Photo Digitisation
Scan your loose, old prints.
- Dimensions from 2”x 3” (5 x 8cm) up to A4
- We can process photos from albums, loose photos, newspaper cuttings & paper mementos
- Choose from two resolution quality levels: Standard (600 dpi) or High (1200 dpi)
Scan quality levels
Posting and packing tips
Loose photos: how to sort and prep for shipping
- Remove any adhesives such as blu-tack and tape, and any staples.
- If your originals are in albums, please remove them and collect them together. This service is for loose photos only.
- Collect your originals into envelopes or rubber band them in groups. We will put each collection into a separate digital folder.
- Try to keep each folder to more than 30 originals.
- If you label each collection, we’ll use the name on the folder within your gallery. Please keep the name short. For example, if you name the collection “Corfu 1973” we’ll create a digital folder called "Corfu 1973" and your filenames will follow this, eg. Corfu 1973-001.jpg, Corfu 1973-002.jpg.
- You do not need to count all your items, as our team will be doing that when we receive them at out lab. A rough estimate is sufficient to place an order.
How does it work?
What happens after I order?
Backed-up memories, easy-to-access
We’ll export your photos as jpegs.
More information about digitising your negatives
We're happy to answer any questions you have about ordering, scanning and delivery. You may find your answer here in our FAQ.
Which products can be scanned and digitised by post?
When ordering by post, you have the option of digitising either 35mm slides (24x36mm, framed), negative strips (35mm, 110 or 126 - at least 3 images per strip) or printed photos (from 2” x 3” to A4).
Do I need to count all my items?
You do not need to count all your items, as our team will be doing that when we receive them at out lab. A rough estimate is sufficient to place an order. If you’ve sent us more than your original order, we will be in touch with an invoice for the extras.
How long will my order take to be processed?
Processing usually takes place within approximately 10 working days from the date we receive your shipment in our laboratory.
Which storage medium can I choose?
We'll upload your digitised photos to our online storage service - CEWE myPhotos. You can download your photos to your PC from there. Additionally, you can select a USB stick as an extra storage medium - do this in the basket when you place your order. The USB stick is not copy-protected and can be used like a standard USB stick. You own the copyright to your digital images.
Are there size limitations when it comes to scanning my prints?
All prints up from 2 x 3 inches up to A4 size can be scanned.
It does not matter whether the photos have straight, perforated or torn edges.
How good is the scan quality?
We offer two quality levels for our photo scanning services: Classic and Pro. Both options provide high-resolution scans, ensuring you can continue enjoying your photos in excellent quality. The key difference is that the Pro level offers an enhanced resolution of 1200 dpi for even greater detail.
Please note that slide and negative scans are exclusively processed at Pro-level quality to ensure the best possible results.
What is CEWE myPhotos?
CEWE myPhotos is our online storage service, where you can store your photos and photo projects safely.
You can find more detailed information about this at: https://www.cewe-myphotos.com/en-gb/
Can I send you my entire photo album?
"Slip-in" style photos albums used to be very popular for 6x4" prints. The photo prints were simply inserted into the plastic pockets provided in the photo album so that they could be sorted and browsed. Unfortunately, we can't digitise photos that come in this type of album. Please remove the prints and send them by themselves, in a stack.
How does collection from home work?
At the end of the ordering process, you can choose whether you want to take your package to a local drop-off point, or have it collected directly from your home by courier.
If you choose for your media to be collected, your package will be picked up from your home the following working day. If you are not home, the courier will leave a shipping label for you to use later at a local drop-off point.
Please print out your order confirmation e-mail and include it in your package. If you are unable to print out the order confirmation e-mail, we would ask you to write your order number by hand and enclose this instead.
How do I send my photos to CEWE?
- After placing an order, you will receive an email confirmation.
- Suitable packaging for your order will arrive within 3-4 working days.
- The order confirmation email contains a link to the Royal Mail portal to generate a shipping label.
- You need to print both the order confirmation email and the shipping label.
- Insert the printed email into the package, seal it, attach the label, and either drop it off at a local point or arrange for home collection.
How do you ensure my photos will be safe and secure?
We know how priceless your unique memories are, and we treat them with utmost respect. You will receive a fully trackable shipping label to use when sending your images to our laboratory. After we receive your shipment, you'll get a confirmation e-mail from us including a photo of your package, so you know we've received it safely. If any questions arise during the processing of your order, our customer service team will contact you by email or telephone. After successful digitisation, you will receive another confirmation from us, letting you know your order is on its way - this also includes full tracking.
What about my originals?
After digitisation, your originals will be carefully packed up by us and sent back to you with tracking.
Which payment methods do you accept?
The scan service requires payment via our website at the point of ordering. We accept payment by Card, PayPal, Klarna, Apple or Google Pay.
How do I see and download my photos?
You will receive a delivery note with the return of your original media.
On this note, you will find a link and a secure ID which you can use to see and download your photos. You will find detailed, step-by-step instructions on the delivery note.
How quickly does the download link expire?
The link will expire after 6 weeks after being initially created on our end. Once you've used your secure ID, you will see a message with details of when this final date is. If you choose to upload to CEWE myPhotos at this stage, your photos will be securely stored in your account.
Discover the advantages of scanning and digitising your photos
Make your old 35mm film and slides easy to find, organised and sharable with others.





