Step-by-Step Guide to Repair Pixelated Images

When you stretch any image beyond its resolution, it gets pixelated and destroys your viewing experience. Pixelated images are visually unappealing and can diminish your content, whether it’s for your social media posts or professional presentations. Luckily, there are several photo repair methods available that you can try to fix low-resolution pixelated images.

This step-by-step guide to repair pixelated images explores various methods to enhance your image’s quality and minimize pixelation. Let’s begin!

Understanding Pixelation in Photos

Pixelation refers to the blocky appearance of an image caused by low resolution. It generally occurs when the image is resized beyond its original dimensions. Several factors contribute to pixelation, some of these include:

  • Using low-resolution images.
  • Improper resizing techniques.
  • Compressing images excessively.

To fix pixelated images, it is important to understand the root cause and choose an appropriate solution.

How to Fix Pixelated Photos?

Here are some common photo repair workarounds that you can try to fix low-resolution pixelated images:

Method 01: Resize Your Image Properly

As improper resizing is one of the main reasons for your pixelated images, it is important to maintain your image size to avoid such issues. Proper resizing prevents additional pixelation and ensures a smoother appearance. You can follow the below steps to fix pixelated images by resizing it in Photoshop:

  • Launch Photoshop and open your pixelated image file.
  • Now, go to Image > Image Size.
  • In the Image Size pop-up window, increase the resolution of your image by 300 or more.

Method 02: Use Filters for Smooth Pixelation

Filters can significantly blend and soften the visible blocks on your pixelated image file, enhancing its quality. You can fix low-resolution pixelated images by configuring their filters in the Photoshop app. All you have to do is:

  • Launch Photoshop, go to Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise.
  • Configure the strength, reduce color noise, and sharpen details sliders to achieve the desired effect.
  • Use Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur to further smooth pixelated areas.
  • Next, select Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask.
  • From the Unsharp Mask window, adjust the slider to an acceptable level.
  • Lastly, click the OK button and then save the changes using the Save option.

Method 03: Enhance Image Edges and Details

After reducing pixelation, try refining the image further by enhancing its edges and restoring details. Here’s how:

  • Open the Photoshop application, and click on the Sharpen tool from the toolbar (this tool can emphasize edges and details).
  • Adjust the strength slider to control the intensity of sharpening.
  • Focus on areas with significant details, such as faces or text, to avoid over-sharpening.

Method 04: Fix Pixelated Images with Paint.net

Another common tool that you can try to fix low-resolution pixelated images is Paint.net. While it doesn’t provide advanced features like Photoshop, but can be used to easily repair your photos. Follow the below steps to learn how to fix pixelated photos using Paint.net:

  • Firstly, open your pixelated image in Paint.net.
  • Select Effects from the menu bar at the top, and go to Blur > Gaussian Blur.
  • Use the cursor slider to reduce the pixel effect.
  • Now again, click on Effects from the top bar and choose the Photo option. Then click Sharpen from the context menu.
  • Adjust the slider to get an appropriate level for the particular effect.

Once done, save the image and check if it is repaired. If not, it’s time to use a professional photo repair software.

Method 05: Fix Pixelated Images Using Third-Party Photo Repair Tool

Stellar Repair for Photo is an all-in-one photo repair tool which supports repairing pixelated images in a few simple steps. You can use this software to repair damaged photos with all levels of corruption, including pixelated photos, grainy photos, dark photos, faded photos, etc. The software supports repairing image files of several formats, such as JPG, JPEG, PNG, CR3, CR2, and many more.

Key Features of Stellar Repair for Photo Tool:

  • Supports repairing of image files saved on any internal or external storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, USB flash drives, etc.
  • It can repair multiple photos in one go.
  • It provides an Advanced Repair option to fix severely corrupted JPEG/JPG images using the ‘sample file’
  • Compatible with both Windows and macOS devices.
  • 100% safe and secure tool, free from viruses or malware.

Here’s how to repair pixelated images using the Stellar Repair for Photo software:

Step 1: Start with downloading, installing and launching the Stellar Repair for Photo software on your device. Launch the software and select the Add File option to upload the pixelated image that you need to repair.

Step 2: Click the Repair button to begin repairing of selected files.

Step 3: After completion of the repair process, click the Save Repaired Files button to save the repaired photo(s) at the desired location.

Additions Tips to Prevent Image Pixelation

Now that you are familiar with the methods to fix low-resolution pixelated images, it’s time to check some preventive tips to avoid such issues. These tips will help you to maintain image clarity and avoid pixelation in your digital projects:

  • Start with High-Resolution Images: Avoid stretching low-resolution images as this can introduce pixelation in them.
  • Save in the Right Format: Sometimes changing your photo to different formats like PNG or TIFF can preserve quality.
  • Avoid Over-Compression: Minimize compression when saving in formats like JPEG to prevent quality loss.
  • Avoid Excessive Cropping: Cropping too much can reduce the image’s effective resolution, leading to pixelation.

Conclusion

Having pixelated images can be a distressful experience, but the above step-by-step guide to repair pixelated images can prevent you from such a disaster. You can effectively fix low-resolution pixelated images by using tools like Photoshop or Paint.net. However, if these methods fail, you can use a third-party photo repair tool to repair your image file. Start with the methods outlined above, and you’ll soon master the art of repairing pixelated images, transforming poor-quality visuals into stunning works of art.

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FAQs on How to Repair Pixelated Images

What Causes Image Pixelation?

Pixelation generally occurs when you resize the image file beyond its original resolution or when you excessively compress it. This results in visible blocky areas where individual pixels are noticeable.

How Long Does It Take to Repair Pixelated Images?

The time to fix pixelated image files depends on the severity of pixelation and the tools used. Basic fixes using Paint.NET or Photoshop may take 5-10 minutes, while photo repair tools like Stellar Repair for Photo can repair images in three simple steps.

What’s the Best File Format to Save Repaired Images?

Save repaired images in formats that preserve quality, such as PNG or TIFF. For web use, save in JPEG with minimal compression to balance quality and file size.

Do Blurring and Sharpening Help with Pixelation?

Yes, blurring softens blocky areas caused by pixelation, while sharpening restores edges and fine details and helps to fix low-resolution pixelated images.

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