If you’re looking for a free and easy way to enhance your image quality, we’ve got just the thing for you. Whether it’s AI-generated art from Midjourney or a low-resolution image that you need to fix, there’s a powerful open-source tool that will blow your mind—Upscayl. Best of all, this tool is completely free to use and works across Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Keep reading to discover how you can enhance your images without spending a dime!
Key Takeaways
- Upscayl is a free and open-source AI image upscaler that can improve image quality up to 8x.
- You’ll need a Vulkan-compatible graphics card to use Upscayl, but it’s worth testing it out even if you’re unsure.
- Upscayl supports batch upscaling for multiple images, saving time for users with large image collections.
What is Upscayl and How Does It Work?
Upscayl is a free image upscaling tool that uses AI to enhance the quality of your images. It leverages advanced AI models, such as Real-ESRGAN, to analyze and improve the details of an image, making it look sharper and higher in resolution.
The tool is simple to use, and in just a few clicks, you can take a low-resolution image and upscale it to look like it was taken with a high-end camera. Whether you’re working with AI-generated images or just trying to fix an old, pixelated photo, Upscayl can deliver impressive results.
The Catch: Do You Need a Vulkan-Compatible Graphics Card?
The only downside to Upscayl is that you’ll need a dedicated Vulkan-compatible graphics card for it to work properly. Unfortunately, most integrated graphics cards or CPUs won’t cut it. However, there’s no harm in testing the software on your system; it just might work even if your setup isn’t ideal.
Downloading and Installing Upscayl
To get started with Upscayl, head over to their official website and download the version that matches your operating system. Installation is straightforward, and once you launch the app, you’ll be greeted with a simple interface.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main features and settings:
- Batch Upscale: This feature allows you to upscale multiple images at once, which is a huge time-saver if you have a folder full of images that need enhancing.
- Double Upscayl: If you want even higher quality, this option allows you to upscale images by 8x instead of the default 4x. However, this feature works best on lower-resolution images.
- Output Options: You can choose where to save your upscaled images, and even select the file format (PNG, JPG, or WEBP).
Once everything is set, just click on the Upscayl button, and let the software do its magic. For users with a powerful graphics card, the process will be pretty fast. For instance, an RTX 3060 12GB card can upscale an image 4x in less than a minute, and 8x in around two to three minutes.
How to Use Upscayl: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select an Image
Choose the image you want to enhance. This could be anything from an AI-generated picture to an old, blurry photo. For this guide, we used an AI image with a resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels.
2. Choose an Upscale Type
Upscayl offers different upscaling models. Play around with these to see what works best for your image. In this guide, we used the default model, but each type has its strengths. At the end of this post, you can check out some side-by-side comparisons of the different styles.
3. Double Upscayl for Even Better Results
If you want to double the resolution boost, use the Double Upscayl feature. This can upscale your image by 8x instead of the default 4x. However, this might not work as well on high-resolution images, so it’s best reserved for smaller images.
4. Save Your Upscaled Image
Select where you want the upscaled image to be saved. By default, Upscayl will save it in the same directory as the original, but you can choose a different folder if needed.
5. Advanced Options
Before starting the upscaling process, you can tweak a few advanced settings, such as changing the file format. If you’re unsure what to pick, PNG is generally a good all-rounder. You can also leave most of the advanced settings at their defaults if you’re not sure what to adjust.
6. Start Upscaling!
Once you’re ready, click the Upscayl button and let the software do its job. After the process is complete, you can compare the original and upscaled versions by dragging a slider across the image. You’ll be surprised at how much detail the AI was able to add!
Batch Upscaling: Save Time with Multiple Images
Upscayl also offers batch processing, which allows you to upscale entire folders of images at once. While you can’t use the Double Upscayl feature in batch mode, this is still a fantastic option if you need to enhance a large number of images quickly. The batch-processed images will be saved in a new folder, which makes organization a breeze.
Comparing Upscayl Styles: Which One Is Best?
We promised some comparisons, and here they are. Different upscaling styles can produce different results, depending on the type of image. Whether you need something subtle or a more dramatic enhancement, you can find the right style for your needs. Here are a few examples to give you an idea of what to expect.
Conclusion
Upscayl is an impressive AI-powered tool that offers a free and easy way to upscale your images, making them sharper and higher in resolution. Whether you’re enhancing AI-generated art or improving the quality of old, low-resolution photos, Upscayl delivers excellent results with minimal effort. It’s available on all major operating systems and is open-source, making it accessible to everyone with a Vulkan-compatible graphics card.
FAQs
1. Is Upscayl completely free to use?
Yes, Upscayl is 100% free and open-source.
2. Do I need a high-end graphics card to use Upscayl?
You’ll need a Vulkan-compatible graphics card. Most integrated GPUs or CPUs won’t work, but it’s worth testing on your system.
3. Can I upscale multiple images at once with Upscayl?
Yes, Upscayl supports batch upscaling, which allows you to process multiple images at once.
4. What file formats does Upscayl support?
You can save your upscaled images as PNG, JPG, or WEBP.
5. Can I use Upscayl on a Mac or Linux system?
Yes, Upscayl works on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
