Upscayl

Free open-source desktop app that upscales images with local AI models

AI Everyday & LifestyleFree planOverseas★★★★☆ 4.0

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What is Upscayl?

Upscayl is a free, open-source image upscaler that runs entirely on your own computer rather than in the cloud. It puts several open super-resolution models behind a plain desktop interface: choose a folder of images, pick a model, set the scale, and let it work through the batch. Because nothing is uploaded, there are no credits, no per-image fees and no privacy question over client photographs. It is the practical option for enlarging small product shots, old family photos, scanned artwork or AI-generated images that came out below the size you need to print.

Last updated: 2026-09-20. This site only provides an index; for exact features, pricing, and licensing, see the official website.

Key features

Local AI upscaling with a choice of several open super-resolution models
Batch processing across a whole folder rather than one file at a time
Scales from 2x up to 4x, with optional face enhancement models
Runs offline, so no image ever leaves your machine
Configurable output folder, image format and filename suffix
Windows, macOS and Linux builds, plus a Docker image for servers

Pros & cons

Strengths

Completely free and open source, with no credits or subscription
Offline processing suits confidential or client-owned images
Batch mode clears a folder of photos in a single run

Watch out for

Wants a capable GPU before processing feels quick
Model choice and settings are technical, with little hand-holding
It enlarges and sharpens well but cannot recover detail that is gone

Best for & use cases

old photo restoration, print preparation, enlarging small images and batch upscaling

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FAQ

Is Upscayl really free?

Yes. It is open source and free to download, with no account, credits or export limits. The trade-off is that processing happens on your hardware, so a slow machine means slow results.

Which model should I pick?

General photo models suit most images, while dedicated face models do better on portraits and a digital-art model handles illustrations and AI output. Trying two models on one sample image is the quickest way to choose.

Can it rescue a very blurry photo?

Partly. It sharpens edges and reconstructs plausible texture, which helps small or soft images. Detail that was never captured cannot be invented, so badly blurred or heavily compressed photos stay imperfect.