1. [Inkmirra](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/?lang=en) 2. Preserve a tattoo Preserve a tattoo # Preserve your tattoo before it changes A cover-up is coming up, a touch-up or a laser appointment, or you simply want to keep a special tattoo: a 3D scan captures it the way it looks on your skin today, all around and from every angle. [Scan now](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/upload) [How the scan works](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/tattoo-scannen) ![Tattoo journey in five steps on one arm: from the first wrist tattoo to a full sleeve, each as a 3D model (demo)](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/seo-images/tattoo-verlauf-3d-arm-5-schritte-800.webp) From the first tattoo to a full sleeve: five stages of the same arm (demo model) ## Why preserve it? - **Before a cover-up** – The old design disappears under the new one. The scan keeps it as a 3D model. - **Before a laser appointment** – Capture how your tattoo looks before the first appointment. - **Before a touch-up** – Scan before and after and compare both. - **Over the years** – Lines and colours change over time. Scans at intervals show how. ## How to preserve your tattoo - **Add the tattoo** – Enter title, body area, style and date. - **Scan before** – About 30 seconds of video around the tattoo, uploaded in the browser. - **Scan again after** – After the appointment, link a new scan to the same tattoo. - **Compare** – Blend both scans or compare them with the swipe slider. ## 3D instead of a photo Photos distort tattoos on an arm, calf or ribs. In the 3D model you see every line from every side, even where the design wraps around the body. ## Before and after: old and new scan blended Scan before the appointment and again afterwards. Inkmirra aligns both scans automatically, you blend, swipe with a slider or play them one after another. ## Memories that last You keep memorial tattoos and special pieces private and share them only if you want. Reminder e-mails for memorial tattoos are worded neutrally, and widgets show no Inkmirra badge there. ## Your data: private, exportable, deletable - Only you see the model until you share a link. Links can be time-limited and stopped. - Your own copy: data export as ZIP under Profile → Account and data, full-quality scans to download. - Delete at any time in your profile. - No ad trackers, we never sell your data. [Privacy policy →](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/privacy) ## FAQ about preserving a tattoo ### Is a scan worth it before a cover-up? Yes, if you want to keep the old tattoo as a memory or compare later. Scan before the appointment and again afterwards. ### Can I compare before and after? Yes. Several scans of one tattoo can be blended or compared with a swipe slider. ### How do I handle a memorial tattoo? Like any other tattoo: keep it private and share it only if you want. Reminder e-mails for memorial tattoos are worded neutrally, widgets show no Inkmirra badge there. ### Do I get my own copy? Yes. Under Profile → Account and data you export your data as ZIP. Full-quality scans can be downloaded. ### Can I give a scan as a gift? Yes, with a gift card for 1 or 5 scans, valid for 3 years. ### Who sees the model? Only you, until you share a link. Links can be time-limited and stopped. ### Does Inkmirra help me decide between laser and cover-up? No. Inkmirra only documents. Ask your artist for advice, and specialists for laser treatment. ## You might also like - [Scan a tattoo](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/tattoo-scannen?lang=en) – How-to: scan a tattoo in 3D from a phone video, no app. - [Tattoo journal](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/tattoo-tagebuch?lang=en) – Notes, photos and 3D scans for each tattoo, with reminders for comparison scans. - [For tattoo fans](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/fuer-tattoo-fans?lang=en) – Your tattoo journey in 3D: every tattoo as a 3D model, shared with one link. - [All features](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/funktionen?lang=en) – Scan, journal, portfolio and API at a glance. - [Pricing](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/preise?lang=en) – Start free, plans for artists and studios, scan sessions for platforms. - [Guide: prepare a cover-up](https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/ratgeber/tattoo-cover-up-vorbereiten?lang=en) – Save references of the old tattoo before it is covered. --- Source: https://inkmirra.think3ddd.de/tattoo-festhalten?lang=en · Inkmirra, a service by think3ddd (Jacobi & Myadam GbR) · Updated: 2026-11-02