Use the Straighten slider inside Google Photos’ crop tool – it rotates the photo level and trims only a sliver from each edge, not the whole image.
What you need
- The scanned photo saved to your phone or computer
- Google Photos, free, on your phone or at photos.google.com
- About two minutes
What straightening will crop
Straightening always crops a small amount from each edge to keep the photo rectangular. If there’s important detail right at the border of the scan, zoom in and check before you save.
How to straighten the scan
- Open the photo in Google Photos and tap Edit.
- Choose Crop (the icon that looks like two overlapping corners).
- Find the Straighten slider, usually below the aspect-ratio options.
- Drag it until a straight edge in the photo – an album border, a wall, a horizon – lines up with the grid.
- Check the crop frame hasn’t cut off anything important, then save a copy.
Check the edges are straight
Compare the photo to the grid overlay while editing: the edge you used as your reference should now run straight across, and the crop shouldn’t have removed more than a thin border.
If the crook is severe
If the crook is severe, check whether your scanner’s own software offers an auto-deskew or auto-straighten option during scanning – it’s often more accurate than fixing the photo afterwards, and worth a rescan if you still have the original print.
Next step
Once the photo is straight, check it for dust and light scratches – see Remove dust and scratches from a scanned negative.
Sources and date checked
Google Photos Help Centre, checked 22 September 2026.