Best plug-in option for image enlargement please?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
September 20, 2018
3 replies
14109 views

Hi all,

I am training somebody who is determined to use a fairly low resolution image (Approx 5000 x 3000) for a large format print. I have tried to persuade them that it's better to shoot at a higher resolution but , you know how it is. Please can you tell me what they're best option is for enlarging. I know they can rescan a print etc but I'm looking for a digital solution. Are there third party plug-ins that will do a better job than Photoshop's built in tools? After Effects has a great "Details Preserving Upscale" effect. Anything similar for Photoshop?

Using the Detail-preserving Upscale effect in After Effects

Thanks a million,

Angie

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D Fosse

Community Expert

Any particular reason upsampling is needed at all? Will this be seen from much closer than normal viewing distance for whatever size is intended?

5000 x 3000 may not be state-of-the-art today, but not many years ago it was. If the file is good quality and carefully sharpened it should still work for almost anything.

The only reason to upsample, ever, is if you can see individual pixels. Even at billboard size, you have to get awfully close before you can make out 5000 individual pixels.

angie_taylorAuthor

Legend

Its for a large format art piece so will be viewed close up at a large size.

D Fosse

Community Expert

OK, but then you need to decide just how much. Upsample as little as possible, just enough to avoid visible pixels, and then do a careful round of sharpening afterwards.

If I have to do this, I always use Bicubic Smoother, precisely because it doesn't sharpen on its own. You have much more control if you do it yourself. The ACR filter is excellent for this, since you can control the amount of halos with the Detail slider.