Have you ever had a low-resolution photo that you wanted to use but the quality just wasn’t good enough? Don’t worry! While you can’t turn a low-res image into a perfect high-res photo, you can still improve it significantly. Thanks to Adobe Photoshop CC, you can make your pictures look much better with just a few simple tweaks.
What is Resolution?
Resolution is the amount of detail an image holds. The more pixels (tiny colored dots) an image has, the clearer and smoother it looks. Fewer pixels mean a blurry or pixelated image.
There are two main types of images:
- Raster Graphics: Made of pixels.
- Vector Graphics: Made of lines and shapes (these aren’t relevant to our topic).
While you can’t truly add more pixels to a low-res image, you can fake it by enlarging existing pixels using Photoshop’s smart tools. The results might not be perfect but will look way better.
Best Software to Improve Image Resolution
When it comes to upgrading image resolution, not all software is created equal. Adobe Photoshop CC stands out because it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance images.
Note: Photoshop CC versions from 2018 onwards come with AI-powered tools like Preserve Details 2.0 that make this process super easy. If you’re using an older version (like Photoshop CS6), consider upgrading to access these advanced features.
Methods to Convert Low to High-Resolution Images
There are two main methods to improve image resolution:
Method 1: Using Photoshop’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The first process is pretty simple if you are using an option called “Preserve Detail 2.0”. Photoshop CC2018 has the feature built-in. And, you can have the facility in any version forward. So, if you are using Photoshop CC2018, you can do it easily.
For this method, we are using an image of a baby that I have downloaded from pixabay.com. The size of the image is only 300X209 pixels. We will try to improve the resolution to make a better view. However, if your image has better pixels, you will have a better result of course.
Step 1: Location of Preserve Details 2.0
To see ‘Preserve Details 2.0’, first go to Image>Image size. See the above image. You will find several settings options to modify. If you do not have the option here by default, you need to go to another location. So, go to Edit>Preferences>Technology Previews.
In the window, select ‘Technology Previews’ from the tree. Then, check the box beside the ‘Enable Preserve Details 2.0 Upscale’. Press OK to continue. Now if you go to Edit>Image size, you will find the option as previewed on the image before.
Step 2: Settings
In the Image Size window, set the width to your desired size (e.g., 4000 pixels). The height will adjust automatically. Check the Resample box and select Preserve Details 2.0 from the dropdown. Adjust the Reduce Noise slider (try 20% as a starting point).
Step 3: Save
To save the file as JPG, go to File>Save As and select file extension JPEG. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Command+Shift+S for Win/MAC to reach ‘Save As’. You can also keep a copy in PSD format if you have a plan to edit it further.
Method 2: Black & White Image by Editing
This method works best if your image only has two colors (e.g., black on white). It’s perfect for simple designs but won’t work well with colorful or gradient images.
Step 1: Making A Copy of The Image
Here we are using an image in black color on a white background. The dimension of this image is only 300X202 pixels. To see before and after the difference better first, we will make a copy. Use Ctrl/Command for Win/MAC to make a copy of the original image.
Step 2: Using Complementary Color
If you have an image in black color, it is better to take the background white. You can take another color too. But, it looks better black on white while working. You can take a solid-colored adjustment layer in white and place it below the original image layer.
Step 3: Increasing Image Size
Increasing image size is a common step for the whole procedure. Like before, go to Image>Image size and input a higher number. You can do it accordingly for the operation. But this time we will choose the Resample option ‘Automatic’. Hit OK to continue.
Step 4: Blurring the Image
Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur. Click on the image to choose a more uneven area. Take the slider to the left and gradually move to the right. At the point when most of the edges become smooth, stop. For the image, we are using a value of 5.5 pixels. Click OK to continue.
Step 5: Correcting the Edges
Now we have a blurred image that needs correction. So, we will add a Curve adjustment layer and make adjustments for the best view. Do not overdo any of the sliders as the result may become cracked.
So, stop adjusting at the moment when you have a sharp edge with a comparatively plain view. At this point, we are done, and no need to go further. Save the image according to the instructions of the previous method.
Conclusion
Improving the resolution of a low-res image might not make it perfect, but it can make it usable. With Photoshop CC’s AI-powered features, you can get impressive results in just a few clicks. Stay tuned for more tips, including how to enhance low-resolution videos soon!