Are you one who loves capturing precious moments as photos or video files? Ever wondered what if your important photos get pixelated all of a sudden?
Pixelated photos can be frustrating as it makes your image blurry or blocky. Whether your image is pixelated due to low resolution, improper resizing, or compression artefacts, there are always chances to fix pixelated photos.
In this guide, we will explore some common DIY methods and tools to help you learn how to fix pixelated photos, making them clear and sharp. Let’s dive into the steps to transform your photos!
Common Reasons for Pixelation in Photos
Before diving into photo repair workarounds to fix pixelated photos, it’s important to understand the root cause of pixelation. Some main reasons include:
- Low-Resolution Images: Photos with a small number of pixels lack detail, which causes pixelation when viewed or printed at a larger size.
- Improper Resizing: Enlarging an image beyond its original resolution introduces pixelation as the pixels get stretched and creates blocky effects in the photo.
- Compression Artifacts: Over-compression, especially in JPEG files, can degrade image quality and generate pixelation.
- Screen Resolution Mismatch: Displaying a low-resolution photo on a high-resolution screen can make pixelation more apparent.
Knowing the causes of pixelation helps you identify the exact repair workaround and preventive measures to avoid such instances in the future.
DIY Methods to Fix Pixelated Photos
In this part of the blog, we’ll discuss some easy-to-follow photo repair methods to improve pixelated photos. Let’s start!
Configure Image Settings in Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a versatile photo editing tool that offers several advanced features to fix pixelated images. You can configure resolutions and pixel settings in your image file using Photoshop to fix its pixelation. Here’s how:
- Firstly, launch Photoshop and open your pixelated photo in it.
- Go to the Filter menu, select Noise and then click Reduce Noise to smooth out pixelation.
- Use the Unsharp Mask filter under Filter > Sharpen to restore details.
- Now, configure the Image Size settings to upscale your image. Also, check the “Resample” box and select the “Preserve Details 2.0” algorithm to enhance photo quality.
- You can also configure brightness, contrast, and other parameters to improve overall clarity.
Try Other Image Editing Software
If you don’t have access to Photoshop, you can try other photo editing tools to reduce pixelation. Here are a few options:
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): A free and open-source alternative to Photoshop.
- Paint.NET: A lightweight photo editor with user-friendly tools that even beginners can easily use.
- PhotoScape X: Offers features for sharpening and denoising images.
Let’s check how to fix pixelated photos using GIMP
- Download GIMP from its official website on your computer.
- After downloading, open your photo in it.
- Now, navigate to Filters > Enhance > Sharpen and configure the sliders to improve clarity.
- Use the Scale Image tool to resize the photo. Select the “Cubic” or “Sinc (Lanczos3)” interpolation method for better results.
- Apply the Gaussian Blur filter to smooth out harsh pixel edges.
- Once your image is edited, save it in a high-quality format.
Use Paint.net to Fix Pixelated Photos
Paint.NET is a free, lightweight, and user-friendly image editing tool that you can use to fix pixelated photos in a few simple steps. All you have to do is:
- Launch Paint.net and import your pixelated photo by clicking the File > Open option.
- Now, go to Effects > Blurs, then select Gaussian Blur.
- Adjust the slider to reduce the pixelation in your photo.
- Once done, click OK to apply the effect.
- Next, go to Effects > Photo > Sharpen and adjust the sharpening intensity using the slider.
- Again click OK once you’re satisfied with the result.
Use Photo Repair Software to Enhance Pixelated Photos
If all the above methods fail, you can use third-party photo repair tool such as Stellar Repair for Photo to fix damaged or corrupted photos in a few simple clicks. This software is mainly known for its amazing features, such as:
- Repair damaged, pixelated, distorted, disoriented, or greyed-out photos.
- Supports repairing of photos of several file formats, including JPEG, JPG, PEF, RAW, and many more.
- It can repair multiple photos in one go.
- 100% safe and secure photo repair software.
- Offer an Advance Repair option to fix severely corrupt photos using a sample file.
Follow the steps below to learn how to fix pixelated photos using the Stellar Repair for Photo software:
Download the Stellar Repair for Photo software from the official website. Next, launch the tool and click the Add File button from the homepage to upload the pixelated photo you need to repair.
Now, click the Repair button and wait till the process completes.
Once the repair is done, preview the repaired files and click the Save Repaired Files button to save them at the desired location on your device.
Tips to Prevent Pixelation in Future Photos
While fixing pixelated images seems easy using the aforementioned steps, it is important to avoid such issues from your end. Here are some tips to maintain photo quality:
- Capture High-Resolution Images: Use devices with high megapixels while capturing photos.
- Save in Lossless Formats: Opt for PNG or TIFF instead of compressed formats like JPEG.
- Resize Images Properly: Use tools like Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint.NET as they resize images while maintaining quality.
- Store Original Files: Keep a backup of unedited images to ensure you can revert to the original when required.
Conclusion
When you find your important photos pixelated, go with the aforementioned DIY methods one-by-one to fix them. Tools like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Paint.net, etc. allow you to repair damaged photos in a few simple steps. However, if these tools fail, you third-party photo repair software like Stellar Repair for Photo to fix pictures damaged due to any reason in a few simple clicks. Moreover, by adopting preventive measures, you can also ensure your future photos remain crisp and high-quality. Start experimenting with these techniques today to bring your pixelated images back to life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I fix the pixelated photo?
Yes, you can easily improve pixelated photos by using image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Paint.NET, or third-party photo repair tools like Stellar Repair for Photo. While the results may vary, these tools can significantly enhance the image’s appearance.
Are there mobile apps for fixing pixelated photos?
Some mobile apps like Remini, Snapseed, Pixlr, etc. provide basic editing features to reduce pixelation in photos.
Does resizing always cause pixelation?
No, resizing can be done without causing pixelation if you use appropriate tools and methods. Ensure you select “Resample” options like Bicubic Smoother or Preserve Details when enlarging an image.