Enhance Pixelated Images with Photoshop: Convert Low to High Resolution

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Misconception about Converting Low Resolution Photos into High Resolution
3. The Importance of Preserved Details in Photoshop
4. Enabling Preserved Details 2.0 Upscale Feature
5. Increasing the Resolution of an Image
6. Understanding Image Size and Pixels
7. Adjusting the Resolution
8. Reducing Noise in the Image
9. Applying the Changes and Examining the Results
10. Taking It Further: Adding High Pass Filter for Sharpening
11. Comparing the Before and After Results
12. Conclusion

Converting Low Resolution Photos into High Resolution: Myth vs Reality

In this tutorial, I will guide You through the process of converting your low resolution photos into high resolution ones. There have been many misconceptions about how to accomplish this, and one of the most common suggestions is to convert the image into a smart object. However, this does not actually change the resolution of the image itself, as it merely preserves the original pixels. In order to truly enhance the resolution of your photos, we will explore a different technique in Adobe Photoshop.

The Misconception about Converting Low Resolution Photos into High Resolution

Before we Delve into the actual process, let's address the misconception that converting an image into a smart object can magically increase its resolution. While it is true that using smart objects can help preserve the original details of an image, it does not fundamentally change the resolution. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the correct approach to achieve a higher resolution for your photos.

The Importance of Preserved Details in Photoshop

To begin the process of enhancing the resolution of your low resolution photos, we first need to enable a specific feature in Adobe Photoshop called "Preserved Details 2.0 Upscale." This feature ensures that any adjustments we make to the image will preserve its original details, resulting in a higher resolution outcome.

Enabling Preserved Details 2.0 Upscale Feature

To activate the Preserved Details 2.0 Upscale feature, follow these steps:

1. Open Photoshop and go to the Preferences menu.
2. Scroll down and select "Technology Preview."
3. Look for the option to enable "Preserved Details 2.0 Upscale" and click on it.
4. Click "OK" to Apply the changes.

By enabling this option, Photoshop will preserve the details of the image throughout the resolution enhancement process.

Increasing the Resolution of an Image

Now that we have enabled the necessary feature, let's proceed to increase the resolution of the low resolution photo. This step is crucial in achieving a higher quality and more detailed image.

Understanding Image Size and Pixels

Before we Continue, it is essential to grasp the concept of image size and pixels. When we refer to resolution, We Are primarily concerned with the number of pixels in an image. By increasing the resolution, we are essentially adding more pixels, which leads to a sharper and more defined image.

Adjusting the Resolution

To increase the resolution of the image, follow these steps:

1. Go to the "Image" menu in Photoshop.
2. Select "Image Size" to open the dialog box.
3. In the dialog box, change the measurement unit from percent to pixels.
4. Locate the section that displays the Current image size and resolution.
5. Determine the longest side of the image, which is usually the Height.
6. Increase the resolution to a value that aligns with your desired output. For example, aiming for around 3000 pixels is a good starting point.
7. Click "OK" to confirm the changes.

Adjusting the resolution will effectively enhance the details and reduce the pixelation in your low resolution photo.

Reducing Noise in the Image

After increasing the resolution, it is common to encounter some noise or unwanted artifacts in the image. To combat this, we can utilize the noise reduction feature in Photoshop.

Applying the Changes and Examining the Results

After adjusting the resolution and reducing noise, it is time to examine the results. Comparing the before and after versions of the image will demonstrate the effectiveness of the process in converting a low resolution photo into a high resolution one.

Taking It Further: Adding High Pass Filter for Sharpening

If you want to further enhance the sharpness of your image, you can take the process one step further by utilizing the high pass filter in Photoshop. This technique is optional but can significantly improve the overall Clarity of your photo.

Comparing the Before and After Results

To fully appreciate the transformation, it is essential to compare the original, low resolution image with the final, high resolution version. Examining both images side by side will allow you to see the significant improvements in Detail and quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, converting low resolution photos into high resolution ones is a process that involves enabling the Preserved Details 2.0 Upscale feature in Adobe Photoshop and adjusting the image's resolution. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can effectively enhance the resolution of your images and achieve higher quality results. Remember to experiment with the settings and apply additional filters to fine-tune the final outcome. Enjoy the newfound clarity and detail in your photos!