When you increase the resolution of a smaller photo, you always risk loss of quality. Logical, you ask a program to come up with extra pixels for an image that consists of a specific number of pixels. Fortunately, artificial intelligence is very good at predicting new pixels. Bigjpg allows you to enlarge images using artificial intelligence.
bigjpg
Price
Free for 20 images per month
There are also paid versions
Language
English
OS
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web
Website
https://bigjpg.com/
6 Score 60 
- Pros
- Good solution for illustrations and photos
- Result is fine
- Negatives
- Only 20 images per month
Bigjpg comes in different forms. You can access the tool online, but there are also two versions for Windows (x64 and x32). There is a version for macOS and there are two mobile apps, one for iOS and one for android†The name of this tool is somewhat misleading. Bigjpg can not only pump up jpg files, but also png images are no problem at all.
Limits
Bigjpg uses convolutional neural networks. That is artificial intelligence that is usually used for analyzing images and video. These neural networks are constantly improving themselves in edge detection, blurring and sharpening.
The free version allows you to enlarge 20 images per month. The files you upload cannot exceed 5 MB or 3000 × 3000 pixels, and the maximum magnification is 400%. In addition, there are three paid variants where you can upload more and larger images.
noise reduction
You drag the image(s) into the selection box. A pop-up will then appear asking if it is a drawing or a photo. Then you indicate how much you want to scale up the image. In the free version you are limited to 2x or 4x.
In the last option you select how much noise reduction the program should apply. This remains a balancing act, because scaling sometimes produces noise, but noise reduction causes a bit of blur. It’s not a bad idea to have it here at the option Medium hold.
Speed
The program warns that the process with the free version can be slow, but that is not so bad. The speed also depends of course on the original dimensions, the requested magnification and the server traffic. Then you decide to which location on the hard drive you want to download the magnification.
Conclusion
This is an interesting tool if you occasionally want to upscale an image for a specific project. In that case, the free version is enough. By the way, the result of the enlargement is good. The colours, edges and details are preserved.
