SIGforum
Free Software to Upscale an Image
August 18, 2025, 09:51 AM
Erick85Free Software to Upscale an Image
I'm wanting to use an existing image to make a decal for a set of cornhole boards. The image is not a very high resolution, but I'm seeing that I can increase the resolution using software. Does anyone have any experience with this and any free software you'd recommend? I'm only doing 1 set, needing 2 decals from this one image so I don't want to spend a ton on something I won't ever use again.
Thanks in advance!
August 18, 2025, 11:52 AM
architectComputing 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).
August 18, 2025, 01:25 PM
Erick85quote:
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.
August 18, 2025, 03:24 PM
Lineman101Inkscape
https://inkscape.org/Free and can do vector for sharp graphics
August 19, 2025, 07:53 AM
architectI 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.
August 19, 2025, 08:00 AM
joel9507It 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?
August 19, 2025, 08:40 AM
cparktdIdeally consult the owner/poster of the photo and request a higher res version.
Some people spread happiness wherever they go… some whenever they go. August 19, 2025, 11:03 AM
MaSigchistMicrosoft Paint - Amazingly it is still on every Windows machine after all these years. Nothing fancy but it has a Resize/Skew function.
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August 19, 2025, 11:51 AM
YellowJacketquote:
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. August 19, 2025, 12:36 PM
Erick85quote:
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.
August 19, 2025, 12:38 PM
Erick85quote:
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.
August 19, 2025, 12:38 PM
Erick85quote:
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!!