home › Problems › We enlarge the image without losing quality. How to enlarge a photo without noticeable loss for printing Increasing image resolution without losing quality

We enlarge the image without losing quality. How to enlarge a photo without noticeable loss for printing Increasing image resolution without losing quality

It is clear that not all modern mobile gadgets or digital cameras have a powerful enough matrix to take photographs in large sizes that could be displayed on innovative television panels or ultra-high-resolution monitors. This is where the question arises of how to enlarge a photo without losing quality.

Prerequisites for photo enlargement

As is already clear, not every photograph or image can be enlarged while preserving entry level quality. Apparently, the question of how to increase the size of a photo without losing quality is very resource-intensive, because the reverse process of decreasing, on the contrary, only increases the quality.

It is worth noting here that not all applications, programs or applets are designed to perform such operations. In addition, it is worth paying special attention to the type of file and graphics present in it. If the file is converted and saved using raster image conversion, you don't even have to try to perform such actions. The question of how you can enlarge a photo without losing quality will remain unanswered.

It's another matter if you mean a simple increase in scale when viewing. There is nothing complicated here.

Initial image characteristics

First, let's turn to standard graphic image viewer programs.

As a rule, each software product of this type allows you to solve the problem of how to enlarge a photo without losing quality, using a standard zoom slider or (as in the case of a standard Windows viewer or some other programs) a special tool in the form of a magnifying glass with a plus sign inside the icon.

Some details

True, there are some nuances here. For example, in Windows (relating specifically to the question of how to increase the size of a photo without losing quality in terms of normal scaling), similar actions can be performed to a certain limit. It is clear that not all photographs, even with the original (standard) resolution of 72 dpi, can be enlarged indefinitely.

Along the way, it’s worth adding that the problem of how to enlarge a photo without losing quality directly depends on what the initial size, resolution, or even color depth of the original image is. It is probably already clear to many that the smaller the initial image, the more difficult it will be to convert it in terms of changing the size or resolution to a larger size. You can, of course, try, but, as a rule, nothing good comes of it.

How to enlarge a photo without losing quality: algorithm

Now a few words about how it will happen this process. In principle, algorithms that allow you to understand or at least imagine how to enlarge a photo without losing quality come down to several basic aspects.

First of all, this is determining the type of image. In the case of a raster image, the enlargement will occur only in terms of the pixel grid. This doesn't suit us. IN vector graphics everything is different. By moving or removing layers you can achieve a much better result. But that's not all.

Some programs like Asampoo Photo Optimizer do things a little differently. They first perform color correction, then change the darkness or lightness of the image at the edges and inside, after which they improve the quality of the photo by stretching the overall histogram.

Naturally, for tasks related to how to enlarge a photo without losing quality, you can also use universal packages like Adobe Photoshop, which, by the way, is absolutely indifferent to what type of graphics is currently used.

What program to enlarge photos without losing quality

As for programs for processing photos from this angle, you don’t have to go far. Regular applications such as Paint or "Picture Manager", included in standard Windows installation packages and Microsoft Office of any version, they cope with this without any difficulty. Another thing is that the increase in this case can be carried out to certain limits.

It’s better to use the universal utility Benvista PhotoZoom. Although it is not on a par with Photoshop, it nevertheless “spits” it in some functions. In Photoshop, it is recommended to enlarge an image by no more than 10% without losing quality. The same program involves solving the problem of how to enlarge a photo without losing quality using an indicator that reaches up to 50%, that is, almost one and a half times the original size.

Actually, the application looks much simpler in operation than many professional utilities, and the question of how to enlarge a photo without losing quality is simply solved. The advantage of this utility is not only that it can convert sizes without loss of quality, but also that there are two main windows, one of which shows a preview, and the second displays the photo in its actual size (or part of the size , visible on the screen). This is convenient in the sense that you can always examine the magnification in detail and, if necessary, change the parameters.

Interestingly, when scaling, the indicator can reach 400%, but when saving, the original settings will be used. If desired, you can choose an algorithm for changing the image, but, as practice shows, the built-in S-Spline Max system gives the most tangible and high-quality result.

Conclusion

In principle, when using any method, you can go into its parameters and select those that most closely correspond to the process that is supposed to be launched. Even the standard set offers any entry-level user or professional a fairly comprehensive list of capabilities. Naturally, for those who have at least a little knowledge of photo editing or graphic images, there is a fairly flexible system for changing settings, applying custom filters, and finally, a complete rejection of automation with setting the necessary parameters and settings in manual mode. In general, there is something to work on.

You can, of course, use online services, but I think that for the most part they will not give the expected result.

At some point you may have a question about how to enlarge a photo without loss for printing. After all, when you enlarge an image, resolution is lost, which will affect printing. I might suggest increasing the size of a cropped image using a product called Genuine Fractals 6. Since I have had experience with Genuine Fractals in the past and have used it for some projects, I decided to write a short article about professional photo enlargement for printing, and in addition make comparative characteristics between magnification tools - Photoshop and Genuine Fractals 6 Pro.

1. What size is suitable for printing?

One of the most asked questions by photographers who don't have very much experience with the printing process is how much big size you can print images from their mirror digital camera. Traditionally, the rule is to divide the image's pixel width by 300 to get the best quality printable size in inches. For example, if you are shooting with a Nikon D90, the image resolution will be 4.288 (width) x 2.848 (height). Literally, this means that it has 4,288 horizontal pixels and 2,848 vertical pixels on the image sensor. If you multiply these numbers, you get 12,212,224 pixels or 12.2 megapixels - the total number of pixels available on the sensor. So in the above case of the D90, dividing 4.288 and 2.848 by 300 gives a print size of 14.3 x 9.5 inches. Why do we divide by 300 and what does this number mean? This number represents "DPI" (dots per inch) or "PPI" (pixels per inch), and means how many dots/pixels per inch the printer will print on paper. The higher the number of "dots" per square inch, the more tightly and closely spaced the dots will be, resulting in a smoother transition and less space between dots and, ultimately, less "grain". 300 dpi produces magazine-quality prints, while lower values below 150 produce grainy and fuzzy printed images.

Given the above information, how large can your Nikon D90 print be? Now that you know what DPI means, the first question to ask is how good the quality of the print will be.

Take a look at the following table:

Nikon D90 12.2Mp 300 DPI(highest quality) – 14.3″ x 9.5″

Nikon D90 12.2Mp 240 DPI (good quality) – 17.9″ x 11.9″

Nikon D90 12.2Mp 200 DPI(medium quality) – 21.4″ x 14.2″

Nikon D90 12.2Mp 150 DPI(low quality) – 28.6″ x 19″

If you want the highest quality photo for magazine publication at 300 DPI, you could easily print a full size standard 8″ x 10″ and can even afford to crop it to fit the page perfectly, or print a custom size to 14.3″ x 9.5. ″. Some professional photographers print at 240 DPI and find it sufficient for the work they are selling, so you might want to go a little lower. However, quality below 240 DPI is unacceptable for photographers due to loss of quality and "softness" or "blurriness" (if the image is not resized correctly).

So does this mean you're limited to those small prints taken with a DSLR? What if you want to hang your beautiful photo in a 24″ x 36″ frame? This is where proper image resizing can help you achieve great results.

Printing a photograph in the days of film was quite easy - photographers already knew the print size of 35mm or medium format film and it was easy to know what size the printed photograph would be without much loss of detail or sharpness. With the invention of digital photography, things are now different, sometimes more complex with all this DPI/PPI language and resizing options with different algorithms. New achievements in the field digital processing now allow you to make much larger prints with minimal loss of quality and detail. Let's take a look at the two most commonly used image enlargement methods used by professionals.

2. Enlarge images usingAdobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is the most popular graphics program used to enlarge images. The tool for enlarging images in Photoshop is called Image Size and is available in the top navigation menu Image -> Image Size. When you open your photo and go to Image Size, you'll see something like this:

The original width and height indicate the size of the image loaded into Photoshop. In the example above, I took a 1024 x 768 photo and quadrupled it by changing the width to 4096 (the height changes automatically since I selected the "Keep Aspect Ratio" option). Since I increased the size, the middle section indicates that if I print this photo at 240 DPI, I will end up with a size of 17.067″ x 12.8″. If I change the 240 to 300 DPI, the print settings drop to 13.653″ x 10.24″ while maintaining the same image size.

Let's move on to a real example and see what happens when you enlarge a photo with using Photoshop. I chose a photo of a bird that I took a little earlier this year:

Camera settings NIKON D3S @ 300mm, ISO 1400, 1/1600, f/7.1

It has a lot of detail and is very sharp, so it's a great example to test. This is what the image looks like at 400% scale:

As you can see, it's "pixelated", which means it has a lot of squares. This happens because the original image is made up of pixels and when the size is increased, the only thing the computer can do is increase the number of pixels that represent one pixel. In the example above, approximately 4 pixels now represent a single pixel because the image is viewed at 400% scale, hence "pixelated". If you did the same for print, it wouldn't look good with all those squares. To deal with this problem, Adobe has come up with several image interpolation algorithms that convert square pixels and provide a smooth transition for both increasing and decreasing image size. However, Adobe strongly recommends not increasing the size of the photo, as the extra pixels are created by analyzing adjacent pixels and choosing a middle color for a smooth transition, which results in blurred details. Take a look at the following image, which was enlarged using Photoshop and the Bicubic interpolation algorithm (smooth gradients):

As you can see, the pixel boundaries have disappeared and have a smooth transition. However, the edges are too smooth and the image has lost the sharpness that was present in the original image. This is not very noticeable if you look at photos from far away, but if you look very close, the lack of sharpness will be obvious. After increasing the size, you can manually add some sharpening, but do this very carefully, as this manipulation can make the image unnatural.

3. Enlarge images usingGenuine Fractals 6

A fairly popular tool among photographers for increasing image size is OnOne Software’s Genuine Fractals 6 Professional – advanced software For professional photographers, designed specifically for enlarging photographs to very large and gigantic sizes. Compared to Photoshop, it has a more complex algorithm that not only analyzes nearby pixels but also does a decent job of preserving the sharpness and detail of the image. This is what it looks like:

Using Genuine Fractals 6 is very simple - all you have to do is enter new dimensions for the image or select dimensions from the Document Size panel, and the program will automatically enlarge it and crop it to the specified dimensions. For more control over transitions, the program allows you to select the image type using the Texture Control panel:

As you can see, I chose "Lots of Detail" because I wanted to maintain as much detail as possible for the feathers and other areas. Here's how Genuine Fractals transformed the image after I clicked Apply:

NIKON D3S @ 300mm, ISO 1400, 1/1600, f/7.1

Now compare the enlarged image in Photoshop and in Genuine Fractals 6 Pro:

Note the abundance of blur in Photoshop (right) and the relatively well-preserved detail in Genuine Fractals (left). And this without using additional sharpening in Genuine Fractals!

4. Enlarge images usingBenVista PhotoZoom Pro

Another software package that is very similar in functionality to Genuine Fractals is Benvista PhotoZoom Pro. This is what this product looks like:

And here is the same image processed in PhotoZoom:

NIKON D3S @ 300mm, ISO 1400, 1/1600, f/7.1

Compared to Genuine Fractals:

BenVista PhotoZoom seems to maintain sharpness a little better than Genuine Fractals, especially where the feathers are. I used the proprietary "S-Spline Max" algorithm to get the above result and selected the "Photo Detail" preset.

5. Conclusions

If you're thinking about printing your images in large format, you don't have to be limited by the number of pixels on your camera's sensor. As I showed above, you can enlarge images to the desired size using tools and algorithms provided by different manufacturers. I'm sure there are other products on the market that can provide similar results, so definitely give them a chance and see what works best for you. If you want professional-quality prints, you may want to consider investing in some great tools like Genuine Fractals 6 Pro or BenVista PhotoZoom, which will allow you to do large format printing and at the same time preserve the details as much as possible.

Good day, faithful readers and guests of the blog! Today's article is a short tutorial that will explain to you how to enlarge a photo without losing quality on your computer. To do this, I have attached some instructions on how to resize an image in Photoshop and Paint.NET.

In addition to this, I will also tell you about other applications and online services that allow you to change the zoom graphic files. Let's take a closer look at the material!

Working on the scale of pictures in Paint.NET

Everyone knows the standard Paint program, which allows you to resize images by the number of pixels or by specifying a percentage. However, it cannot keep track of the drop in picture quality when it is scaled. Therefore, now we will talk about another free raster graphics editor - Pant.NET.

The named editor was created by two students specifically for the operating room Microsoft system Windows. Now this is a fairly powerful and convenient photo and picture editor, which we can use to achieve our main goal - high-quality image enlargement.

To do this, you need to perform a number of actions:

However, do not forget that a very small picture cannot be enlarged many times and still expect a perfectly clear result. At least not with this program. It is suitable for minor changes.

Using Photoshop Features

I'm sure you've all heard about this multifunctional and powerful graphic editor. It allows you to solve really complex problems and copes with them perfectly. The guides I have attached below will fit many popular Photoshop versions, including for CS5 and CS6. Remember to increase the canvas size before scaling the file.

So, the first option is to use the Image Size command. To do this you should:

1. In Photoshop, go to the “Image” tab and select “Image Size”;

2. In the dialog box that opens, specify the image size in pixels or percentages:

3. Check the last three items: “Scale styles”, “Keep proportions” so as not to distort the graphic file, and “Interpolation”;

4. And here is the most interesting thing. Interpolation directly affects image quality. When the resolution is reduced, some of the pixels are discarded, but when the resolution is increased, the program generates new similar pixels to fill the missing amount. This is why the output images look blurry

Photoshop offers several interpolation methods:

By nearest pixels. Fast but inaccurate method. It maintains clear boundaries, which means that when you enlarge the photo, you may notice stepped lines. More suitable for illustrations.
Bilinear. Interpolates horizontally and then vertically. The output is a smoother image, but the quality leaves much to be desired.
Bicubic. Quite a slow method, but more accurate. The output tonal gradations are smoother, without visible jagged edges.
Sharp bicubic. Used to make images smaller. Sometimes the sharpness of individual details is exaggerated.
Smoothed bicubic. Just used when enlarging graphic files.
Choose one of them;

5. Click OK.

There is one drawback to this method. If you resize an image several times, its quality will deteriorate significantly as the program will add and/or remove pixels depending on your actions.

“Is it possible to bypass these negative consequences?” - you ask. Answer: yes. Immediately set the desired size to the old picture, or use this “ear trick”:

In the “File” tab, select “Open as smart object...”;
After this, stretch the image to the desired size;
When scaling is complete, press Enter.

In this case, no pixels will be lost during resampling. And upon completion, the graphic file will be slightly blurred.

Either way, you can add contrast and sharpening to increase clarity.

Method 1: How to Resize an Image in Microsoft Paint

Find and launch MS Paint. It comes pre-installed on all versions operating system Windows. Start> All Programs> Accessories> Paint:

Drag the image into the Paint window or use Menu > Open (Ctrl + O).
In the main menu of the program, find the item “ Resize" and select it:

The panel for changing image sizes and proportions will open. You can specify the value in pixels. Don't forget to check the " Maintain proportions" Otherwise the image will be deformed:

To increase the size of the picture, click the "OK" button and save the photo.

Adviсe:

If you can't size your photo without stretching it, you can use the Crop tool to remove unwanted edges. How to do this is described in paragraph 3;
To open a photo faster, right-click on it and select from context menu paragraph " Open with Paint»;
It is best to save the image in the same format as the original.

Method 2. How to resize an image in MS Photo Gallery

If Microsoft Photo Gallery is not installed on your computer ( Start > Photo Gallery), you need to download and install it as part of Windows Essentials 2012;
Launch MS Photo Gallery and find your graphic file;
Right-click on it and select “Resize...”:

Select a ready-made preset: " Small 640 pixels", "Medium 1024", "Large 1280", etc.

Click " Resize and save" After you increase the size of the picture, the image will be placed in the same folder, and the original will also remain in it.

Adviсe:

If you need to set the exact image size, select " Custom" and set the size to the larger side of the photo;
To resize multiple photos at once, select them while holding down the Ctrl key.

Method 3: How to Resize an Image in Photoscape

You can increase the size of the picture in Photoshop. Or use Photoscape for this.

Download Photoscape and install it. Launch the program;
Go to the "Editor" tab and find the photo you want to edit:

At the bottom of the image there is a button “Resize”, click on it.
Set a new photo size. Make sure the option " Maintain aspect ratio" is enabled and press the "OK" button:

Save the edited image.

Adviсe:

If you need to resize multiple images, use the " Batch editor" Add a folder and resize all the photos in it;
If you don't know the exact size, you can set the "Percentage" of the original size.

Method 4. How to resize an image in IrfanView

Install IrfanView - a great tool for viewing and enlarging pictures;
Add a photo by dragging it into the program window, or by clicking the first button in the toolbar:

Go to the "Image" tab, select " Change size/proportions» ( Ctrl+R);
Set the new size in pixels, centimeters, inches, or as a percentage of the original image:

Save the image.

Adviсe:

You can use standard sizes: 640 by 480 pixels, 800 by 600 pixels, 1024 by 768 pixels, etc.;
To save high quality photos, make sure the DPI is set to at least 300.

Method 5. How to resize an image online

To resize a picture online, go to PicResize.
Click the button Browse" to select a photo. Click " Continue»:

Select a percentage of the original image, such as 50% smaller. The tool will display the output image size. Alternatively, you can enter your exact size by selecting " Custom Size»:

When you take photos with a professional or amateur camera, you get huge pictures, which are not always convenient to use. Well, working with them in editors is almost impossible. But if you download pictures via the Internet, their size can be reduced automatically to save your traffic. All images have a size in pixels and, accordingly, it is necessary to change it in these units of measurement.

Ways to resize a photo

The most common and easy-to-use image editor that is found on almost every computer is Paint. He is in standard programs and opens through the start menu of your computer.

Add to this graphic editor a photo you need for your work, which is too small in size. Next, specify the percentage by which Paint should increase the size of this image. This menu item opens by clicking on the middle key in the top menu of this graphic editor. Also, this window can be opened much easier, with a simple combination of ctrl + w. In the new window that opens, the “Resize and Tilt” menu contains all the necessary options for resizing the image. Initially, all image sizes are set here as a percentage, and the new setting of the image size parameters is done proportionally. Although you can change the settings to pixels. That is, the image itself will retain all its original proportions, but will change its size. After you set the necessary image size parameters, you need to click on the OK button and the graphic editor will change the size of the edited image in the way you need.

If the new dimensions match the required parameters, save the image. If not, repeat the procedure until the file reaches the size you need. You can increase the image size in this graphic editor in the same way. Paint is simple and easy to use; it allows you to carry out all the basic manipulations with any images as quickly as possible, due to its clear interface and the simplicity of the menu items. There are other editors, but using them is not always convenient, because... they are not preset and have more complex options for changing photo properties, even something as simple as photo sizes.