Top 5 AI Image Upscalers for AI Art [2025]

AI-generated art (from tools like Midjourney or Flux) often starts at relatively low resolutions, too small for high-quality prints and other high-res jobs. To upscale AI art to 4K and beyond without losing quality, specialized AI image upscalers come into play.

In this guide, we compare 5 of the best image upscaler tools in 2025 for enhancing AI-generated images. Our lineup includes both dedicated AI upscaling services and popular software solutions:

1. LetsEnhance: a web-based AI upscaler with specialized modes (Ultra, Digital Art, etc.) for maximum quality.
2. Topaz Gigapixel: a powerful desktop photo upscaler with multiple AI models.
3. Magnific: an upscaler geared toward creatively “reimagining” AI art with generative detail.
4. Adobe Photoshop Generative Upscale: Photoshop’s new built-in AI 4× upscaling.
5. Lightroom Super Resolution: Adobe Lightroom Classic’s AI upscaling feature.

LetsEnhance

LetsEnhance is a dedicated online image enhancer known for its high-quality output and ease of use. It runs in the cloud (no installation needed) and offers several AI models tuned for different content types: for example, Digital Art is ideal for illustrations/anime, Balanced is for general use, Gentle is for subtle upscaling, and Ultra is for maximum detail improvement. This makes it especially popular for upscaling AI art while preserving the original style and colors.

LetsEnhance delivers outstanding detail enhancement. The output, upscaled by the Ultra model, is crisp and clean, whereas the output was blurry. Fine lines and soft color gradients become sharper with no strange artifacts or “overcooked” edges.

In our tests, the Ultra model could even reconstruct tiny textures and brushstroke-like details that were only hinted at in the low-resolution source. The result stays faithful to the art’s style: you get a higher-definition version of the same image, without new objects or color shifts. This makes LetsEnhance upscaling print-ready for large posters and canvas prints, as it adds clarity while avoiding the grid artifacts or color banding that older upscalers might introduce.

Bottom line: LetsEnhance is a consistent tool for AI art, prioritizing fidelity and artifact-free detail, producing print-ready 4×-16× enlargements that preserve style and texture, while keeping flat colors and clean lines for illustrations and anime.

Topaz Gigapixel

Topaz Gigapixel is a desktop AI upscaler (available on Windows and Mac) that has long been an industry standard for photo enlargement. It’s equally loved by photographers and AI artists for its strong detail recovery and offline processing. For our purposes, Topaz Gigapixel offers several AI models you can manually select based on your image type, e.g., Standard, High Fidelity, Art & CG (for digital art), and specialized modes for faces or low-quality images. This gives you a lot of control to get the best result for different artwork styles.

Topaz Gigapixel produces a very clean and detailed upscale. In the side-by-side example above, the output is dramatically sharper than the output: fine outlines are refocused, and textures become more believable. Using the Standard model, Gigapixel does an excellent job on AI art: lines snap into focus, and the image gains detail without introducing obvious artifacts. Colors and style are generally preserved as well.

There are a few subtle differences to note: Gigapixel’s algorithm can sometimes boost contrast or saturation slightly, making the art “pop” a bit more than the original. This can usually be toned down with a quick edit if needed. In large flat areas or gradients, users have occasionally spotted very slight repeating textures or noise as Gigapixel “fills in” detail; these artifacts are rare, but if your image has big smooth regions (like clear skies or soft gradients), it’s worth inspecting the result up close.

Bottom line: Gigapixel’s output on AI picture is highly regarded for adding clarity while preserving the intent of the piece. Many artists rely on it for upscaling illustrations and anime-style drawings because it strikes a good balance between sharpening lines and not hallucinating completely new content.

Magnific AI

Magnific is a newer AI upscaling tool that takes a slightly different approach: it not only upscales images but can add creative details (a process they dub “hallucinations”) to enhance or even restyle the image. This makes Magnific especially interesting for AI art: it can introduce additional fine detail or realistic texture that wasn’t present in the original, guided by the image content and optional text prompts.

In essence, Magnific has two modes of operation: the Creative mode offers tons of tweakable settings, while the Precision mode is more straightforward but currently limited to 2× enlargement. Magnific AI is a web-based service, so you use it through your browser.

Magnific AI can deliver impressive results, but the outcome really depends on the settings. In our tests, the Precision 2× upscale did a fine job making a small illustration clearer and sharper as-is. The Creative mode, on the other hand, can go beyond just sharpening: it’s capable of generating hyper-realistic enhancements or entirely new details in an image. For instance, if you have a fuzzy AI portrait with default or high creativity settings, Magnific can sometimes reimagine the image too much; it might completely alter faces or objects in unpredictable ways.

So, for AI art upscaling, Magnific can work well if you dial its creativity down; it will preserve the picture's look while boosting detail. It’s particularly good for those who actually want a bit of interpretation (e.g., “make this AI scene look more realistic”). Texture preservation is generally good, though the Creative mode may introduce slight noise or exaggerated shadows if pushed.

Bottom line: Magnific’s quality ranges from precisely faithful (Precision mode) to creatively enhanced (Creative mode). It can achieve excellent sharpness and even go beyond other upscalers by inventing detail; just use that power judiciously.

Adobe Photoshop Generative Upscale

Adobe Photoshop introduced a feature called Generative Upscale: an AI-powered image resizer that can enlarge images by 2×, 3×, or 4× using Adobe’s cloud neural networks (Firefly). This feature is available in Photoshop Beta (and likely rolling into the main release), and it complements Photoshop’s generative fill and other AI tools.

However, how does it compare to dedicated upscalers? In short, Photoshop’s Generative Upscale is fast and integrated, but it currently maxes out at 4×, and the quality improvements are modest; it doesn’t add nearly as much detail as tools like LetsEnhance or Topaz Gigapixel.

In our testing, Photoshop’s generative upscaling yielded minimal quality improvement. The output image on the right is larger than the output on the left but still looks soft and a bit pixelated. Photoshop essentially enlarges the existing pixels with some smart smoothing; it maintains the overall look and avoids major artifacts, but it doesn’t magically create new sharp detail. The AI art, upscaled to 4×, remains blurry; fine lines and textures are still lacking definition and look much like the original, just blown up.

One positive thing is that Photoshop’s upscale tends not to introduce weird artifacts; it’s actually conservative. It won’t invent lettering or textures that aren’t there, which is safe, but also means it won’t recover things like illegible text; for example, in one case, it simply enlarged blurry text without fixing it.

Bottom line: Photoshop’s upscaled output is fine for a quick size boost, especially for web graphics or as a starting point for further editing, but it’s not up to par for print-level clarity. It’s more like an enhanced version of traditional bicubic resizing with a touch of AI smoothing.

Lightroom Super Resolution

Lightroom’s Super Resolution feature is another Adobe offering, available in Lightroom Classic and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). It uses an AI model to double an image’s linear resolution (i.e., 2× width and 2× height, for a 4× increase in pixel count). Photographers often use it to enlarge high-quality RAW photos for large prints. It’s relevant to AI art in that many creators use Lightroom/ACR to manage images, and you could run super-resolution on an exported AI image to upscale it.

However, Lightroom’s super resolution is limited to 2× at a time and is more of a general enhancement filter than a specialized art upscaler. It improves image clarity somewhat, but like Photoshop’s upscale, it doesn’t perform miracles on heavily pixelated or low-detail images. The example below shows that the overall image is a bit sharper than the original, but fine details that were absent remain absent.

Essentially, Super Resolution is a fancy upsize with some sharpening. It can make a good photo look great when doubling it for print, but it cannot reconstruct missing features in the way dedicated AI upscalers do. For AI art, this means if your image has slightly “melted” textures or blurred line art, Lightroom will not restore those; you might get slightly crisper edges and a bit less noise, but the improvement is subtle.

Lightroom’s algorithm does tend to boost contrast and color a touch, which can make an image look a bit punchier; this might be nice for photos, but for digital art, it could slightly alter the intended look (e.g., stronger colors). Also, Lightroom has no content-specific models, so it treats an anime drawing the same as a portrait photo. The outcome for clean graphical art is usually a smooth upscale with reduced jaggies, but line edges won’t become significantly more defined than they were.

One advantage is that Adobe’s approach is conservative, so it won’t introduce bizarre artifacts or patterns. The downside is the lack of dramatic enhancement: it’s simply not as sharp as the top AI upscalers.

Bottom line: use Lightroom Super Resolution if you need a quick 2× and your image has already decent quality; don’t expect it to salvage a very low-resolution AI image beyond making it slightly more presentable.

User experience (UX), workflow, speed & pricing

LetsEnhance workflow

LetsEnhance is very beginner-friendly. It’s 100% web-based with a simple drag-and-drop interface and preset modes for different use cases. There’s a live preview that lets you see a portion of the upscale result side-by-side before downloading. There are advanced settings as well: for the Ultra model, you have two sliders (Intensity and Size of changes), which you can usually leave at default for great results.

Overall, the workflow is straightforward: upload an image, choose an upscale model (and resolution up to 16×), and start processing. Batch upscaling is supported as well (you can queue multiple images). Because everything runs on LetsEnhance’s servers, you don’t need a powerful PC to upscale dozens of images. The tool also provides handy extras like optional color enhancement, lighting fixes, or background removal in the same interface, which is useful if you want one-click improvements alongside upscaling.

Topaz Gigapixel workflow

Topaz Gigapixel is a desktop application, which means you install it and run it locally. The interface is straightforward and polished. You open an image (or batch of images), choose the upscaling parameters, and preview/apply. Gigapixel offers useful Auto settings that will pick an AI model and tuning for you, or you can manually select the model (Standard, High Fidelity, Art & CG, etc.).

There are additional sliders for Denoise and Sharpen that let you fine-tune the output (for instance, if your source image is very noisy or slightly out of focus, you can let Gigapixel clean it as it upscales). This is handy for improving AI images that might have mild JPG noise or blur. The app also supports batch processing: you can queue up a folder of images and upscale them all with one click, which is great for creators who need to enlarge many images for a project.

Since it runs offline, you don’t need internet after installation, and there’s no delay from uploading images to a server. The learning curve is moderate: after initial setup, it’s pretty much load image, choose model, and upscale. If you’re already comfortable with desktop photo editors, Gigapixel will feel natural. It even integrates as a plug-in for Photoshop/Lightroom if needed. All in all, the UX is powerful yet user-friendly, giving both casual users and power users the control they want.

Magnific AI workflow

Using Magnific can be a bit more involved than using LetsEnhance or Gigapixel. The interface provides many options and sliders, especially in Creative mode. There are 3 different AI engines to choose from (optimized for illustrations, photos, or a mix) and then multiple parameters (like “HDR,” “Fractality,” “Resemblance,” and “Creativity”) that influence how the image is upscaled/restyled. For a newcomer, this abundance of settings might be confusing; some controls have subtle or overlapping effects, and it’s not immediately clear what the optimal combination is without experimenting.

If you’re a seasoned image editor or like to tweak, you might appreciate the granularity of control. But if you just want a quick upscale, Magnific’s settings could feel overwhelming. There is no free trial, so testing various combinations costs credits (which can be pricey).

On the positive side, the app does allow you to enter an optional text prompt in Magic mode, meaning you can tell the AI in words what new details or style to add; a unique feature for those who want to mix upscaling with a touch of generative art. The Precision mode interface is simpler (since it doesn’t allow creativity, fewer choices), but as noted, it maxes out at 2×, which might not be enough for big size jumps.

Overall, Magnific’s UX is powerful but less beginner-friendly. It likely appeals more to artists who enjoy experimentation and don’t mind a learning curve to squeeze the best results from the myriad of controls. If you prefer a one-click solution, this tool might feel heavy. Also, being web-based, you upload images and wait for processing. There is currently no batch mode; you’d process one at a time through the UI.

Adobe Photoshop Generative Upscale workflow

The big advantage of Photoshop’s Generative Upscale is convenience. If you are already using Photoshop, upscaling is just a matter of selecting the layer/image and invoking the feature. No need to leave the app or upload files elsewhere. It’s basically “one click” aside from choosing the upscale amount (2×, 3×, or 4×). This makes it ideal if upscaling is just one step in a larger editing project (like integrating an AI-generated element into a larger scene).

The UX is familiar to Photoshop users. However, for someone not already using Photoshop, this is not an accessible tool (you’d need to subscribe and learn PS). Also, it’s not a standalone upscaler app, so using it just for upscaling is overkill. There’s no batch upscale within Photoshop without scripting, so doing many images is tedious (open each, apply upscale, save). Essentially, UX is great for existing Photoshop users doing occasional in-app upscales, but not aimed at high-volume or non-Adobe users.

Another note: because it’s an Adobe Cloud function, you need internet for it to work (the upscaling is done via Adobe’s servers, not purely on your machine). In terms of control, there are no content-specific options; you can’t tell Photoshop “this is art” or “this is a photo”; it just does its general approach. In summary, Photoshop’s Generative Upscale UX is simple and seamless for Creative Cloud (CC) subscribers, but it lacks the fine-tuning or batch capabilities of dedicated tools.

Lightroom Super Resolution workflow

Lightroom’s Super Resolution is built into the existing workflow of Lightroom and Camera Raw, so it’s quite straightforward if you use those tools. In Lightroom Classic, you right-click on a photo and choose “Enhance, then Super Resolution,” and it generates an upscaled DNG file. There are no settings to adjust; it’s one-click.

For someone already managing images in Lightroom, this is convenient and keeps everything nondestructive (the upscaled image is a new file). It also works on any image format Lightroom supports (including JPG, PNG, etc., not just RAW). However, the process is manual and one-at-a-time; there’s no true batch mode for super resolution; you’d have to invoke it individually on each image.

Lightroom is known for being friendly to photographers, but it assumes some level of knowledge; e.g., you might want to apply noise reduction or sharpening after upscaling, which requires understanding those tools. The Super Resolution feature does some auto-denoising if used on a RAW, but on AI art, you might have to manually handle artifacts. Also, unlike web tools, Lightroom doesn’t give you a before/after preview of just the upscale (you have to compare the new file to the old).

It’s fairly quick and integrated, but if you don’t have Lightroom, you’d have to get it. In essence, Lightroom Super Resolution’s UX is great for those in the Lightroom pipeline (a few clicks, possibly part of your editing preset), but it’s not a dedicated tool or customizable. No specialized models, no alternate settings; you get what Adobe gives you, which is a general enhancement. It’s best suited for professional photographers who are already editing their images and want a little extra resolution boost at the end.

Summary: which upscaler is best for AI artists?

Choosing the right AI upscaler comes down to what you value most. Here’s a quick summary:

• LetsEnhance is the safest bet for AI art when quality really matters. It reliably produces sharp, print-ready results while keeping the original style intact. It’s cloud-based and simple to use; just know the Ultra model trades a bit of speed for top-tier detail, and you’ll be on a credit/subscription plan.
• Topaz Gigapixel is the best offline alternative and nearly matches that quality. If you prefer working on your own computer and want more control over sliders, Gigapixel is a workhorse; it's fast on a capable GPU with a one-time license, though you may see the odd artifact on tricky images.
• Magnific AI shines when you want an upscale and creative lift. It can add lifelike detail or drama, but it’s pricier, more complex, and less predictable; it’s great for experimentation but less ideal for straightforward enlargements.
• Photoshop Generative Upscale is convenient if you already live in Adobe: quick, integrated, and artifact-safe, but it mainly makes images bigger without truly restoring fine detail; it's fine for web graphics, not enough for small or pixelated sources destined for print.
• Lightroom Super Resolution is similar: a clean 2× boost suited to photographers prepping good files for larger outputs, but it won’t conjure missing detail and isn’t built for big AI art jumps.

Bottom line: most AI artists will get the best balance of effort and quality from LetsEnhance, with Topaz Gigapixel close behind; many use both. Magnific is a powerful specialty option when you want creative enhancement, while Photoshop and Lightroom are convenient add-ons if you’re already in the Adobe ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best AI upscaler for prints and posters?

If you’re printing big (posters, canvases), you need maximum detail with minimal artifacts. LetsEnhance is a strong first pick; its high-quality models scale images cleanly to very large sizes and keep fine textures intact. Topaz Gigapixel is a close second and a favorite for fine-art prints, especially if you prefer working offline; it delivers a very natural look and robust artifact control. In practice, both handle 4K-10K outputs well. Beyond that range, LetsEnhance’s cloud pipeline can push further with fewer patterning issues.

Which AI tool works best for anime and manga-style art?

For cel shading and clean line work, you want sharp lines and flat colors; no “photo-like” texture. LetsEnhance does exactly that: crisp edges, smooth gradients, and faithful colors at 4× and beyond. Topaz Gigapixel is also excellent and preserves style well (just watch large flat areas for rare repetitive texture). If you want a free route, Upscayl with a Real-ESRGAN anime model is a great choice and often outperforms older Waifu2x approaches for 4×. Magnific can work if you keep creativity low, but it’s better suited to realism than cel-shaded art.

Are there free or open-source upscalers I can use offline?

Yes. The 3 standouts:

• Upscayl: can be used for Windows/Mac/Linux, a friendly and open-source app; great quality for zero cost.
• Real-ESRGAN: run it locally (GUI wrappers and tutorials abound) with general and anime-tuned models for 2×/4×.
• Waifu2x: still useful for simple 2× anime upscales. Trade-offs: fewer polish/features than paid tools, and processing depends on your hardware.

Many artists use a hybrid approach: free tools for drafts, then a paid upscaler for final, high-stakes outputs.

Can I upscale Midjourney images without artifacts?

Absolutely. Use an upscaler that prioritizes fidelity over aggressive “detail invention.” LetsEnhance and Topaz Gigapixel are both known for clean, artifact-free results that keep your image looking like itself, just sharper. Choose gentler settings for delicate faces and gradients, avoid chaining multiple upscalers, and go to your final size in one pass. For free options, Upscayl and Real-ESRGAN can also deliver clean results; Waifu2x is very conservative for anime-like images but won’t add detail. Follow those guidelines, and you’ll get a high-resolution version with smooth gradients, crisp edges, and no halos or checkerboarding.

What’s the best AI tool for clean, natural-looking upscales?

If your goal is to enlarge a high-resolution image, use a fidelity-first setup and keep enhancements subtle. Photoshop Generative Upscale stays clean but usually recovers less fine detail. Lightroom Super Resolution is similarly conservative: good for a safe 2×, but it won’t reconstruct what isn’t there. VanceAI is a quick, preset-driven online option that looks sharp at first glance, but on tougher images (tiny text, flat line art, heavy compression), it can oversharpen or introduce minor artifacts: better for web use than critical prints. Topaz Gigapixel can pull out a bit more micro-detail; use the Standard model with modest noise/blur (and Face Recovery for portraits) to avoid halos. LetsEnhance (especially the Ultra model with low intensity) preserves texture and color while adding exceptional clarity.