How to Increase Image Resolution in Photoshop (and a Free Alternative)

To increase an image's resolution in Photoshop, open Image → Image Size, tick Resample, enter the larger width or height, and choose the Preserve Details 2.0 resampling method; for a stronger result, Camera Raw's Super Resolution can double the width and height. Menu names can differ slightly between Photoshop versions.

Quick Facts
Basic method	Image → Image Size → Resample → Preserve Details 2.0
AI method	Camera Raw Enhance → Super Resolution (doubles width and height)
Other AI option	Neural Filters → Super Zoom (availability varies by version)
Cost	Photoshop is a paid subscription
Free alternative	imgmend upscaler (2x free, no signup)

Method 1: Image Size with Preserve Details

1. Open the image and choose Image → Image Size.
2. Make sure Resample is ticked, otherwise you only change the DPI label and not the pixels.
3. Set the unit to Pixels and enter the new width or height with the chain icon locked to keep the proportions.
4. In the Resample menu choose Preserve Details 2.0, which is intended for enlarging.
5. If the enlarged image looks noisy, raise Reduce Noise a little, then click OK.

Method 2: Super Resolution in Camera Raw

Open the image in Camera Raw (for example Filter → Camera Raw Filter), right-click the preview or use the Enhance command, tick Super Resolution and confirm. It produces a new file with twice the width and height, and it works best on sharp, well-exposed images.

Method 3: Neural Filters

Some Photoshop versions include a Super Zoom neural filter under Filter → Neural Filters. It needs an internet connection for some filters and the feature set changes between releases, so check which options your version offers.

How Much Can You Enlarge?

Enlarging to about twice the size usually looks fine; going much beyond that adds invented detail that can look waxy or repetitive. Start from the best original you have, and fix noise and blur first with a tool like the imgmend denoiser or the blurry photo fixer.

Free Alternative Without Photoshop

1. Open imgmend.com/upscale-image and upload your JPG, PNG or WebP (up to 10 MB).
2. Run the 2x upscale and wait about 10–30 seconds.
3. Compare before and after, then download the PNG.

Free use is 3 images per day with no account; free downloads carry a small watermark that Pro removes. Images above about 2 megapixels are scaled down before upscaling. For a comparison of Photoshop's AI options with Firefly and Topaz, see Photoshop AI upscale vs Firefly vs Topaz vs imgmend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I increase resolution in Photoshop?

Choose Image → Image Size, tick Resample, enter the larger dimensions in pixels and select Preserve Details 2.0, or use Super Resolution in Camera Raw.

Does increasing DPI in Photoshop add detail?

Not if Resample is off: the DPI label changes but the pixels stay the same. Detail only increases when you resample to more pixels.

What is the best way to upscale in Photoshop?

Camera Raw Super Resolution generally gives the most natural enlargement, doubling the width and height; Preserve Details 2.0 is the quick option in Image Size.

Is there a free way to do this without Photoshop?

Yes. imgmend's upscaler enlarges images 2x in your browser for free, with no signup.

Upscale an image free →