JPEG compression can lead to annoying visual glitches. Restore JPEG image quality with LetsEnhance is fast and super easy. Curious how this works? Read on!

Takeaways

  • JPEG compression can lead to a number of visual glitches or artifacts that reduce the quality of the image.
  • There are three general types of compression artifacts, including blockiness, ringing, and color bleed.
  • LetsEnhance can restore compressed images and fix visual artifacts under a minute.
  • Restoring compressed JPEGs with LetsEnhance delivers sharper and more natural results than traditional tools like Photoshop.

What Causes JPEG Compression Artifacts

Compression is the process of decreasing the size of a particular file (in this case an image) and there are two ways of going about this. With the right software, images can be compressed without a visible loss in quality. This is called lossless compression.

However, there is also lossy compression, which means that the image may end up with a number of visual glitches called “artifacts”. Let's get to know different compression artifacts and see what they look.

Blockiness

One of the most common artifacts found in faulty JPEG compression is blockiness, which causes an image to look blurry and have jagged or pixelated edges. This artifact can be spotted by looking at edges where two different colors meet.

Example of blockiness artifact in a compressed JPEG image
JPEG compression can cause blockiness, creating jagged and pixelated edges.

Color Bleed

Color bleed can be spotted on edges between two contrasting colors where a third color is visible that is not a shade or hue of either color. This causes an almost mist-like effect in certain areas of the image.

Color bleed artifact showing unwanted hues between color edges
Color bleed introduces a mist-like effect between contrasting colors in compressed images.

Ringing

If you see extra lines near edges, then chances are you’ve spotted a ringing effect. Sometimes called the "Halo" effect, ringing causes images to have bizarre outlines that are in no way connected to the image.

Ringing artifact showing extra lines near image edges
Ringing creates faint duplicate lines near edges after compression.

Keep in mind, that after compression, a JPEG may show one, two, or all three of these artifacts at the same time depending on how the image was compressed, the image size, its dots-per-inch (DPI), and what colors the image contains.

How AI Can Restore Image Quality

While compression artifacts are fixable, doing this by hand can requires a lot of time and editing experience. This is why AI has become the go-to solution for JPEG compression artifacts and the restoration of low-quality images.

LetsEnhance can make short work of compressed images and fix artifacts or other visual glitches. The algorithm that powers the AI is designed to detect these specific artifacts and smooth them out. Our B2B API alternative Claid.ai also has a dedicated compression restoration function that is optimized for removing annoying artifacts from product photos.

Here’s a quick guide on how to restore image quality.

Step-by-Step: Fix JPEG Compression with LetsEnhance

Step 1. Visit https://letsenhance.io/boost to log in or create an account.

Screenshot of LetsEnhance's login page for image restoration
LetsEnhance interface showing how to log in.

Step 2. Drop your image, browse or import directly from Files or Google Drive.

Uploading a JPEG file in LetsEnhance's web interface
Step 2 demonstrates how to upload a compressed image for AI restoration.

Step 3. From the available six upscaling models, choose the one that best suits your image type. We recommend using our latest and most powerful Ultra model, which is ideal for portraits, product shots, AI art, and other general use cases.

Next, under the Size section, set the mode to Scale and select 4x as the upscale factor for best restoration results.

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With the Ultra upscaler, you can also adjust the settings for Size of Changes and Intensity features. The first controls how much of the image is refined, while the second adjusts how strong or natural the enhancement looks.
LetsEnhance Ultra upscale settings interface
Selecting Ultra upscaler to reduce blurriness and pixelation.

Step 4. Click Enhance and once it's finished click on the downward arrow button to save the image to your device.

Enhancement and download button shown after AI restoration completion
Screenshot showing enhancing and saving the restored image.

The restored image will be saved to your device. The entire process, so long as you have a stable internet connection and are using a desktop browser, takes around 30 seconds, if not less, depending on the complexity of the image.

This is what makes LetsEnhance such a great option for restoring low-quality pictures. Simply upload your JPEG or PNG image and it'll handle the rest within seconds.

You can check out more about our Ultra AI image upscaler on our official YouTube channel.

Comparing Let’s Enhance vs. Photoshop

When it comes to fixing JPEG compression, Photoshop offers a JPEG Artifacts Removal filter that clears up the obvious blur and compression noise. However, it doesn't bring back the true crispness and sharpness needed for professional use.

Besides that, Photoshop can be challenging for beginners. It requires some editing experience, and achieving the best results involves manually adjusting multiple tools and layers, which can be time-consuming.

Comparison between original compressed JPEG and Photoshop-restored version
Photoshop improves image slightly, but residual compression artifacts remain visible.

And here’s how LetsEnhance tackled the same image.

Comparison between original JPEG and LetsEnhance AI-restored version
Let’s Enhance produces sharper edges than manual Photoshop fixes.

The Ultra model brings back texture and micro-detail that gives a clean, high-resolution feel. Edges look defined, colors stay accurate, and fine structures regain their natural sharpness without looking artificial.

There’s also zero learning curve: upload, select a model, adjust settings if you wish, and let the AI do the rest. The whole process takes a few seconds.

Try It Yourself

Looking to revive your JPEG images? Try LetsEnhance.io for free and see how our AI can restore the quality of your compressed images.

Sign up and get 10 free credits.

FAQ

Why does JPEG compression affect image quality?
Most JPEG compression is lossy, meaning it permanently removes image data to make files smaller. This process often discards fine details, causing blurriness or artifacts. Lossless compression keeps all visual quality intact, but if you use lossy compression, tools like LetsEnhance can help restore much of the lost detail.

Can LetsEnhance fix very low-resolution or heavily compressed images?
Yes, to a large extent. Even heavily compressed or small images can be upscaled and cleaned up with noticeable improvements in clarity and detail.

How can LetsEnhance help restore the quality of JPEG images?LetsEnhance is powered by a sophisticated AI algorithm that detects visual artifacts that commonly occur as a result of lossy compression and restores image quality by removing these visual glitches.

Is using AI better than traditional image restoration methods?
Yes. AI restoration tools like LetsEnhance outperform traditional methods by automatically detecting and rebuilding lost detail, sharpness, and texture. Traditional tools may require skill and time and not deliver the same quality.

How can I start restoring my JPEG images with LetsEnhance?
Simply create an account on LetsEnhance, upload your images to the dashboard, choose Ultra upscaler, adjust the settings, click Enhance, wait a few seconds, and finally save it to your device. With a stable internet connection, the entire process should take less than 30 seconds.

Does LetsEnhance support batch restoration or API integration?
Yes. For professional workflows, the Claid API by LetsEnhance offers batch image processing that integrates directly into creative or e-commerce pipelines.