How to enlarge photos without losing quality: 2 Easy Methods
I understand that various photo editing software offers different features and multiple ways to achieve the desired results. However, I will demonstrate how to use Photoshop’s tools and capabilities to enlarge photos while maintaining quality.
I’ll show you the two easy methods. The first method illustrates how to enlarge the photo size using Image Size!
I will use the Smart Object to enlarge photos into a large document in another approach. With this in mind, let’s open Photoshop and try these different techniques.
How to enlarge the photo size using Image Size
Step 1: Open your photos
Please open your photo in Photoshop and duplicate it.
I’ll be using this photograph to show the steps. It measures 500 pixels by 309 pixels.
Source: Freepik
Step 2: Use Image Size
To enlarge the photo’s size or resolution, navigate to the Image menu and select Image Size (Ctrl+Alt+I).
A new dialog box will appear here.
We can adjust the width, height, and resolution of our photo. In this instance, I want to increase the size to three times its current size, from 500 pixels.
I’ll input 1500 pixels per inch, ensure that “Include Preserve Details 2.0” is chosen, and set the resample setting to automatic. This way, even though the size will triple, those delicate details will be maintained.
Now click OK, and Photoshop will work its magic. As you can see, the photo stays very sharp and retains its excellent quality, just like it was initially.
Please see the comparison below.
We enhanced the resolution by raising the pixels per inch setting, which is the easiest way to enlarge photos without losing quality.
Second Method
How to use smart object to enlarge photos
Step 1: Smart object to enlarge photos
Let’s discuss the second method, known as the Smart Object Method:
This time, I’ll demonstrate the techniques with a different photo. The photo is currently sized at 1000 pixels by 750 pixels. I aim to upscale it to 5000 x 3750 pixels with minimal quality loss.
Source: Freepik
Step 2: Create a New Document
To begin with, I aim to produce a new document in Photoshop featuring a higher-quality image (5000 by 3750 pixels at 300 pixels per centimeter resolution) and a different orientation from our current photo.
Step 3: Convert the image into a Smart Object
Now, I need to convert my original image into a Smart Object.
Navigate to the desired Layer > Right-click (Win)/
Control-click (Mac) > Convert to Smart Object
What a smart object does is wrap your layer in a container so that you’re never editing the layer directly; instead, you’re editing the container. When you rescale the container, you’re not changing the dimensions or anything else about the photo; instead, you’re changing the container in which it’s contained, ensuring that the photograph always retains its original high resolution.
Step 4: Move the smart object layer to New Document
Now, I will select this smart object layer using the move tool, click, and drag it into my new document, which features a higher-quality image (5000 by 3750 pixels).
Step 5: Resize the Smart Object Layer
Once we’ve dragged it, we can resize it with the free transform tool and position it within our new, higher-quality document, which has a larger canvas and a different orientation!
To access the free transform tool, press Ctrl + T on a Windows or Cmd + T on a Mac.
As you can observe, the photo quality has not deteriorated despite rescaling or enlarging the image and transferring it to a higher resolution document with a larger canvas size and different orientation, which would typically diminish image quality.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read what I’ve shared.
Looking for the best photo enlarger software as alternatives to Photoshop? Check out this article.
Photoshop enlarge photo FAQs
What is the maximum size I can enlarge my photo to?
The maximum size you can enlarge your photo to depends on the original resolution of the image and the interpolation method used. In Photoshop, you can specify the dimensions or percentage by which you want to enlarge the photo.
Will enlarging a small photo make it blurry?
If not done correctly, enlarging a small photo can cause blurriness. To minimize blurriness, use appropriate interpolation methods and adjust settings like noise reduction and sharpening after enlargement.
How can I maintain sharpness when enlarging a photo?
Consider using the Smart Sharpen filter or applying additional sharpening techniques afterward to maintain sharpness when enlarging a photo. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between sharpness and noise.
Can enlarging a photo affect its color quality?
Enlarging a photo can affect color quality, mainly if the interpolation algorithm introduces artifacts or noise. To preserve color quality, consider adjusting saturation levels and using color correction tools after enlarging the photo.
Should I save the enlarged photo in a specific file format?
When saving an enlarged photo, consider using file formats that support high-quality compression, such as TIFF or PNG, to preserve as much detail as possible. Avoid keeping in lossy formats like JPEG multiple times to prevent further degradation.
6 Comments
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I appreciate you sharing it with your friends and on Delicious. Your support means a lot!
Great post! Clipping paths really help retain image quality when enlarging. Do you have any recommendations for choosing the right scaling algorithm for specific types of images?
Thanks for the kind words! You’re absolutely right—clipping paths help keep edges sharp, especially with tricky images. When it comes to scaling, the best method depends on the type of image:
Photos and natural images: Go for Bicubic or Lanczos scaling. These methods handle gradients and details well. They keep the image clear without adding blur.
Illustrations, logos, and vector-style images: Use Nearest Neighbor or a similar method. These keep hard edges sharp and avoid unwanted smoothing.
Low-resolution images: AI upscaling tools like Topaz or Photoshop’s Super Resolution are great. They analyze patterns and intelligently reconstruct details.
It’s worth experimenting based on what you’re working with, but these tips usually give the best results. Hope this helps!
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