FREE Image Upscaler (with premium up to x16!!)
Howto & Style
Introduction
For some time now, I have been receiving numerous requests regarding image upscalers. People want to know which one I use and which one I love the most! After testing various tools over the past few months, I found that many of them produced pixelated results. I recently came across Big JPG, an image upscaling tool that impressed me, so I decided to create a review.
Getting Started with Big JPG
I’ll demonstrate how to use Big JPG while only showing my screen, as I just woke up and didn’t have time to prepare. The interface is straightforward; you simply select an image. This time, I’ll be using an illustration of a cute, smart kawaii cow generated by Lexii.
The current size of the image is 1664 by 2344 pixels and weighs 235 KB. Let's begin the upscaling process! Big JPG asks whether the image is a photo or artwork — in this case, it’s artwork. With the free version, you can upscale the image up to four times its original size.
I selected a high noise reduction preset, as this image is vector-style and doesn’t require much noise reduction. Upon clicking "OK," the process took about 3.5 minutes. The upscaled image now weighs 1.95 MB and has a size of 6656 by 9261 pixels.
Comparing the Results
To compare results, I’ll zoom into both the original and the upscaled version of the image. You can clearly see the pixelation in the original, while the upscaled version remains sharp and clear.
It’s worth noting that the upscaled image has a DPI of 72, which might worry some people, as they believe that 300 DPI is essential. However, because the pixel size is large enough, a lower DPI can still yield satisfactory results.
Upscaling a Photo
Next, I’ll test the upscaling feature with a photo I took in Bansko. Since the photo exceeds the upload limit of 3000 pixels, I will manually resize it. This photo was captured using an iPhone 12 mini, known for its excellent camera quality.
After resizing, I uploaded the photo, selected it as a photo, and started the process. The original photo was 2.98 MB with dimensions of 2250 by 3000 pixels. Once processed, the upscaled image measures an astonishing 9000 by 12,000 pixels!
When I compare the original photo with its upscaled version, it's evident that the latter covers much more area, making it suitable for larger prints. In terms of quality, the upscaled image has a different feel; it almost looks like an oil painting rather than a traditional photograph.
Pricing and Usage
Big JPG offers a free plan that allows users to process up to 20 images per month, albeit at a slower speed. A paid subscription of $ 22 covers one year, enabling users to upload larger images (up to 5 MB) and perform 2000 upscales each month. There are also alternative plans, such as $ 12 for six months or a two-month plan for $ 6, providing ample options depending on your needs.
I find that for artists, photographers, or anyone working with digital illustrations, this tool gives significant value, especially if you're preparing designs for merchandise.
Conclusion
Big JPG, a free tool offering premium upscaling options, has impressed me with its capabilities. Whether you’re looking to upscale illustrations or photographs, it provides satisfactory results to produce quality images for print or digital use.
Keywords
- Image Upscaler
- Big JPG
- Free Plan
- Premium
- Image Quality
- DPI
- Vector Illustrations
- Photo Resolution
FAQ
Q: What is Big JPG, and what does it do?
A: Big JPG is an online image upscaling tool that enhances the resolution of images, allowing users to upscale artwork and photos without losing quality.
Q: Is Big JPG free to use?
A: Yes, Big JPG offers a free plan that allows users to process a limited number of images per month.
Q: Are there any premium options available?
A: Yes, Big JPG offers multiple premium plans that allow for more uploads, higher limits on file size, and faster processing times.
Q: What file types does Big JPG support?
A: Big JPG supports various image file types, including JPG, PNG, and more.
Q: Does upscaling an image affect its DPI?
A: Yes, upscaling can change the DPI of an image, but a low DPI, such as 72, can still yield good results if the pixel size is sufficiently large.
