Tired of watching your edits fall apart under scrutiny once you need to adjust their size for prints? We know your pain; it’s something every photographer and editor has to go through.

Sharpening up resolution used to be a tedious process with a lot of guesswork (and eventual compromises), but today’s tools have broken new ground. With AI-powered software like ON1 Resize AI, improving image resolution is no longer a painstaking task—it’s a smart, efficient workflow upgrade. This guide will walk you through how to breathe new life and increase the resolution of your images for professional-level results.

What’s the Deal With Image Resolution?

Image resolution is the foundation of every photo’s clarity, detail, and overall quality. It’s typically measured in pixels (the tiny dots that make up an image) or DPI (dots per inch, used for print output). While a high-resolution image maintains its clarity across sizes, low-resolution photos struggle when upscaled, leading to frustrating issues like blurry edges or pixelation.

Why does this matter?

Resolution directly impacts the quality of prints and digital displays. A photo that looks decent on a smartphone might fall apart when stretched to fit a larger screen or printed on a poster. If you’ve ever zoomed in on an image only to see jagged blocks instead of smooth details, you’ve experienced the limits of resolution firsthand.

The Rise of AI Image Enhancements

The arrival of AI-driven technology has revolutionized how photographers and editors tackle low-resolution images. Unlike traditional methods that rely on basic interpolation to upscale images, AI-powered tools ON1 Resize AI analyze an image on a deeper level, using machine learning to predict and generate missing details with stunning accuracy. This leap in technology enables results that were once impossible with manual methods alone. Here’s how:

  • Detail Recovery: AI algorithms intelligently add sharpness and texture, creating clean edges and realistic detail in upscaled images.
  • Artifact Reduction: AI reduces pixelation and blocky artifacts, ensuring smooth transitions and a natural look.
  • Efficiency: Automated workflows mean less time spent tweaking settings and more time producing high-quality images.
  • Scalability: AI tools handle extreme upscaling scenarios, making them ideal for large-format printing or restoring heavily cropped images.
  • Noise Management: Many AI solutions integrate noise reduction, cleaning up grainy images while enhancing resolution.

How to fix low-resolution photos

How to Increase the Resolution of an Image with ON1 Resize AI

Increasing image resolution with ON1 Resize AI is a straightforward process that delivers impressive, professional-quality results in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

  • Import Your Image: Start by opening your image in ON1 Resize AI.
  • Set Your Desired Resolution: Select the output dimensions for your image. ON1 Resize AI offers presets for popular print sizes, such as 8×10 or 24×36 inches, as well as customizable options. You can also adjust DPI settings to ensure your image meets the standards for print or digital use.
  • Apply AI-Powered Enhancements: The AI-driven algorithms will analyze your image, adding detail where necessary and enhancing textures for a natural, polished look. Features like detail recovery and noise reduction ensure your upscaled image retains clarity and realism.
  • Preview and Fine-Tune: Use the real-time preview to assess the changes. If needed, tweak additional settings like sharpness, grain, or texture to match your desired aesthetic. ON1 Resize AI makes it easy to balance enhancements without introducing artifacts or overprocessing.
  • Export Your Image: Once satisfied with the results, export your image in the format and size best suited for your project. ON1 Resize AI supports a variety of file types, ensuring compatibility with print services and digital platforms.

With an intuitive interface and cutting-edge AI technology, we’ve made it simple to eliminate the guesswork and frustration of traditional upscaling methods. Whether you need to print a gallery-sized masterpiece or restore an old, low-resolution photo, it’s the ultimate tool to bring your vision to life.

See the New AI Face Recovery Tech in ON1 Resize AI

The latest Resize AI update introduces a machine-learning model that enhances small faces with realistic detail, ideal for old group photos or isolating a single subject. This feature virtually reconstructs faces with natural textures and lets you adjust strength or toggle it on/off for each face to blend seamlessly with the original image.

How to increase resolution of image in Photoshop

How to Increase the Resolution of an Image in Photoshop (and How It Compares to ON1 Resize AI)

Photoshop has long been the go-to tool for increasing image resolution, offering several methods to resize and enhance images. While capable, even their new AI-driven approach requires more manual effort and won’t always deliver results on par with other modern AI-driven tools. Check it out:

  • Open Your Image in Photoshop: Start by loading the image you want to upscale. Ensure it’s saved in a high-quality format, like RAW or TIFF, to preserve as much detail as possible.
  • Go to Image Size: Navigate to Image > Image Size to open the resizing dialog box. Here, you’ll adjust the dimensions and resolution.
  • Enable Resampling: Check the “Resample” box to allow Photoshop to add new pixels. From the dropdown, select Preserve Details 2.0, Photoshop’s most advanced upscaling algorithm.
  • Adjust Resolution and Dimensions: Input the desired resolution (e.g., 300 DPI for print) and the target width and height. Photoshop will upscale the image using its interpolation algorithm.
  • Fine-tune with Sharpening: After resizing, use tools like Unsharp Mask or Smart Sharpen to enhance edges and reduce softness caused by upscaling.

How Photoshop Compares to ON1 Resize AI

When comparing Photoshop’s software to the AI-driven technology of ON1 Resize AI, their differences become immediately apparent:

  • Detail Recovery: Photoshop’s Preserve Details 2.0 does a decent job of smoothing edges and reducing noise, but it lacks the deep-learning capabilities of ON1 Resize AI. ON1’s AI image enhancement actively rebuilds textures and details, delivering sharper, more realistic results.
  • Ease of Use: Photoshop requires manual adjustments and multiple steps to achieve acceptable results. ON1 Resize AI automates these processes, making it more accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • Artifact Reduction: ON1 Resize AI minimizes pixelation and jagged edges far more effectively than Photoshop’s traditional interpolation methods, especially when working with extreme enlargements.
  • Specialized Features: ON1 Resize AI offers presets for popular print sizes, batch processing, and integrated noise reduction, which are not native to Photoshop’s resizing workflow.

While Photoshop remains a powerful tool for general editing, ON1 Resize AI is purpose-built for upscaling and enhancing images with cutting-edge AI technology. For photographers looking to fix low-resolution photos with minimal effort and maximum quality, ON1 Resize AI is the superior choice.

Experience Resolution Redefined with ON1 Resize AI

Transforming low-resolution images into stunning, high-quality visuals doesn’t have to be complicated. With ON1 Resize AI, you get cutting-edge tools that make enhancing resolution intuitive, precise, and fast.

Whether you’re printing large formats or revitalizing old photos, it’s the smart choice for photographers who demand exceptional results. See what’s possible—explore the power of Resize AI with a free trial today.

Get Your 30-Day Free Resize AI Trial

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Fix Low-Resolution Photos

For more tips and answers on fixing low-resolution photos, explore our FAQ section, where we’ve compiled the most common questions and expert insights.

Can I use ON1 Resize AI to fix scanned images?

Yes! Scanned images, especially from older prints, often lack detail or clarity. ON1 Resize AI can enhance these photos by reducing noise, improving textures, and increasing resolution for a restored, professional-quality appearance.

Will fixing resolution affect an image’s file size?

Increasing resolution typically increases the file size, as more pixel data is added. However, ON1 Resize AI optimizes this process, balancing high-quality results with manageable file sizes suitable for digital and print purposes.

What causes a photo to be low-resolution?

Low-resolution photos often result from low-quality cameras, excessive cropping, or saving images in formats that heavily compress data (like specific JPEG settings). These factors reduce pixel density, limiting the image’s ability to display sharp details, especially when enlarged.