2" x 3" – Mini wallet size (often from instant or Polaroid-style prints) 2.5" x 3.5" – Wallet size (standard for school or portrait prints) 3" x 5" – Common snapshot size for vintage prints (especially pre-1980s) 4" x 4" – Square format (popular with Instagram-style and vintage cameras) 4" x 5" – Classic film and large-format camera size; also used for small enlargements 4" x 6" – Most common modern print size (standard for photo labs worldwide) 5" x 5" – Square print (used for medium format or Instagram-style prints) 5" x 7" – Popular for framing portraits or small photo displays 6" x 8" – Less common, but occasionally used for slightly larger enlargements 8" x 8" – Square enlargement, popular for modern art prints and albums 8" x 10" – Classic enlargement size for portraits, school photos, and wall displays
Will my photograph prints be returned in the order provided?
We use a range of professional scanners and specialized equipment throughout our photo scanning process to achieve the highest quality results for your printed photographs. Because some photos require extra care or different machines to capture them perfectly, we can’t always guarantee that your images will remain in exact chronological order during scanning. Our top priority is ensuring every memory is transferred with exceptional clarity and detail.
The great news is that no matter which delivery option you choose—thumb drive or digital download—you’ll receive high-quality JPEG files of your photos. These can easily be saved to your computer and organized, edited, or shared using any photo management platform such as Google Photos, Amazon Photos, iPhoto, or similar programs.
How do I clean dirty printed photographs?
We recommend handling your photos with care before cleaning—especially older or delicate prints. Always make sure your hands are clean and dry, or use soft cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints. Gently remove loose dust or dirt with a soft, dry brush or a can of compressed air held at a distance. For smudges or light surface grime, you can very lightly wipe the photo with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Never use water, cleaning sprays, or household products, as moisture can cause permanent damage, staining, or peeling.
If your photos are stuck together, severely soiled, or fragile, it’s best to leave them as they are and let our PixPreserve team handle them safely. We’re experienced in working with delicate materials and can digitize them with minimal risk of further damage. Your memories are precious, and we’re here to make sure they’re preserved the right way.
Will you accept photo albums?
No, we do not accept entire photo albums. For liability and preservation reasons, all photos must be removed from albums before sending them to us. Many albums use adhesives, magnetic pages, or plastic coverings that can make photos difficult to remove safely. Attempting to do so during processing could cause tearing, bending, or damage to your photos — something we want to avoid at all costs.
Because each album and adhesive type is different, it’s the customer’s responsibility to carefully remove and prepare the photos they wish to have digitized. This ensures you maintain full control over how your photos are handled and protects both you and PixPreserve from potential damage or loss during removal. Once your photos are loose and ready, we’ll take it from there — scanning each one with the utmost care and precision.
What is the best and safest way to remove photographs from old magnetic photo albums?
Magnetic or “sticky” photo albums were once popular for storing prints, but their adhesive and plastic covers can cause long-term damage. Removing photos safely takes time and care — the goal is to loosen them without bending, tearing, or peeling the image surface.
Step-by-Step Safe Removal Guide
1. Prepare your space Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Wash and dry your hands, or wear soft cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints.
2. Lift the plastic overlay Carefully peel back the clear plastic sheet that covers the album page, starting from one corner to expose the photo underneath.
3. Gently loosen a corner Use a thin, flat plastic tool — like a spatula, dental floss, or micro spatula — to slowly lift the edge of the photo. Avoid using metal tools that could scratch or crease the print.
4. Apply gentle warmth (optional) If the photo is stuck, use a hair dryer on low heat to warm the back of the album page for a few seconds. Keep the dryer moving and at least 6–8 inches away to avoid heat damage.
5. Try the freezer method for stubborn pages Place the album page (not the entire book) in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for a few hours. Cold temperatures can make the adhesive brittle and easier to separate.
6. Store safely after removal Place loose photos in acid-free sleeves or envelopes until you’re ready to have them scanned. Never press them back onto the sticky page.
💡 A Note from PixPreserve If your photos are fragile, irreplaceable, or won’t lift safely, please don’t force them.
Do you provide photo editing services?
We do! While our main focus is high-quality photo scanning and digitization, we also offer light editing and enhancement options such as color correction, cropping, and minor touch-ups. For more detailed restoration or retouching requests, we’re happy to review your project and provide personalized recommendations. Contact us to discuss your specific needs—we’ll help you find the best solution to bring your photos back to life.