A blurry photo can't be saved with the classic Image Size function. The pixels are simply stretched apart, and the image looks even mushier afterwards. This is exactly where generative upscaling in Photoshop comes in. The AI recalculates missing details and can thus make even small shots usable for print or web. In this tutorial, you'll get to know the function step by step and see how the default model, Firefly Upscaler, differs from Topaz Gigapixel.
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Key Takeaways
Generative upscaling is clearly superior to the classic Image Size function for blurry photos. The Firefly Upscaler is fast, but with heavily blurred or very small images it often delivers only mediocre results. Topaz Gigapixel is the stronger choice for faces and fine details, but it takes several minutes. The Face Restoration function is especially worthwhile for portraits. The creative mode can freely invent elements, so you should work with layer masks. And keep an eye on credit consumption, because it can be significantly higher than you expect for a single operation.
Step-by-Step Guide
Why classic enlargement doesn't help
Before you work with the AI, try the usual method: open Image and Image Size and set, for example, a width of 4000 pixels. The result does look larger, but blurrier than before. Deliberately undo this step, because it shows you the difference from the AI method very clearly.
Accessing generative upscaling
Open your image and go to Image in the menu and then to Generative Upscale. Photoshop then shows you the available models. The Firefly Upscaler is preset, and you can directly specify whether you want double the size or a different factor.
The Firefly Upscaler: fast, but not always convincing
The Firefly Upscaler is Adobe's in-house model and doubles the size in about a minute. That sounds pleasantly short, but with very blurry source images the result often remains mushy. Red eyes or small flaws are also not reliably corrected. An image with extremely low sharpness is therefore not a representative example, but it shows well where the limits lie. With such photos, it's best to switch directly to another model.
Using Topaz Gigapixel for portraits
In the dialog, select Topaz Gigapixel as the model. For blurry faces, additionally activate the Face Restoration option. Then you specify how much the image should be enlarged. With this model the calculation takes about three minutes, but faces and fine structures are noticeably more detailed. Check the result carefully afterwards. In my example, a slight red tint was still visible in the inner part of the eye, which you can touch up with a correction tool.
Comparing small shots
Especially with very small images, such as a shot measuring 400 by 500 pixels, a direct comparison is worthwhile. The Firefly Upscaler does make the subject larger, but the details remain soft. With the same source image, Topaz delivers significantly more structure, for example in hair and textiles. The background to this: Topaz has specialized in upscaling, and Photoshop now integrates its technology as a partner module.
Testing the creative mode with flowers
The Topaz Flowers model offers a creative function that freely adds missing elements. You can push the slider far to the right, depending on your preference. In my test image, people were altered and even a bicycle was added. The result then has hardly anything to do with the original. To control this, create a layer mask and use the brush to reveal only the areas that should become sharp, such as your daughter's face. You can also make the sky sharper in a targeted way while the rest of the original is preserved.
Setting the Output Size Correctly
With high enlargement factors, Photoshop may display a warning that the output is too large. In that case, first reduce the image size, start generative upscaling again, and repeat the process. The link between the two dialogs is handy, so you can quickly switch back and forth between the settings.
Keeping an Eye on Credits and Usage
Every AI operation consumes credits. With a subscription, you have, for example, 4,000 credits per month available, and they are reset monthly. Check your balance via the profile icon at the top right. In the test, consumption was significantly higher than expected. A creative fourfold upscale cost around 35 credits, which is significantly more than a single credit. So plan ahead how often you want to use the process.
Using Partner Modules and Collaborations
Via the link in the dialog, you can see which partner modules are integrated into Photoshop. These include providers such as Google, Topaz, and other AI services. For you, this means: you don't have to master everything yourself, but can choose the strongest technology for your subject.
Summary – Upscaling Images with AI: Photoshop Firefly vs. Topaz Gigapixel
Generative upscaling improves your photos where classic image resizing fails. Start with the Firefly Upscaler when you need speed, and switch to Topaz Gigapixel as soon as faces or fine details matter. Use face restoration for portraits and the creative mode only with layer masks. Keep an eye on credit consumption before you process larger batches.
FAQ
How long does generative upscaling in Photoshop take?The Firefly Upscaler takes about a minute, Topaz Gigapixel with face restoration around three minutes.
Why does the image look worse after classic enlargement?With the Image Size function, only additional pixels are interpolated, so sharpness is not improved.
Which model is best suited for portraits?Topaz Gigapixel with face restoration enabled usually delivers the best results for blurry faces.
What does the creative function in Topaz Flowers do?It freely adds missing elements and can change content significantly, so you should use it selectively with layer masks.
How can I prevent creative changes from affecting the whole image?Create a layer mask and paint in only the areas you want to sharpen or change.
What should I do if Photoshop reports that the output is too large?First reduce the image size, start generative upscaling again, and then adjust the factor.
How many credits does an upscaling operation consume?That depends on the model and enlargement factor. For a creative fourfold upscale, it was around 35 credits in the test.
Are used credits reset in a subscription?Yes, with a subscription the credits are reset monthly. You can see the current balance via the profile icon.
Can I use Topaz Gigapixel without a separate subscription?According to the video, the partner modules can be used directly in Photoshop, so a separate Gigapixel subscription is not strictly necessary.
What image size is typical as source material for a photo in the test?One example was a shot of 400 by 500 pixels, i.e., a very small original.
