Learn Designer Tutorials

Turn Low-Resolution Photos Into Share-Ready Designs With the Upscale Tool

By Melanie Doncas | Designer Tutorials

Have you ever inserted a photo into your design template, only to find that it looks pixelated or blurry? Whether you’re working on a postcard, flyer, or personal greeting card, using low-resolution images can leave your finished design looking unpolished – especially if you plan to print it.

Thankfully, you don’t have to start over or search for higher-quality images. BeFunky’s Graphic Designer includes access to the Upscale tool, which makes it easy to turn low-resolution images into high-resolution assets – all without leaving your project. Whether you're designing for print or digital sharing, you can instantly improve your image quality in just a few clicks.

The Upscale tool uses AI technology to analyze and enhance your image, making it sharper, more detailed, and ready for printing without losing its natural look. So, if you’ve ever wondered what to do if your photo resolution is too low, this is your solution!

How to Upscale Images From Any Design

Ready to make a low-resolution photo look great in your design? Head to the Graphic Designer and choose a template to get started. For this tutorial, we’re using a flyer design for a fashion boutique sale, but there are plenty of designs to choose from – whether you’re creating something for business or personal use.

Template gallery in BeFunky Graphic Designer before inserting low-res image

Step 1: Add a Photo to the Design Template

Firstly, you’ll need to upload the photo you want to use in your template. Navigate to the Image Manager tab. Then, upload your photo from your computer’s files.

Upscale tool interface in Photo Editor showing photo of three women before AI enhancement

From the Image Manager, you can simply drag and drop the image into place on your design template.

When you place your low-res photo into your design, you might notice some pixelation or blur. Don’t worry, as that’s where Upscale comes in!

Step 2: Upscale the Low-Res Photo

Click on your photo, then select Edit Image from the Image Properties panel. This will open your image within the Photo Editor, right inside the Designer. 

Edit Image from the Image Properties menu to open the Photo Editor

Now that you’re within the Photo Editor, select the Edit tab. Then, scroll down to locate the Upscale tool, which is in the Detail Enhancements section.

Upscale tool detail enhancement panel open with photo ready for upscaling

Within the tool, click the Upscale button. Our revolutionary AI will instantly enhance the resolution of your image, along with its clarity, sharpness, and resolution. You can compare the results using the before/after slider.

To keep your edits, click Apply. Then, to navigate back to your design template, select Done Editing Image at the top of the screen.

Done Editing Image and Apply to head back to the Designer

Step 3: Save Your Final Design

Once your photo has been upscaled, it will be updated within your design. From here, you can finish customizing your layout – whether that’s adding text, inserting graphics, or applying your brand’s color palette.

Save final design after upscaling the imagery

You can save your project by selecting Save at the top of the screen, and choosing your desired save location and format. If you plan on printing your design, we recommend saving your template as a high-resolution PDF in Print Quality. Want to share your design digitally instead? Both JPG and PNG formats are perfect for this.

Before and After: Low-Res Image to Crisp Design

The Upscale tool does wonders for turning your low-resolution images into share-ready designs. The best part? There’s no learning curve! Just a few seconds is all it takes to perfect your imagery.

Upscaler applied to sale poster for clearer marketing imagery
Close up of sale poster with blurry image of three women holding flowers

Before

After

Design Inspiration: More Ways to Use Upscale in Your Projects

Looking for a few more ways to use Upscale in your designs? From personal use and business marketing to social media sharing – here are some other common scenarios where this tool comes in handy.

Direct Mail Marketing

Sending out direct mail is a great way to market your small business or upcoming event. And when it comes to a cost-effective way to get noticed, you just can’t beat postcards. If your postcard’s images aren’t sharp, however, then it can reflect poorly on your brand. Using the Upscale tool ensures every detail looks crisp and clean, especially once printed.

Upscaled image of blurry appointment reminder
Postcard for appointment reminder with slightly blurry subject

Before

After

Personalized Cards

Designing a greeting card, like a birthday card, thank you note, or holiday greeting with old family photos? These images may not have the highest resolution, especially if they’re scanned or taken on older devices. Upscale gives them a fresh and polished look, making them perfect for printing and gifting to your loved ones to mark special occasions.

Upscaled old photo in card design
Greeting card with too-small old photo causing grain

Before

After

Digital Assets

Clear, high-res images are key to capturing attention. So, even if you’re only sharing your design online, resolution still matters. Use the Upscale tool to make sure the photos within your banners, social media posts, and online ads look their best on every screen!

Upscaled spooky latte flavor photo for more professional social presence
Social media post advertising latte flavors with low-res image of latte

Before

After

Ready to Enhance Your Design Quality?

You don’t need fancy software or professional editing skills to convert a low-resolution image to high resolution. Accessing the Upscale tool in the Graphic Designer allows you to transform your photos from blurry to beautiful in just a few clicks. It’s the easiest and most effective way to make your designs truly print-ready and share-worthy.

Want to see just how easy it is to enhance your photos without ever leaving your design project? Try the Upscale tool for yourself! 


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