How to Colorize Black and White Photos (5 Ways)

Transforming black-and-white photos into vibrant color images is no longer a task reserved for professional photographers or artists. Thanks to advances in AI-powered technology, anyone can now breathe new life into their vintage pictures with just a few clicks. Whether you want to bring old family portraits to life, restore historical photographs, or simply add a contemporary flair to cherished memories, colorizing black-and-white photos can transform them with vibrant detail that was once hidden in grayscale. In this guide, we'll explore the best options to add color to black and white photos. Let's dive in!

How to Colorize Black and White Photos in VideoProc Converter AI

VideoProc Converter AI is the ultimate tool for bringing your black-and-white photos to life with vibrant, realistic color. From restoring vintage family photos and enhancing artistic projects to upgrading the quality of old monochrome shots, this software elevates the colorization process to a whole new level.

Powered by advanced AI and deep learning technology, VideoProc Converter AI automatically analyzes the content of your image and applies precise, lifelike colors that reflect the true essence of the scene. With just a few clicks, the software breathes new life into black-and-white photos, adding depth, richness, and dimension. What's more, its intelligent Super Resolution sharpens every detail, transforming blurry or pixelated images into clear, high-definition masterpieces. Whether you're looking to create professional-grade visuals or restore historical images with authenticity, VideoProc Converter AI ensures that your photos stand out with stunning clarity and vibrancy.

Step 1. Open VideoProc Converter AI, click on the 'Image AI' icon on the main interface.

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Step 2. Then drag and drop one of more black-and-white or monochrome photos into the software. Alternatively, click the 'Add Image' button at the bottom to select the photos you want to colorize.

Step 3. Once your photos are uploaded, choose your preferred AI model and scaling options based on your specific needs. Then, scroll down to the 'Image Restoration' section, check the 'Colorizing Monochrome Image' box to proceed with either HyperColor or DeepColor model.

HyperColor is the default choice, offering vibrant and rich colors that work well for most scenarios. If you're aiming for a more subtle and restrained result, you can try another model, DeepColor, for a softer, balanced touch.

The software will then automatically add color to your black-and-white photos.

Step 4. Finally, select the desired file format, either JPG or PNG. You can adjust the output image quality using the slider. Once you're happy with your settings, simply click the 'RUN' button to start the colorization process and export the photos.

How to Colorize Black and White Photos in Photoshop

Colorizing black and white photos in Photoshop can seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques, it's surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps to bring your grayscale images to life with vibrant, realistic colors:

Step 1. Launch Photoshop and open the black and white image you want to colorize. To ensure optimal results, check that the image is in RGB Color mode. If it's currently in Grayscale, go to Image > Mode > RGB Color to convert it.

Step 2. Go to the Filter menu at the top of the screen and select Neural Filters. This opens the Neural Filters workspace, where you'll find various advanced tools, including the Colorize filter.

Step 3. In the Neural Filters panel, locate and enable the Colorize filter. Photoshop will automatically apply colors to your image, but if you want more control, you can toggle off the Auto Colorize option and start from scratch.

Step 4. To add specific colors to different parts of your B&W image, click on the preview panel to place Focal Points. This allows you to customize colors for particular areas. You can adjust the size and saturation of each focal point using the available sliders. Additionally, make overall adjustments to the image's saturation and color balance to achieve the desired effect, whether you want richer hues or more subtle tones.

Step 5. Once you're satisfied with the color adjustments, ensure you choose the option to output your changes as a new color layer before clicking OK. This will preserve your original image and allow you to make further edits if necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively add color to black and white photos using Photoshop's advanced features.

How to Colorize Black and White Photos in Lightroom

While Lightroom doesn't have an automatic colorization tool like Photoshop, you can achieve stunning results using its advanced editing features. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch Lightroom and import the black-and-white photo you want to colorize. Drag it into the Library module or click Import to locate your file.

Step 2. Navigate to the Develop module where you'll access the tools needed for colorization. Ensure your image is in color mode rather than grayscale. Lightroom automatically supports RGB editing, so no additional settings are typically required.

Navigate to the Brush Tool (shortcut: K) in the Develop module. Adjust the Flow, Feather, and Size of the brush to suit the area you'll be working on. Enable the Color Overlay option in the Brush settings to pick the color you want to apply.

Step 3. Select a color from the Color Picker and carefully paint over the areas of your photo you want to colorize, such as the skin, clothing, or background. You can adjust the opacity and saturation for a natural look. For fine details, zoom in and reduce the brush size for precision.

For broader sections like the sky or ground, use the Graduated Filter or Radial Filter tools. These allow you to apply color gradients or tones over larger areas for a smooth, even effect.

Step 4. After applying colors, use the HSL sliders in the Develop module to refine the tones. Adjusting these settings can help you achieve a more realistic and cohesive look.

Once the individual areas are colorized, make global adjustments to the photo's contrast, highlights, and shadows to enhance depth and realism. Use the White Balance slider to unify the overall color tone.

Step 5. When you're satisfied with the colorization, export the photo in your desired format to save your work.

How to Colorize Black and White Photos Online

If you're looking for a fast and easy way to colorize black and white photos, an online photo colorizer is the perfect solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1. Go to Cutout.Pro's online photos colorizer.

Step 2. Upload the images you wish to add color to.

Step 3. The program will automatically colorize it, and once you get the desired result, download the colorized photos.

Note: While online solutions offer a quick and convenient option, their results often fall short compared to dedicated colorizer tools. If you're aiming for higher-quality colorization, a dedicated colorizer is undoubtedly the better choice.

How to Colorize Black and White Photos in Mobile

If you prefer colorizing photos on the go, mobile apps offer a convenient and user-friendly solution to convert black and white photo to color：

Step 1. Free download Fotor on your Android or iPhone.

Step 2. Import the black and white photos you wish to add color to, locate Colorize option in the editing option bar below, and click on it.

Step 3. The app will add color to your black and white photos instantly.