Upscayl
Free open-source AI image upscaler
Upscayl is the leading free and open-source AI image upscaler for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It processes images locally on your machine using Real-ESRGAN and Vulkan architecture, delivering up to 16x resolution enhancement with complete data privacy and no cloud dependency.
Key Capabilities
Upscayl uses Real-ESRGAN neural networks with Vulkan GPU acceleration to upscale images at 2x, 4x, 8x, and 16x resolution. Over 12 AI models are available including the High Fidelity model introduced in 2026 for maximum quality. Batch processing handles multiple images simultaneously, and Double Upscaling applies two passes for even higher resolution. Custom AI models can be imported for specialized use cases. The side-by-side comparison view and Lens Viewer let you inspect results in detail. Multi-language support covers English, Russian, Japanese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Chinese.
Who Should Use Upscayl
Upscayl is ideal for photographers, digital artists, and hobbyists who want high-quality image upscaling without subscription costs or cloud uploads. It particularly appeals to privacy-conscious users since all processing happens locally, open-source enthusiasts who value transparency, and anyone with a capable GPU who wants unlimited free upscaling.
Getting Started
Download Upscayl from upscayl.org or the GitHub releases page for your operating system. Install and launch the application, then drag and drop an image or use the file picker to select one. Choose an AI model (General Photo or High Fidelity recommended for most uses), select your scale factor, and click Upscayl. Use the side-by-side comparison to review the result before saving.
Pricing & Accessibility: Upscayl is completely free and open-source under the AGPL-3.0 license. No account, subscription, or payment is required. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux with no usage limits.
Why Consider Upscayl: Upscayl is the only fully free, open-source AI upscaler that processes locally with no cloud dependency, offering unlimited usage with complete privacy and quality that rivals paid alternatives.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits or subscriptions
- Local processing ensures 100% data privacy with no cloud uploads
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- 12+ AI models including the new High Fidelity option for maximum quality
- Batch processing and Double Upscaling for high-volume and extreme resolution needs
Cons
- Requires a capable GPU for reasonable processing speeds
- Local processing is slower than cloud-based alternatives on modest hardware
- No web interface or mobile app; desktop installation required
Who is this for?
Upscaling personal photos for printing without cloud uploads, enhancing AI-generated artwork to higher resolution locally, batch processing image collections with complete privacy, restoring old or low-resolution photographs, preparing images for large-format display or print
Frequently Asked Questions about Upscayl
Does Upscayl require an internet connection?
No. Upscayl processes all images locally on your computer using your GPU. No internet connection, cloud upload, or account is needed. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize data privacy or work with sensitive images.
What GPU do I need to run Upscayl?
Upscayl uses Vulkan for GPU acceleration and works with most modern GPUs from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. A dedicated GPU with at least 2GB VRAM is recommended for smooth performance. Integrated graphics can work but will be significantly slower.
Can I add custom AI models to Upscayl?
Yes, Upscayl supports importing custom ESRGAN-compatible models. This allows power users to use specialized models trained for specific image types like anime, text, or medical imaging, extending the tool's capabilities beyond the built-in models.
Pricing
free
$0
Free tier: Unlimited usage, no restrictions
Details
APINo
Open SourceYes
LanguagesEnglish, Russian, Japanese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Chinese
Learning CurveEasy
Integrations
Standalone desktop applicationcustom model import
