Supercharge Your Images with AI
Upscayl is a free, open source AI image upscaler for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Hassle-free and easy to use, it turns fuzzy photos and pixelated art into sharp, high-resolution images using Real-ESRGAN deep learning on your own GPU. No uploads, no subscriptions, no internet required after install.
100%
Local & Private Processing
Multi-Model
Real-ESRGAN, Ultrasharp, Fast-GPU
Cross-Platform
Windows, macOS & Linux
Up to 16x
Higher Resolution Output
Low Resolution Is No Fun
Got a blurry photo or a pixelated mess? Upscayl is built for exactly that problem.
The Problem
Old photos, compressed JPEGs, and small game textures lose detail when you stretch them with basic editors. Guessing settings or paying for complicated cloud tools is slow, expensive, and risky for private work.
The Solution
Upscayl uses state-of-the-art AI to reconstruct detail with one workflow: pick an image, choose a model, set your scale, and let your GPU do the work. Preview modes help you compare before you save.
Your Hardware
Everything runs locally with Vulkan acceleration. Images stay on your machine, so creators, studios, and developers can upscale confidential assets without sending files to the cloud.
Made For Every Creative Workflow
Whether you restore memories or ship production assets, Upscayl fits how you already work.
Creators
Social posts, thumbnails, and portfolio shots that need a clean upscale without a monthly AI bill.
Designers
UI mockups, print prep, and client deliverables where color and edge fidelity matter.
Artists
Illustration, anime line art, and texture work with models tuned for different visual styles.
Developers
Game textures, icons, and legacy asset pipelines upscaled in batch on your own machine.
Businesses
Product photography and archives improved offline for teams that cannot use cloud inference.
You
Free forever, open source, and yours to keep after one download. No account required.
Desktop Features You Get Free
The app millions use on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with continuous open source improvements.
Free and Open Source
Download once, keep it forever. AGPL-licensed code you can audit, fork, and trust. No paywalls for core upscaling.
Up to 16x Resolution
Enhance images with scale factors that go far beyond simple resize. Rebuild detail for print, displays, and archival restoration.
Models for Every Need
Switch between Real-ESRGAN variants, UltraSharp, illustration-friendly models, and anime-focused networks for the look you want.
Batch Upscayl
Point at a folder and process hundreds of files in one queue. Ideal for texture packs, photo sets, and repetitive production work.
Double Upscayl
Run a second pass on difficult JPEGs and heavily compressed sources when a single upscale is not enough.
Vulkan GPU Power
Hardware acceleration through Vulkan keeps processing on your dedicated GPU. Fast, local, and private by design.
Local Upscayl vs Cloud Upscalers
Why users choose offline AI enhancement for serious image work.
| Capability | Upscayl Desktop | Typical Cloud Service |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Files never leave your PC | Upload required |
| Cost | Free and open source | Monthly subscription common |
| Offline use | Works without internet | Requires connection |
| Batch folders | Built-in queue | Often limited by credits |
| Output control | PNG, JPG, WebP, custom paths | Varies by platform |
What People Say About Upscayl
Feedback from artists, developers, and download communities worldwide.
"I looked everywhere and settled on Upscayl. It is free, and it also beat the paid trials I tried for straightforward upscaling with minimal unwanted changes."
"Upscayl is free and effective when you simply want to upscale with minimal shifts. Exactly what I needed for photo restoration."
"Runs locally, which is excellent for security and privacy. Open source upscaling that actually feels like magic on every pass."
"I use Upscayl almost every day. The interface keeps improving and the results stay consistently strong on Vulkan GPUs."
"A super nice tool for saving old web images where only compressed copies remained. Upscayl recovered detail I thought was gone forever."
"Powerful photo editing without an internet connection. Pick a mode, preview, and apply. No advanced editing skills required."
Common Questions
Quick answers before you download. See the full FAQ for legal, GPU, and security details.
Is Upscayl really free?
Yes. Upscayl is free and open source with no premium paywall for core upscaling. You pay nothing for the desktop app itself.
Are my images uploaded anywhere?
No. Upscayl Desktop processes files locally on your GPU. Your photos and assets stay on your hardware.
What GPU do I need?
A Vulkan-compatible dedicated GPU is recommended. Update your graphics drivers for best performance on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Can I upscale many files at once?
Yes. Batch mode lets you queue entire folders, which is ideal for textures, galleries, and large archives.