Free tool · Fix & polish
Image Upscaler
Upscale a small or low-resolution headshot 2× or 4× in your browser using high-quality bicubic resampling. For best results pair the result with the Quality Checker. For real AI super-resolution that adds detail, run the photo through the AI Studio for a 2K Premium render.
Upscale factor
What this tool does (and doesn't)
This upscaler uses bicubic resampling — the same algorithm Photoshop's "Image Size" dialog uses on its default setting. It interpolates between existing pixels to make the photo physically bigger. It doesn't add new detail; if the source was blurry, the upscale will be blurry too.
For real detail recovery, you need a trained super-resolution model (Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN-Plus, Topaz Gigapixel). Those run on a GPU and cost real money per image. The cheapest path is to generate a fresh, larger headshot from your selfie in the AI Studio — the Master Studio tier renders at 2K natively.
When the upscaler is the right tool
- You have a 400 px LinkedIn profile photo and need a 1200 px version for a press kit.
- You have a 600 px headshot from a corporate photographer and want a 1200 px retina version for your team page.
- You have a great headshot but the source is a thumbnail your manager exported from Slack at 256 px.
When it isn't
- Source photo is already blurry or soft. Upscaling makes it bigger AND blurrier.
- You need print resolution from a 100-200 px source. Generate a new one in the Studio.
- You want to add detail that wasn't in the source. That's super-resolution, not upscaling.
Questions, answered
Image Upscaler — frequently asked questions
What's the difference between bicubic upscaling and AI super-resolution?
Bicubic upscaling interpolates between existing pixels — it makes the photo bigger but doesn't invent new detail. AI super-resolution (Real-ESRGAN, ESRGAN-Plus) uses a trained model to hallucinate plausible detail. AI is better but slower and requires either a GPU or a cloud round-trip.
Does this tool use AI?
No. It uses the browser's native Canvas drawImage with high-quality bicubic filtering. The advantage: zero download, zero cost, runs on any device. The trade-off: less detail recovery than a real super-res model.
When should I use this vs the AI Studio?
Use this when you already have a good headshot and just need it bigger. Use the AI Studio when the source is small AND the lighting / framing also needs help — the Studio generates a fresh 1024×1024 from one selfie.
Will 4× turn a 200 px thumbnail into a print-ready photo?
Not really. 4× upscaling on a 200 px source gives you an 800 px file that's still soft because the underlying detail isn't there. For print, generate a fresh 2K headshot in the AI Studio (Master Studio tier).
What's the maximum output size?
The tool caps at 4× to keep memory use reasonable on phones. A 1024 × 1024 source goes up to 4096 × 4096 — plenty for any print use.
Keep going
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Open toolWhen fixing isn't enough
Need a brand-new headshot instead?
Upload one selfie. Get three studio-quality AI headshots in about 60 seconds. Free, no signup, 100+ styles.
Open the AI Studio