Understanding Freepik’s Upscaler modes

Enlarging an image is simple, but keeping it sharp and detailed? That’s where it gets tricky. A good AI upscaler should preserve clarity, refine details, and avoid that stretched or blurry look.

Freepik Upscaler is built to handle these challenges with precision. It offers two modes—Classic and Magnific—to suit different creative needs. But which one is the best fit for your project? What makes them different?This guide breaks down both options, explaining their strengths and when to use them—so you can get high-quality results every time.

Which Upscaler mode should you use?

AI-driven upscaling goes beyond simply increasing resolution. Some images need a clean, faithful enlargement, while others benefit from improvements that refine textures and add depth. Freepik’s Upscaler offers two modes designed for different creative needs: Classic and Magnific.

If you’re upscaling a simple graphic, like a website icon that just needs a higher resolution, a basic enlargement might do the trick. But for more complex visuals, AI-driven refinements can restore missing details and enhance clarity. This is especially useful for portraits that lack fine features or 3D renders that need crisper textures.

Learning about the key differences will help you choose the right approach. Let’s analyze what each mode offers and when to use them in this upscaler comparison. You can also find more information on how to improve visuals with this article about How to upscale and enhance an image:

Crisp and clear: Classic for pure resolution boosts

Not every image needs an artistic makeover. Sometimes, you just want a sharper, higher-resolution version without any surprises. That’s what Classic delivers: simplicity at its finest.

This mode increases resolution while keeping the image true to its original look. No unexpected tweaks, no AI-driven adjustments—just a cleaner, sharper version. Classic is perfect for straightforward upscaling and image noise reduction.

Think about a brand logo that needs to scale up for a billboard. The last thing you want is AI distorting your design. Or maybe you’re resizing UI icons for a mobile app, where even the smallest change could throw off the entire look. Classic ensures a flawless upscale free from artistic interpretation.

Now, let’s explore what makes Classic the right mode for many different projects.

When to use Upscaler’s Classic mode

Classic works best for projects that need a simple size boost while keeping every detail intact. It provides a clean, accurate upscale, making it a great choice for many professional and creative tasks. Here are some key use cases:

• Prepping assets for print: Scale up a flyer, product packaging, or poster design and keep every detail crisp.
• Sharpening low-resolution logos and graphics: Maintain clean lines and text without unwanted AI adjustments.
• Resizing UI elements and icons: Upscale features and ensure perfect quality across different resolutions without distorting the design.
• Upscaling photography with minimal interference: Increase resolution for headshots or product photos while keeping textures and colors true to the original.

Classic is perfect for projects that require precision and consistency. But sometimes, a simple resolution boost isn’t enough. When you need sharper textures, improved details, and a more refined look, Magnific takes over.

Precision and refinement: Magnific

Some images need more than a size upgrade. A low-resolution photo with blurry details, a video-game texture that lacks depth, or a portrait where fine features are lost—these are all cases where Magnific AI upscaler makes a difference. If you’re starting from scratch, you can also create high-quality visuals with the AI Image Generator before refining them with Magnific.

Instead of simply enlarging an image, Magnific analyzes, upscales, and reconstructs. It sharpens soft edges, fills in missing details, and improves textures, all with the precision of AI. The result? Images that don’t just look bigger—they look professional.

Full control over every detail

This mode is for creators who want more: more definition, more depth, more control over their visuals, and advanced image processing. Magnific offers a smarter, more dynamic way to upscale images, which can be very useful in many different ways.

You can decide how AI improves the resolution of your images with adjustable settings like Creativity, HDR, Resemblance, and Fractality. Choose from different engines (Automatic, Magnific Illusio, Magnific Sharpy, or Magnific Sparkle), upscale images up to 16X, and optimize for specific visuals like portraits, 3D renders, or game assets. This way, every project gets the precision and customization it needs.

When to use Upscaler’s Magnific mode

Magnific, one of the best image upscalers, is a powerful option for complex visuals. It improves textures, restores details, and sharpens visuals, making it ideal for:

• Refining game textures and 3D assets: Boost details in character models, landscapes, or in-game elements for ultra-realistic visuals.
• Improving your digital artwork: Recover lost brushstrokes, sharpen lines, and improve the overall clarity of illustrations.
• Restoring low-resolution photos: Reveal fine details in faces, landscapes, and old or compressed images.
• Upscaling concept art or sci-fi visuals: Create high-resolution pieces that feel immersive and realistic.

For professionals working with highly detailed resources, the Magnific AI tool delivers a level of refinement that standard AI image upscalers can’t match. It balances precision with authenticity, keeping the final image precise and natural.

Classic vs. Magnific:
Choosing the right mode for you

We’ve covered what each mode does and how they work. But to make things even clearer, here’s a direct comparison of their key features to help you decide which one is the best AI upscaler mode for your needs:

Freepik’s Upscaler gives you full control over how your images are enlarged and refined. Want to explore more AI-powered tools? Visit the Freepik AI Suite to discover a full range of creative solutions designed to streamline your workflow.