Enlarge picture without loss of quality - is that possible?

If you want to scale and save or print an image enlarged without loss of quality, you need the right editing program. We show you how you can enjoy your snapshots in all resolutions.

Enlarge pictures and maintain resolution

If you want to enlarge an image, you can of course do it at any time with photo editing software like Gimp. However, if you increase the size of the image by a large percentage, the quality of the image will suffer. Especially if you want to print the image, it is important that the image is sharp and not washed out. Special software promises help:

• The Akvis Magnifier is intended to increase the resolution of an image without sacrificing quality. In the test, the software delivered good to satisfactory results. Akvis Magnifier does not work miracles.
• You can test the free version for 10 days, but then a license is required for the shareware.

The alternative: vector graphics

The detour via vectors is particularly suitable for image content such as emblems, coats of arms and logos. The image is not scaled up, but the content is converted into a vector, which can be enlarged as required and without loss of quality.

• VectorMagic offers a convenient solution. Upload photos in the formats JPEG, GIF or PNG and have them converted automatically. You can then adjust the color of the result in some parameters, for example. You can also try VectorMagic as a desktop version.

Here we show you how to convert your image into a vector file using InkScape.