Upscayl: Free and Open Source AI Image Upscaler for All Platforms

Upscayl: Free and Open Source AI Image Upscaler for All Platforms

Summary

Upscayl is a leading free and open-source AI image upscaler designed to enlarge and enhance low-resolution images without compromising quality. Utilizing advanced AI algorithms like Real-ESRGAN, it provides a powerful solution for improving image clarity and detail. Available across Linux, macOS, and Windows, Upscayl makes high-quality image upscaling accessible to everyone.

Repository Info

Updated on March 25, 2026
View on GitHub

Tags

aiimage upscalingelectronesrgangigapixeltypescriptopen sourceimage processing

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Introduction

Upscayl is a leading free and open-source AI image upscaler designed to enlarge and enhance low-resolution images without compromising quality. Leveraging advanced AI algorithms like Real-ESRGAN, Upscayl transforms pixelated or small images into high-resolution versions, making details clearer and sharper. It is a cross-platform application, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, providing a powerful and accessible tool for anyone needing to improve their image quality.

For more information, visit the official Upscayl website.

Installation

Upscayl requires a Vulkan compatible GPU (Graphics Card) to upscale images effectively. While many integrated GPUs (iGPUs) might not work, it's always worth trying.

Linux

Upscayl is widely available across various Linux distributions. You can find it in most distro's software listings or use popular package formats:

  • Flatpak: Available on Flathub.
  • AppImage: Download the upscayl-x.x.x-linux.AppImage from the releases section or official website. Right-click, go to Permissions, check 'allow file to execute', then double-click to run.
  • AUR (Arch Linux): upscayl-bin package available here.
  • Snap: Install via Snapcraft.
  • Other formats: RPM (Fedora), DEB (Debian/Ubuntu), and ZIP are also available from the releases section.

macOS

(macOS 12 and later)

  1. Download the upscayl-x.x.x-mac.dmg file from the releases section or official website.
  2. Double-click the DMG, drag the Upscayl icon into the Applications folder.
  3. Open Finder, navigate to Applications, right-click Upscayl, and select 'Open'. Confirm 'Open' again in the subsequent window.
  • Homebrew: 
    brew install --cask upscayl

Windows

(Windows 10 and later)

  1. Download the upscayl-x.x.x-win.exe file from the releases section or official website.
  2. Double-click the EXE file to launch the installer.
  3. If a SmartScreen warning appears, click 'More Info' and then 'Run Anyway', or press 'YES' on the unverified publisher dialog.
  4. Follow the installation steps to complete the setup.

Examples

To see the impressive results of Upscayl in action, including before-and-after comparisons of images enhanced by its AI algorithms, please visit the official Comparisons page on their GitHub repository.

Why Use Upscayl?

Upscayl stands out as an excellent choice for image upscaling due to several key advantages:

  • Free and Open Source: It's completely free to use and its source code is openly available, fostering transparency and community contributions.
  • AI-Powered Enhancement: Utilizes advanced AI models like Real-ESRGAN to intelligently add detail and clarity, making low-resolution images look significantly better.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Seamlessly runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, ensuring broad accessibility for users across different operating systems.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, allowing anyone to upscale images with just a few clicks.
  • Active Development & Community: Benefits from ongoing development and a supportive community, ensuring continuous improvements and new features.

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