- Web-based platform: Works in a browser; no software download needed.
- Colorizer tool: Turns black-and-white images into colored ones automatically.
- Super Resolution: Improve image clarity; make low-res images sharper.
- Background remover: Remove or change the background of an image.
- Image replacement/expand image: Change parts of an image or expand its boundaries.
- Generative tools: Create images from prompts, make music, videos, etc.
- Chat with AI & Voice Chat features: Talk or interact via text/voice with AI.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using DeepAI colorizer
Step 1: Visit the link and click on the colorizer.
Step 2: Upload the black and white image and click on "Generate" to get a colorful image.
5. Palette.fm
Palette.fm is an online AI tool that can colorize black-and-white photos with just one click. It looks at grayscale images and adds natural, realistic colors while keeping details like skin tones, clothing, and backgrounds. It uses advanced deep learning models to colorize pictures and give them a natural look.
It is easy to use. Upload a black-and-white photo, pick a style, and download the colored version. It is mostly free, but it might have some resolution limits or restrictions on how often you can use it. It's great for bringing old photos back to life and giving them a fresh, modern look.
Features:
- AI-powered colorization: Automatically adds realistic colors to black-and-white photos.
- Multiple color filters: Choose from over 21 different color styles.
- Customization options: Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness.
- High-quality output: Preserves details and provides high-resolution colorized images.
- Free and paid plans: The Free plan allows one full-quality download; paid plans start at $9/month.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using Palette.fm
Step 1: Visit the official website of Palette.fm and click on “Colorize photo.”
Step 2: Once you click on it, it will ask you to upload the picture.
Step 3: Then choose the color options given there, like here, I have chosen the bright essence option.
6. VanceAI Photo Colorizer
VanceAI Photo Colorizer is an online tool that turns black-and-white photos into color in just a few seconds. You upload your old or black-and-white photos, and the AI (artificial intelligence) adds colors that look real.
It works well for old pictures that you want to bring back to life, like family portraits, historic photos, or vintage pictures. You don’t need any photo-editing experience. It also integrates with VanceAI’s restoration tools and helps fix damaged photos—things like yellow tint, scratches, and spots.
Before colorizing, you can restore the image so that the final photo looks clean and vivid. The service promises that your images will be safe: they are deleted after 24 hours once processing is done.
Features:
- Colorizes black-and-white or grayscale photos in about 5 seconds.
- One-click automatic colorization—you don’t need special skills.
- Supports popular image formats: JPG, PNG, JPEG.
- Can fix old damaged photos: remove yellow tint, spots, and scratches.
- Offers a “Deep Edit” or brush tool so you can tweak/color parts of the image manually for better results.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using VanceAI photo colorizer
Step 1: Visit the official website of VanceAI and click on Image AI > AI photo colorizer.
Step 2: Upload the image that you want to colorize.
Step 3: After uploading the image, you will get a colorful version, which you can edit further.
7. Cutout.pro
Cutout.pro is a platform that uses AI to offer a Photo Colorizer tool that can automatically add realistic colors to black-and-white photos. It uses advanced AI algorithms that have been trained on millions of images to add natural and consistent colors to old family photos, historical portraits, and classic movie stills.
It's easy to use: users upload a black-and-white picture, and the tool adds color right away. This makes it great for bringing old photos back to life. Cutout.pro also has an API that developers can use to add this feature to their apps, which lets them colorize a lot of things at once.
Features:
- AI photo colorizer: Automatically adds realistic colors to black-and-white photos.
- Background removal: Removes image backgrounds effortlessly for products, portraits, or designs.
- Photo enhancer & upscaler: Improves resolution, sharpness, and overall image quality.
- Cartoon & anime effects: Transforms portraits into cartoon or anime-style images.
- Batch processing: Process multiple images at once for faster workflows.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using Cutout.pro
Step 1: Visit the official website of cutout.pro and click on Product > Photo colorizer.
Step 2: Upload the image you want to colorize.
Step 3: Within a few seconds of uploading, you will get a colorful picture.
8. ImageColorizer
ImageColorizer is an online tool that adds color to old black-and-white photos. A user just has to upload their photo (JPG, PNG, or WebP), and the AI tool will process it and give it natural-looking colors.
It also helps fix old photos by fixing scratches, making them clearer, sharper, and less faded. It’s good for family photos, historical shots, or any old image you want to make look fresh and alive again.
You can use it for free (for a single image at a time) or pay to get extra features (like taking many photos together). The site also gives you support anytime, and you don’t need special editing skills.
Features:
- Colorizes black-and-white images automatically.
- Supports JPG, PNG, and WebP formats.
- Improve sharpness/clarity; enhance resolution.
- Process multiple images (batch) with an upgrade.
- Free to use for basic; the Pro version has more options.
- No watermark on final images.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using Imagecolorizer
Step 1: Visit the official website of ImageColorizer and click on Products > Colorize black & white photos.
Step 2: Upload the image that you want to colorize.
Step 3: After uploading the image, you will get a colorized version. You can download it or make further edits as per your liking.
9. IMG2GO
With IMG2GO, you can easily and quickly add color to black-and-white photos online. It uses advanced deep learning algorithms to look at grayscale images and automatically add realistic colors, bringing old photos back to life with natural colors. Users can upload pictures from their device, cloud storage, or a URL.
The AI automatically adjusts to different kinds of photos, like portraits, nature shots, and general scenes, to give them realistic colors. You don't have to install IMG2GO, and it's great for restoring photos for both personal and business use.
Features:
- AI-powered colorizer: Automatically adds realistic colors to black-and-white photos.
- Multiple AI models: Optimized for portraits, nature, or generic subjects.
- Cloud & URL upload: Supports images from devices, Google Drive, Dropbox, or URLs.
- Adjustable render factor: Enhance sharpness, detail, and image quality.
- No installation required: Fully web-based, easy, and accessible for all users.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using IMG2GO
Step 1: Visit the official website of IMG2GO and click on All tools > Colorize image.
Step 2: Click on “Choose file” to select the picture you want to colorize.
Step 3: Then click on “Start”.
Step 4: You can click on “Preview” to check the colorized image in advance.
Step 5: Once you have checked the preview, click on download.
10. Kolorize
Kolorize is an online tool that uses AI to change black-and-white photos into colorful, realistic color photos easily. Kolorize uses advanced deep learning algorithms to look at grayscale images and add realistic colors while keeping the original details and textures. It's easy to use: just upload your picture, and the AI will take care of the rest.
Users can look at several different colorization options and choose the one that works best for them. This tool is great for bringing old family photos, historical pictures, or any black-and-white pictures back to life with little effort.
Features:
- AI-powered colorization: Automatically adds realistic colors to black-and-white photos.
- Preserves details: Maintains textures and original photo quality.
- Multiple colorization options: Preview different styles and select the best one.
- User-friendly interface: Simple upload and one-click colorization.
- Web-based: No software installation required, accessible from any device.
Steps to colorize a black and white photo using Kolorize
Step 1: Visit the official website of Kolorize and click on “Upload an image.”
Step 2: Once you upload, within a few seconds, this tool will generate a colorized version of your image.
Pro tips for more realistic results
AI tools can colorize old black and white photos very well, but if you put in a little extra work, the results will look even more natural. Here are some easy but effective tips to help you get the best results:
1. Use clear, sharp scans
The quality of the input image has a big effect on how well the AI works. If the original photo is blurry or pixelated, the tool might not be able to guess the right colors and details.
When you scan or take a picture of your black and white picture, make sure the light is bright and the resolution is high. Check the surface for scratches and dust before you upload. A clear picture gives the AI more to work with, and the colors will look sharper.
2. Add descriptive text or prompts
Some AI tools let you add short descriptions to help with the colorization. For instance, saying "A woman in a red saree" or "A blue vintage car parked on the street" gives the AI more information about what colors to use.
This extra information can make the results much more accurate, especially for clothes, things, or backgrounds.
3. Compare outputs from multiple tools
Every AI tool works a little differently. Some are better with skin tones, others with landscapes or clothes. So don’t settle for the first result you get.
Try a couple of tools and compare their outputs. Pick the one that looks the most natural — or combine the best parts using a photo editor if you want more control.
4. Make small manual edits
Even the best AI can make small mistakes, like giving the wrong shade of skin tone or coloring clothes incorrectly. After AI colorization, use a simple photo editor to make minor adjustments.
For example, you can smooth out uneven patches, change a specific color, or fix the background. These small touch-ups can turn a good result into a truly stunning one.
Conclusion
Using AI to add color to black-and-white photos is a beautiful way to combine technology and art. It used to be a slow and complicated process, but now it's quick, easy, and open to everyone. You can see that I tried out ten different tools, and most of them worked very well, making old photos look new again with bright colors.
Keep in mind that these tools use algorithms, so the results may not always be 100% accurate. With just a few small changes, you can still get amazing, lifelike results that bring back warm, alive memories.
FAQs
AI uses deep learning to detect objects and textures in black and white photos, then applies realistic colors automatically based on trained image patterns.
Popular tools like Pixelbin, Hotpot.ai, ImageColorizer, and Palette.fm give some of the most natural results.
Yes. Many AI tools can restore and colorize damaged images by removing scratches, sharpening details, and adding realistic colors.
No. Just upload your photo, and the AI does the rest. No editing or design knowledge is needed.
AI gives close and natural results, but colors may not be 100% accurate. For exact matches, manual touch-ups may help.
Most tools offer free versions with limits. Advanced features or high-quality downloads often require a paid plan.
