Free Software to Upscale an Image

Computing platform?

Bit-mapped or vector graphics?

If Linux or BSD, "The GIMP" can do pretty much do anything bit-mapped graphics related.

In addition, there seem to be any number of AI-enhanced apps on mobile platforms that are geared to do this kind of stuff (to photos at least).

Posts: 7927 | Location: NoVA | Registered: July 22, 2009

Ignored post by architect posted

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by architect:
Computing platform?

Bit-mapped or vector graphics?

If Linux or BSD, "The GIMP" can do pretty much do anything bit-mapped graphics related.

In addition, there seem to be any number of AI-enhanced apps on mobile platforms that are geared to do this kind of stuff (to photos at least).

I'm on a Windows laptop. Sorry, not sure of the graphic question.

My daughter is on her the dance team at her college. I want to make her a set of cornhole boards, 1 for her to have, but second to use while tailgating before football games this fall. The dance parents hold a tailgate before home games. Problem is, there isn't much in the way of a team decal that is available. Nothing available from the college athletic department at least. I have an image from their FB page, but when uploading to a site to generate a decal, I get a message that the resolution needs to be higher. That's all I'm trying to do.

Someone posted (and removed their post) that Chat GPT will enhance photos. I logged on and it did, but not as much as may be needed.

Posts: 2205 | Location: St. Louis | Registered: January 28, 2006

Ignored post by Erick85 posted

Lineman101

Member

posted

Inkscape
https://inkscape.org/
Free and can do vector for sharp graphics

Posts: 315 | Location: Orange County, California | Registered: July 18, 2009

Ignored post by Lineman101 posted

architect

Optimistic Cynic

posted

I know very little about MS Windows, and consider it somewhat of an abomination, so I am unable to suggest a suitable application.

WRT bit-mapped and vector graphics, bit maps are a collection of dots (pixels) that when shrunk or viewed from far enough away that they look like a continuous image. When you get up close, or "blow them up" they get grainy and the dots become more obvious. Reducing them can also cause loss of detail in the image.

Vector graphics are a collection of distinct objects described by lines or curves. Because these are mathematically defined shapes, they don't suffer from growing or shrinking.

Most printers use dots to image both bit-mapped and vector images.

If I were to attempt what you want to do, I might project the image onto a board and paint it in by hand. Even if you succeed in getting a life size paper print of the image, you still have the task of affixing it to the board, something that often doesn't go as well as one might wish.

If you aren't adverse to spending money, a paint shop that does auto "wraps" might be able to assist. You'd end up with a self-adhesive Mylar (or other thin film) that would adhere to your board.

Posts: 7927 | Location: NoVA | Registered: July 22, 2009

Ignored post by architect posted

joel9507

Don't Panic
Picture of joel9507

posted

It could be that if you posted a link to the image you're looking to fine-tune, you might get more specific suggestions.

Thinking about the application a little, wouldn't cornholes landing hard and then sliding wear holes through decals?

Posts: 15730 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: October 15, 2007

Ignored post by joel9507 posted

cparktd

Member

posted

Ideally consult the owner/poster of the photo and request a higher res version.

Some people spread happiness wherever they go… some whenever they go.

Posts: 4462 | Location: Middle Tennessee | Registered: February 07, 2013

Ignored post by cparktd posted

MaSigchist

Member

posted

Microsoft Paint - Amazingly it is still on every Windows machine after all these years. Nothing fancy but it has a Resize/Skew function.

-Scott

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Ignored post by MaSigchist posted

YellowJacket

Caribou gorn
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posted

quote:
Originally posted by Erick85:

Someone posted (and removed their post) that Chat GPT will enhance photos. I logged on and it did, but not as much as may be needed.

I deleted my post because I tried it after I posted and it was not very useful.

The latest versions of Photoshop or Camera Raw will do this but that is more pro-grade stuff.

There ain't much difference in the man I want to be and the man that I really am.

Posts: 10981 | Location: Marietta, GA | Registered: February 10, 2009

Ignored post by YellowJacket posted

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by architect:
I know very little about MS Windows, and consider it somewhat of an abomination, so I am unable to suggest a suitable application.

WRT bit-mapped and vector graphics, bit maps are a collection of dots (pixels) that when shrunk or viewed from far enough away that they look like a continuous image. When you get up close, or "blow them up" they get grainy and the dots become more obvious. Reducing them can also cause loss of detail in the image.

Vector graphics are a collection of distinct objects described by lines or curves. Because these are mathematically defined shapes, they don't suffer from growing or shrinking.

Most printers use dots to image both bit-mapped and vector images.

If I were to attempt what you want to do, I might project the image onto a board and paint it in by hand. Even if you succeed in getting a life size paper print of the image, you still have the task of affixing it to the board, something that often doesn't go as well as one might wish.

If you aren't adverse to spending money, a paint shop that does auto "wraps" might be able to assist. You'd end up with a self-adhesive Mylar (or other thin film) that would adhere to your board.

Thank you for the education bit on the types of graphics. Learned something new today!

I've through about projecting and hand-drawing, but I'm not sure I have the time to do that. Still have to build the boards.

There are companies online that make full vinyl covers for the complete 2x4 board face, but the design I want to make, I haven't seen any way to do that on the multiple sites I've been on.

Posts: 2205 | Location: St. Louis | Registered: January 28, 2006

Ignored post by Erick85 posted

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by joel9507:
It could be that if you posted a link to the image you're looking to fine-tune, you might get more specific suggestions.

Thinking about the application a little, wouldn't cornholes landing hard and then sliding wear holes through decals?

Then I'd have to remember how to host a photo and post it...

I actually found a website that will make a vinyl sticker for $5/sticker. I figure it's worth a shot. If the resolution is not the best, I'm not out that much money. The decal would go on the board after I paint the background, but before the poly. Multiple coats of poly and it'll be bulletproof.

Posts: 2205 | Location: St. Louis | Registered: January 28, 2006

Ignored post by Erick85 posted

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by YellowJacket:
quote:
Originally posted by Erick85:

Someone posted (and removed their post) that Chat GPT will enhance photos. I logged on and it did, but not as much as may be needed.

I deleted my post because I tried it after I posted and it was not very useful.

The latest versions of Photoshop or Camera Raw will do this but that is more pro-grade stuff.

I do appreciate your info though. It got me started in the right direction. Thanks!!

Posts: 2205 | Location: St. Louis | Registered: January 28, 2006

Ignored post by Erick85 posted