How to Increase Image Size and Resolution Without Distortion
Increasing pixel dimensions is possible, but it cannot recreate detail that the source never captured.
Preserve aspect ratio
The safest way to enlarge an image is to keep width and height linked. Changing only one dimension stretches the subject and makes circles, faces and text look distorted.
What interpolation does
When an image is enlarged, software estimates new pixels from neighboring pixels. Smooth photographs can upscale reasonably for moderate use, while tiny text, logos and sharp edges may become soft.
Choose a realistic enlargement
A small increase such as 125% or 150% is less likely to look artificial than multiplying dimensions several times. View the result at its intended display or print size instead of judging only at extreme zoom.
File size after enlargement
More pixels usually mean a larger file. Export format and quality can offset some of that increase, but aggressive compression may remove the benefit of the larger dimensions.
Avoid repeated resizing
Resize from the original image whenever possible. Repeatedly saving and enlarging a compressed JPG can accumulate artifacts.
- Keep aspect ratio enabled
- Use the original source
- Increase dimensions in one step
- Compare at the intended viewing size
- Check final KB and pixel dimensions