Image upscaling and SuperResolution

From the WhiteWall expert Jan-Ole Schmidt

One of the basic principles of photography is that large-format prints require sufficient resolution. But what if the desired image was taken with a smartphone, comes from an older camera, or has lost pixels due to cropping? Anyone who wants to present their image on high-quality material and in an impressive size will quickly reach the technical limits of file size. The good news is that with the help of intelligent upscaling technologies, even smaller files can be made suitable for high-quality printing.

Digital image enlargement, also known as upscaling, has advanced significantly in recent years. While traditional methods often result in visible quality loss, modern AI-supported processes now deliver results that are suitable even for demanding prints. Sharpness, details, and structures are retained even with significant enlargement.

With its specially developed super-resolution technology, WhiteWall goes one step further: high-quality upscaling is integrated directly into the printing process, so you don't need any additional software or tools. This means that even small files can be turned into large-format, gallery-quality prints.

In this article, we show you what image upscaling means, what methods are available, and why WhiteWall offers a particularly user-friendly solution with its super-resolution - for anyone who wants to make a big impression with their images.

1. What is image upscaling?

Image upscaling refers to enlarging a digital photo beyond its original resolution—in other words, adding pixels that are not present in the original image. The aim is to make the image usable for larger output formats without any visible loss of quality.

1.1 Definition: What does "upscaling" mean?

Upscaling (also known as "resampling") is a digital process in which an image file is enlarged so that it can be further processed or printed in higher resolutions. This creates new pixels that are calculated algorithmically from the existing information. The more intelligent this calculation is, the more natural and detailed the result will be.

1.2 Technical basics: Interpolation vs. AI-supported upscaling

In the past, upscaling methods were primarily based on simple interpolation techniques such as bilinear or bicubic calculation. These methods inserted new pixels and calculated their color from surrounding pixel values – but often led to blurry or washed-out results.

Modern tools use artificial intelligence (AI) to reconstruct details in a more targeted manner. These systems have been trained with millions of image data and can, for example, "predict" structures, contrasts, or fine textures, so that even large enlargements remain surprisingly detailed.

1.3 Typical areas of application for photographers and creative professionals

• Enlarging old digital photos that are only available in low resolution

• Preparing smartphone photos for printing, which are to be processed for large-format prints

• Using excerpts from original images without sacrificing print quality

• Using online downloads, for example from photo databases, where only smaller versions are available

• Preparing images sent via messenger services (e.g., WhatsApp) that were automatically downsampled during transmission

2. Why upscaling is important

In a world where images are created in a wide variety of resolutions—from smartphone snapshots to 50-megapixel cameras—upscaling is key to achieving maximum flexibility in image use. It not only creates technical possibilities, but also preserves creative freedom: instead of being limited by image files that are too small, subjects can be brought to life in full size and quality through upscaling.

2.1 Larger output formats despite low resolution

Professional printing—for example, on aluminum Dibond, acrylic glass, or fine art paper—requires a sufficient file size. However, the native resolution of an image is often not sufficient to display formats larger than approximately 60 × 90 cm without loss of quality. This is where upscaling comes in: intelligent pixel multiplication can make an image suitable for large formats without losing detail, sharpness, or naturalness.

2.2 Making old images or smartphone photos usable for printing

Many precious memories exist only as small JPEGs, whether from older cameras, social media, or cell phones. With the help of upscaling, even these files can be processed and transformed into high-quality prints. With the right techniques, a simple vacation photo from your cell phone can become an impressive gallery-quality wall art.

2.3 Correcting image files that are too small without loss of quality

Insufficient resolution is a common reason for rejecting print jobs, especially among professional providers. Often, a warning is displayed during the ordering process if the resolution is insufficient for the selected format, as is the case with WhiteWall, for example. This allows unsuitable print data to be identified and adjusted at an early stage. Modern upscaling technology helps to overcome this hurdle. Instead of discarding files or laboriously recreating them, intelligent enlargement can deliver the necessary quality without visible artifacts or blurring.

3. Upscaling with software – an overview

If you want to enlarge your images yourself, there are now a variety of tools available that offer simple to sophisticated upscaling methods. However, not all of them deliver the quality required for professional prints. It is particularly important to choose the right method for the subject, the planned print, and your own workflow.

3.1 Classic methods in Photoshop & Co.

Programs such as Adobe Photoshop have been offering image enlargement functions for years, which can be activated via the "Image Size" menu with options such as "Bicubic Smooth" or "Preserve Details 2.0." Although these methods are easy to use, they quickly reach their limits in terms of quality: fine structures become blurred, noise increases, and edges lose clarity. They are sufficient for minor adjustments, but often too imprecise for large-format prints.

3.2 AI-based tools such as Gigapixel AI, ON1 Resize, Luminar Neo

Specialized AI upscaling tools are setting new standards, such as:

• Topaz Gigapixel AI: One of the best-known programs for AI upscaling, which produces impressively natural details—especially in portraits, animals, or landscapes.

• ON1 Resize (formerly Perfect Resize): Specially tailored to photo prints and offers numerous print presets.

• Luminar Neo with AI Enhance: Can be used for creative editing as well as upscaling.

These tools analyze the subject and "intelligently" add missing details. Depending on the subject, the results are astonishingly realistic. However, the tools require training and additional software licenses, which can sometimes incur additional costs. With WhiteWall, on the other hand, upscaling can be carried out conveniently and free of charge directly in the ordering process using the "SuperResolution" function.

3.3 Limitations of desktop solutions

As helpful as they are, these solutions also present challenges:

• They require time and computing power: especially for larger image volumes or very high-resolution targets.

• Require manual intervention: The user must decide how much to enlarge the image and which output profile to select.

• Quality not guaranteed: Results may be mixed, especially with noisy or heavily compressed images.

4. WhiteWall Superresolution: Intelligent upscaling for Fine Art prints

While many photographers enlarge their images themselves or test various software solutions, WhiteWall takes a different approach with its superresolution technology: direct integration into the printing process. The goal is to provide customers with professional, lossless enlargement—without the need for additional software, technical knowledge, or preparation. And best of all, there are no additional costs.

4.1 What is WhiteWall Superresolution?

WhiteWall Superresolution is a specially developed internal upscaling solution that automatically optimizes image files for large-format prints. The system analyzes the existing image data and intelligently supplements missing information in detail, ensuring high-quality output even with low-resolution source material.

In contrast to classic interpolation methods, an intelligent algorithm is used here that is specially tailored to the requirements of high-quality photo prints.

4.2 When is it used?

Superresolution technology is automatically activated when an uploaded image file does not have the resolution required for the selected format. Instead of leaving customers with an error message or limiting the size, WhiteWall takes care of the enlargement – fully automatically and without any visible loss of quality. The function can also be deactivated manually if desired.

This function is particularly helpful:

• For older, low-resolution photos

• For images taken with a smartphone or sent via messenger and scaled down in the process

• When images have been heavily cropped

• For short-term projects without time for manual post-processing

4.3 Technological advantages over conventional tools

• Fully automated ordering process – no software changes, no extra steps

• Directly optimized for printing – no detours via general file sizes, but specifically for the selected material

• No compromises in detail, sharpness, or naturalness

• Individually customized – depending on the selected product (acrylic glass, aluminum Dibond, Fine Art, etc.), optimization is tailored to the material

4.4 Who is this feature particularly suitable for?

WhiteWall Superresolution is aimed at anyone who wants to print large images but doesn't have the right resolution. Those who will benefit most are:

• Amateur photographers who work with smartphones or older cameras

• Professionals who encounter technical limitations with customer data or archive material

• Creative people who want to order high-quality prints spontaneously, quickly, and without additional software

• Anyone who wants to capture special memories from vacations, family life, or with pets and have them printed as large-format wall art—without any prior photographic knowledge

5. Tips for preparing images for upscaling

Even though tools such as WhiteWall Superresolution enable automatic, high-quality enlargement, one thing remains crucial: the better the source file, the better the end result. With a few simple measures, you can optimize image quality before uploading – and achieve even more impressive print results.

5.1 File formats and resolution

• Prefer lossless formats: Ideally, use TIFF or PNG to avoid compression artifacts. JPEGs are also possible, but should be saved at maximum quality.

• Use original resolution: Avoid manual enlargements in non-specialized software. WhiteWall takes care of professional upscaling for you.

• No unnecessary scaling in advance: Smaller images are often better "unchanged" because they can be processed with more original information during automatic upscaling.

5.2 Assess sharpness, noise, and compression

• Reduce noise: Especially for smartphone or night shots, image noise should be reduced in advance—preferably with tools that combine noise reduction and detail sharpness.

• No oversharpenin: Aggressive sharpness filters can increase artifacts during upscaling. A subtle, natural source image is better.

• Avoid heavy compression: Files with low JPEG quality tend to have block artifacts, which become much more visible when enlarged.

5.3 Consider color spaces and print profiles

• sRGB or AdobeRGB: Use common color spaces – WhiteWall processes these reliably.

• Use soft proofing optionally: If you want to plan very precisely, you can use ICC profiles and soft proofs to check how the image will look on certain materials. (Further information at whitewall.com/farbmanagement)

• Perform color and exposure corrections beforehand: Ideally, no further significant editing should be done after upscaling.

6. Conclusion: More format, more possibilities – without any loss of quality

Thanks to modern upscaling technologies, even small or older image files are no longer an obstacle to large-format, high-quality prints. Whether it's a smartphone photo, an archived favorite image, or a creative detail, intelligent upscaling allows many motifs to be enlarged impressively without compromising image quality.

WhiteWall takes a particularly convenient approach with super-resolution: automatic enlargement takes place directly during the ordering process and is tailored to the desired material, printing process, and final format. This gives you an optimized print result that meets the highest standards – without any additional software or time-consuming manual adjustments.

For anyone who wants to present their images in large format – whether for personal, artistic, or professional purposes – upscaling has become a very helpful tool. And with WhiteWall Superresolution, it's easier than ever before. Because quality doesn't start with file size, but with the right implementation.