Image Upscale

Image Upscale

Image Upscale improves the quality and resolution of bitmap images using AI. It can make low-resolution photographs and graphics appear clearer, sharper, and more suitable for enlargement or high-quality printing.

The image keeps the same physical size and position in the document; only its pixel resolution and visual detail are enhanced.

This feature can be found in Editor -> Image -> Upscale Image and Workflow > Document
Available from V20206.2.1 

Settings

  • Static / Variable
    Use Static to apply the same settings to every job. Use Variable when the settings need to be supplied dynamically by the workflow.

  • Model
    Select the enhancement style that best matches the artwork.
    Ultrasharp, shown above, is recommended for photographs and natural images where additional sharpness is required.

  • Double processing
    Performs additional image analysis that may improve fine details. It also increases processing time, so enable it only when the extra quality is needed.

  • Scale
    Determines how much the image resolution is increased. A higher value creates more pixels and can provide better results when the image will be enlarged or printed at high resolution. Higher values also require more processing time and memory.

  • Tile Size
    Controls how large images are divided during processing. Leave this at 0 for normal use. If processing fails because the graphics card has insufficient memory, try a smaller tile size such as 256 or 512.

  • GPU ID
    Selects the graphics card used for processing. Leave this at 0 when the computer has only one GPU.

  • Threads – Load, Process and Save
    Controls how many tasks can run during each processing stage. The default values of 1 / 4 / 4 are suitable for most systems.

Guidelines on what setting to use

Model

  • Digital Art: Best for illustrations, rendered graphics, posters and artwork with defined shapes.
  • Ultramix: A good alternative for mixed artwork containing illustrations, textures and some photographic elements.
  • Standard: Use when Digital Art makes the result look too artificial.
  • Ultrasharp: Usually avoid for flat graphics because it can exaggerate outlines and introduce halos.

Choosing the scale

Large-format printing often requires fewer pixels because it is viewed from farther away:

  • Scale 2: The source is only slightly below the required resolution.
  • Scale 4: Recommended starting point for most large-format artwork.
  • Scale 8: Reserve for very small or low-resolution sources. Inspect carefully for invented details and distorted edges.

As a practical guide, aim for approximately:

  • 150–200 ppi for close-view displays
  • 100–150 ppi for signs viewed from a few metres
  • 30–75 ppi for very large displays viewed from a significant distance

Very large images

Leave Tile Size at 0 initially. If processing fails or the GPU runs out of memory, try:

  1. 512
  2. 256
  3. 128 for exceptionally large files

Smaller tiles use less GPU memory but take longer to process.

Important limitation

Do not use Image Upscale as a substitute for vector artwork. Logos, small text, barcodes, QR codes and precise line art should remain vector whenever possible. Enhancement can change letter shapes, line thicknesses and sharp corners. Always inspect those elements at the intended print size before production.

Alert

Note

The enhanced file should look sharper and retain more detail when viewed closely or printed at a larger size. Image Upscale cannot recover every detail missing from a poor source image, and very high settings may make edges or textures appear unnaturally sharp. For important production work, check the result at the intended print size.