AI Image Editing & Upscaling Guide

Beta Upscale (2x upscale) simply doubles the resolution while trying to maintain the original image exactly. It uses traditional upscaling algorithms enhanced with AI. Best for: Photorealistic images, architectural renders, product shots where accuracy is crucial. Creative Upscale (also 2x) adds new details and can slightly alter the image while upscaling. It's more "interpretive" and creative. Best for: Artistic images, illustrations, fantasy scenes where variation is acceptable. Key difference: Beta tries to preserve exactly what's there, creative adds new artistic details. For professional work where accuracy matters, use beta upscale. For artistic exploration, creative can yield interesting results.

To upscale beyond Midjourney's 2048x2048 limit: 1) Topaz Gigapixel AI - Best for photography, up to 6x (600%), preserves details excellently, 2) Upscayl - Free open-source alternative, up to 4x (400%), good for illustrations, 3) Let's Enhance - Web-based, up to 16x (1600%), good for batch processing, 4) Photoshop Super Resolution - 2x (200%), integrates with Creative Cloud, 5) ESRGAN - Open-source models, customizable but technical. Workflow: Export from Midjourney at 2048x2048 (beta upscale) → Import to upscaling tool → Apply 2-4x upscale → Final resolution 4096x4096 to 8192x8196. For print: Aim for 300 DPI at final print size (e.g., 24x36 inch poster needs 7200x10800 pixels).

Best free background removal tools: 1) Remove.bg Free Tier - 99% accurate, watermark on free downloads, web & app, 2) Canva Background Remover - Free with Canva account, good for simple graphics, 3) Adobe Express Background Remover - Free web tool from Adobe, 4) Photopea - Free Photoshop alternative with AI selection tools, 5) Clipdrop by Stability AI - Free tier with limitations. For professional work: Remove.bg's paid plan ($9/month for 500 images) is worth it for commercial projects. Always check edges after removal - AI can miss hair, transparent objects, or complex edges. Manual cleanup in Photoshop/GIMP may still be needed for perfect results.

To maintain quality when editing AI images: 1) Work non-destructively - Use layers, adjustment layers, masks in Photoshop, 2) Edit in 16-bit color when possible for more color data, 3) Upscale first - Do all editing at highest resolution, then resize down if needed, 4) Use appropriate file formats - PNG for editing, PSD for layered work, 5) Avoid multiple JPEG saves - Each save loses quality, 6) Use smart filters in Photoshop for reversible effects, 7) Keep originals - Never overwrite original files, use versioning, 8) Monitor histogram - Avoid clipping highlights/shadows, 9) Sharpening last - Apply sharpening as final step after all edits, 10) Check at 100% zoom - Always review edits at actual pixel view.