How to Upscale AI Generated Images

Learn how to upscale AI generated images using specialized AI tools, Photoshop, and online services to improve resolution and quality.

1. Choose your upscaling method. Select between Real-ESRGAN for general purpose upscaling, waifu2x for anime-style images, or ESRGAN for photorealistic content. For convenience, use online services like Upscayl, Waifu2x.me, or AI Image Enlarger. Professional users should consider Topaz Gigapixel AI or Adobe Camera Raw's Super Resolution feature.
2. Install Real-ESRGAN locally. Download Real-ESRGAN from the official GitHub repository. Extract the files to a folder like C:\Real-ESRGAN. Open Command Prompt and navigate to the folder using cd C:\Real-ESRGAN. Verify installation by running realesrgan-ncnn-vulkan.exe without parameters to see the help menu.
3. Prepare your AI image file. Save your AI generated image in PNG or JPG format. Place the file in the Real-ESRGAN folder for easier command line access. Note the exact filename including extension. Ensure the image is the final version you want to upscale, as the process works best on clean, uncompressed images.
4. Run the upscaling command. Open Command Prompt in the Real-ESRGAN folder. Type realesrgan-ncnn-vulkan.exe -i input.jpg -o output.png -s 4 replacing input.jpg with your filename. Press Enter and wait for processing to complete. The -s 4 parameter creates a 4x larger image. Use -s 2 for 2x upscaling if file size is a concern.
5. Use online upscaling services. Visit Waifu2x.me or AI Image Enlarger for browser-based upscaling. Upload your AI image using the file picker. Select noise reduction level and upscaling factor. Click Start or Process to begin upscaling. Download the result when processing completes.
6. Apply Photoshop Super Resolution. Open Adobe Camera Raw and import your AI image. Right-click the image thumbnail and select Enhance. Check Super Resolution in the dialog box. Click Enhance to process the image. Adobe will create a new DNG file with 2x resolution. Open the enhanced file in Photoshop for further editing.
7. Optimize the upscaled result. Open the upscaled image in your preferred editor. Apply subtle sharpening using Unsharp Mask with Amount: 50%, Radius: 1.0, Threshold: 0. Adjust contrast and saturation if the upscaling process dulled the colors. Save in PNG format to preserve the enhanced quality.