The Complete Guide to Upscale an Image Without Photoshop

Part 1: 3 Methods: How to Upscale an Image without Photoshop

Method 1: Use PC Software to Enhance Images

1. Best Image Upscaler with HitPaw FotorPea

If you are looking for a better choice to upscale images without Photoshop, HitPaw FotorPea can be your go-to solution. It is a desktop software that focuses on AI image enhancement, which utilizes diverse AI models to restore the details of images, unblur images, raw denoise and reduce noise while converting a low-resolution image to high-resolution. Different from Photoshop, it can easily use generative enhancement to handle and repair the image details in one click. It offers a user-friendly interface, which is suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Features

• AI intelligent enhancer, supporting upscaling in 2K/4K / 8K
• Various AI models (face, upscale, portraits, restoration)
• Handles the low-light photos to reduce noise in one click
• Revives the faded photos effortlessly
• One-click enhancement, no need for complex parameters
• Supports batch processing
• Images can be exported in high-resolution
• Exports formats like JPG, PNG,WEBP,etc
• Suitable for scenarios such as photography, and old photo restoration

How to upscale an image using HitPaw FotorPea (Steps)

• 1. Install and open HitPaw FotorPea on the computer.


• 2. Click the "Enhance Now" button and import the images that need to be enhanced.

• 3. Select the appropriate AI model (such as face model, upscale model,etc).

• 4. Preview the effect and export high-resolution images.



2. Topaz Labs AI

Topaz Labs AI is a professional-level AI image enhancement tool for sharpening, denoising, and upscaling, widely used in post-processing of photography. Originally released as three standalone products-DeNoise AI, Sharpen AI, and Gigapixel AI-these capabilities have now been consolidated into Topaz Labs AI, offering a comprehensive solution for photographers looking for how to upscale images without Photoshop.



Pros

• Highlighting details naturally
• The AI has strong capabilities in noise reduction and sharpening
• Suitable for high-end photography users
• Get 10 free image renders upon signup with no watermarks

Cons

• The price is higher
• High requirements for computer configuration
• It can be a bit challenging for beginners to adjust the parameters
• Not allowed to batch image enhancement

How to upscale the image on Topaz Lab AI

• 1. Open Topaz AI website
• 2. Import an image to this tool
• 3. Select the "Enhance / Upscale" function to upscale your image
• 4. You can adjust the parameters and export the image

Method 2: Upscale Images Online

1. Canva

In addition to being a flexible design tool, Canva has the ability to enhance and scale images. Its upscaler expertly reconstructs missing pixels and recovers features to produce sharper, clearer photos, making it ideal for both print products and social media content creators.



Pros

• No installation required
• Enhance an image without loss of quality
• User-friendly interface
• Combining design and editing into one

Cons

• The high-definition zoom function is subject to a fee
• The amplification ability of AI is inferior to that of professional software
• The online tool need to sign up

How to upscale an image in Canva

• 1. Log in to the official website of Canva
• 2. Create a design and upload the image what you want to enhance
• 3. Adjust the size or use the "AI Image Upscaler" function
• 4. Export high-definition images

2. Bigjpg

Bigjpg is an online tool dedicated to image enlargement using AI technology. It is particularly suitable for anime and regular photos. The two main features of it are its straightforward user interface and free version.



Pros

• Free version available
• The anime has an excellent zooming effect
• The operation is simple
• Outdated UI

Cons

• The free version has a slow processing speed
• There are limitations on file size and resolution

How to upscale an image on Bigjpg

• 1. Visit the official website of Bigjpg
• 2. Upload an image to upscale
• 3. Select the magnification ratio and noise reduction level(2K/4K)
• 4. Wait for processing and download

Method 3: Mobile Apps to Upscale Images

1. Pixelup

Pixelup is a mobile application designed to enhance image quality, particularly by restoring old photos and enlarging images using AI technology. It's ideal for users looking to improve the quality of blurry or aged photos, with a focus on restoring vintage portraits.



Pros

• Extremely simple to use
• Suitable for restoring blurry portraits
• Support enhancement of old photos

Cons

• The free version has watermarks
• Advanced features require subscription
• Only for iPhone

How to upscale an image with Pixelup on your iPhone

• 1. Install Pixelup on your iPhone
• 2. Upload the photo
• 3. Click "AI Enhance" to upscale your image
• 4. Save high-definition images on your smartphone

2. PicsArt

PicsArt is a versatile image editing app that also supports basic clarity enhancement. While it's well-known for its comprehensive editing features, it also provides simple tools to improve clarity and sharpen images, making it a convenient tool for casual users and social media enthusiasts.



Pros

• The editing function is very comprehensive
• Convenient for social sharing

Cons

• The amplification effect is limited in a professional sense
• Only allows to download the low-re image online
• Cannot support bulk photo enhancement

Steps to upscale an image on PicsArt

• 1. Open PicsArt website and find the image upscaler
• 2. Upload an image to do it
• 3. Upscale the image for low resolution (free)
• 4. Export the image on your computer

Part 2: FAQs of Upscale an Image

Q1: Can I truly upscale an image without losing quality?

Yes, AI-powered image upscaling tools are better than traditional methods, and they attempt to minimize quality loss by using machine learning algorithms to add details and smooth out rough edges. These AI tools can "predict" the missing details and use patterns from similar images to enhance the picture.

Q2: How to improve image quality for free?

Improving image quality can be done without spending money, though the results may not be as high-end as using premium tools. Here are a few practical steps and free tools you can use like Bigjgp, PicsArt, etc. But they only allow to upscale the lower quality of the image.

Q3: Will enlarging an image definitely not cause distortion?

Theoretically, any enlargement will result in information loss. However, AI enlargement tools like HitPaw FotorPea can reconstruct details through algorithms, significantly reducing the blurriness visually. It can significantly enhance the image quality to 4k/8k.

Conclusion

Upscaling images without Photoshop used to be a challenging task. Today, we can accurately upscale images and preserve their original texture through these newly emerging AI tools, like HitPaw FotorPea makes image upscaling simple and accessible. It not only upscales your photos while preserving quality but also offers a range of practical features to meet your different needs.