This article reviews Palette FM, an AI tool that claims to turn black-and-white photos into colorized images quickly. We check if it delivers realistic colors and easy customization as promised.
Palette FM stands out with its focus on natural-looking skin tones and light effects. It also lets users tweak colors using text descriptions, unlike many competitors that offer limited control.
In this review, we look at Palette FM’s features, pricing, ease of use, and how it compares to other tools.
| Rating | Our thoughts |
|---|---|
| ★★★★ | This tool offers great quality and value. |
Palette FM Review: Quick overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free tier; subscriptions start at $9/month; one-time purchases from $49 |
| Key Features | 21+ color filters, text-based customization, HD downloads, browser-based |
| Supported Formats | PNG, JPEG (up to 25 MP on desktop) |
| Platforms | Web-only (Chrome, Safari) |
| Best For | Photographers, genealogists, hobbyists |
Palette FM helps photographers restore old photos with features like high-resolution downloads and realistic color adjustments. Genealogists benefit from its ability to revive family archives through easy-to-use filters and detailed customization. Both groups save time with instant previews and no software installation.
Palette FM Pros and Cons
Palette FM offers strong color accuracy and customization but has limitations like browser restrictions and a credit system for HD downloads.
Pros:
- Realistic skin tones and lighting effects.
- Simple interface with text-based color tweaks.
- Free tier for low-resolution downloads.
- Trusted by professionals like documentarians and YouTubers.
- One-time payment options for casual users.
Cons:
- HD downloads require paid credits.
- Limited to Chrome and Safari browsers.
- No bulk colorization yet (planned feature).
- Mobile resolution capped at 9 MP.
Palette FM Pricing
Palette FM offers four pricing plans for different user needs. Below are the monthly costs and key details.
| Plan | Price | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 trial HD credit |
| Monthly | $9/month | 40 credits/month |
| Annual | $72/year | 480 credits/year |
| One-time | $49 | 75 credits |
- Free: Watermarked previews, 0.5 MP resolution, ads.
- Monthly: 40 HD downloads/month, no ads, faster processing.
- Annual: Cheaper per credit, 480 HD downloads/year, pro features.
- One-time: 75 HD downloads usable over 2 years, limited ads.
The Free plan suits casual users testing the tool. The Monthly plan works for freelancers needing regular HD outputs. The Annual plan saves money for professionals with heavy usage. The One-time plan is ideal for occasional users who dislike subscriptions.
Does Palette FM offer a free trial?
Yes, Palette FM offers a free plan with watermarked, low-resolution downloads. New users get one free HD credit after signing up.
What is Palette FM?
Palette FM is an AI-powered tool that colorizes black-and-white photos. It uses filters and text prompts to add realistic colors, aiming to simplify photo restoration for everyone.
Palette FM: Key features and functionalities
Palette FM combines AI precision with user-friendly tools for photo colorization. Here are its standout features:
- 21+ color filters: Apply preset styles like “Vintage” or “Natural” in one click.
- Text-based customization: Describe elements (e.g., “ocean,” “red dress”) to guide color choices.
- HD downloads: Get high-resolution images (up to 25 MP) with paid credits.
- Browser-based: No software installs; works on Chrome and Safari.
- Batch uploads: Upload multiple photos at once (bulk processing coming soon).
- Pro features: Faster processing, watermark-free downloads for subscribers.
- Free previews: Test colorizations before spending credits.
- Commercial use: No restrictions on sharing or selling colorized photos.
These features help photographers restore old portraits and historians colorize archival images. The text editor is especially useful for artists wanting precise control over moods like “sunset” or “spring morning.”
How does Palette FM work?
Palette FM works entirely online, requiring no software downloads. Follow these steps to colorize a photo:
- Go to Palette.fm and click “Start for Free.”
- Upload a black-and-white photo from your device.
- Choose a filter or type text descriptions to adjust colors.
- Click “Colorize” to generate a preview.
- Download the low-res version for free or use credits for HD.
How easy is it to set up and use Palette FM?
Signing up: To create an account, enter your email or use Google login. A magic link is sent to your inbox—no password needed. Free users can start immediately without signing up.
Interface and usability: Palette FM’s interface is clean, with upload buttons and filters clearly labeled. First-time users might struggle with the text editor—typing “grass” works better than “green.” Browser limits are frustrating: mobile users must use Safari or Chrome, and unsupported browsers block access. The FAQ section helps troubleshoot download issues, but HD credit tracking isn’t visible upfront. Overall, it’s easy for basic tasks but requires patience for advanced tweaks.
Tips for using Palette FM
Improve your Palette FM results with these tips:
- Use high-quality originals: Sharp images reduce blurry colorization.
- Avoid color names: Write “sky” instead of “blue” for natural results.
- Test multiple filters: Compare “History” and “Vivid” styles before deciding.
- Check previews: Free low-res downloads let you spot errors before using credits.
Conclusion: Is Palette FM the best choice for photo colorization?
Palette FM excels in creating lifelike colors, especially for skin tones and nature scenes. Its text-based customization sets it apart from tools like Adobe Neural Filters, which offer less control. The free plan is generous, and paid credits are affordable for regular users.
However, browser restrictions and credit costs may frustrate professionals needing bulk edits. Competitors like MyHeritage offer mobile apps but lack Palette FM’s precision.
For hobbyists and pros prioritizing quality over bulk workflows, Palette FM is a top choice. Casual users should try the free tier, while photographers may prefer the annual plan for savings. Choose Palette FM if you value detailed customization and realistic results.