How to Upscale Midjourney Images for Print / Print on Demand (Ai Art)
TLDRThe video provides a detailed guide on how to upscale images created with Midjourney's AI art platform for high-quality print. It explains that initial upscales result in 1024x1024 or 2048x2048 pixel images, which may not be high enough resolution for print without appearing pixelated. The video suggests using various upscaling methods, including Photoshop's 'Preserve Details 2.0', 'Camera Raw Filter', and AI upscaling services like Imagelarger.com and Topaz Gigapixel AI, which offer better detail and less loss of quality. It also covers the importance of DPI (Dots per Inch) for print resolution and how to calculate the required image size. The video further discusses the need for bleed and margin in print layouts and demonstrates how to prepare the final print-ready document using platforms like Canva and Photoshop, ensuring the correct aspect ratio and including crop marks for professional printing.
Takeaways
- 🖼️ Upscaling a square image from Midjourney version 5 results in an image of 1024 by 1024 pixels, which is standard for all models except MJ Test and MJ Test Photo.
- 📏 The standard resolution for printing is 300 DPI (dots per inch), which means an image of 1024 by 1024 pixels can only be printed at about 3 inches by 3 inches.
- 🔍 Light and Beta upscalers in Midjourney versions 4 and earlier can be used, but they may lose detail and provide similar or lower results compared to the test algorithm.
- 🖨 When printing, consider the bleed and margin requirements to avoid white edges and ensure a clean cut.
- 📐 To calculate the final print size, include bleed and margin space, ensuring elements are not cut off.
- 📈 Photoshop can be used to upscale images, but for better results, consider using AI upscalers like Imagelarger.com or Topaz Gigapixel.
- 💰 Topaz Gigapixel is a paid software that uses AI to improve image quality significantly, though it requires an upfront cost.
- 🆓 For a free solution, Upscale.media can be used to enhance and upscale images up to four times, though the quality may not be as high as premium options.
- 🌐 Converting a PNG to JPEG may be necessary for some platforms that do not support PNG files for uploading.
- 📄 Use tools like Canva or Photoshop to create a document with the correct print size, including bleed and margin.
- 📐 Ensure the aspect ratio of the image matches the print size to avoid distortion or improper fitting.
- 📧 Once the image is prepared, save it as a PDF with crop marks and bleed, and send it to the printer for high-quality prints.
Q & A
What is the standard resolution for an image created in Midjourney version 5 when first upscaled?
-The standard resolution for an image created in Midjourney version 5 when first upscaled is 1024 by 1024 pixels if the image is square. For non-square images, the resolution remains about the same.
What is the resolution for an image created using the MJ test algorithm?
-When using the MJ test algorithm, the image resolution is 2048 by 2048 pixels.
Why might upscaled images from Midjourney not look good when printed?
-Upscaled images from Midjourney might not look good when printed because they are not high resolution, which can result in a fuzzy or pixelated appearance.
What is the recommended DPI for printing images?
-The recommended DPI (Dots per inch) for printing images is 300, which ensures a clear and detailed print.
What is the significance of bleed in the printing process?
-Bleed is a margin of extra image area that allows for some space around the cut when the print is trimmed down to size. It helps to avoid white edges and ensures a clean edge with the ink going straight to the edge.
How can one upscale an image from Midjourney using Photoshop?
-In Photoshop, you can go to 'Image' > 'Image Size' and increase the pixel dimensions, choosing options like 'Preserve Details 2.0' for better results. Alternatively, you can use filters like 'Camera Raw' or 'Stylize' > 'Oil Paint' to smooth out the image.
What is an online AI upscaler that can be used to improve image resolution?
-Imagelarger.com is an online AI upscaler that can be used to improve the resolution of images. It adds detail and noise to increase the image size.
What is Topaz Gigapixel and how does it differ from other upscalers?
-Topaz Gigapixel is a software that runs on your computer and uses AI to upscale images up to six times their original size, creating additional details and improving image quality. It offers higher quality results compared to some online upscalers but requires a one-time purchase.
Is there a free solution for upscaling images?
-Yes, there is a free solution called upscale.media, which allows users to upload their images and upscale them up to four times the original size.
How can one prepare an image for print using a platform like Canva?
-On Canva, you can create a custom-sized design, adjust the bleed and margin settings, and upload your upscaled image. Then, you can position the image within the bleed area and download the design as a PDF with crop marks for professional printing.
What should one consider when preparing an image for a print-on-demand service like Redbubble?
-When preparing an image for a print-on-demand service, you should ensure the image is the correct size for the print, has adequate bleed and margin, and that all important elements are within the safe area to avoid being cut off.
How can one ensure the correct aspect ratio when creating an image for printing?
-When creating an image in Midjourney, you can add the aspect ratio (AR) parameter to ensure the image fits the desired print size. For example, for an 8.5 by 11 inches document, you would use '8.5:11' as the aspect ratio.
Outlines
🖼️ Upscaling AI Art for Printing
The first paragraph discusses the limitations of upscaling images created with the mid Journey algorithm, noting that the initial upscale results in a 1024x1024 pixel image for square images across versions one to five, except for the test models which yield a 2048x2048 pixel image. It also touches on the importance of resolution for printing, mentioning that higher resolution is needed to avoid a fuzzy or pixelated outcome. The paragraph further explores various upscaling methods, such as light upscale, beta upscale redo, and the use of Photoshop for resizing, emphasizing the need for alternative upscaling techniques due to the loss of detail with these methods. It concludes with the rule of thumb for printing resolution, which is 300 DPI, and the calculation to determine the appropriate image size for printing.
📈 Enhancing Image Quality for Professional Prints
The second paragraph delves into the use of Topaz Gigapixel, a paid software that uses AI to enhance image details and upscale the image up to six times, resulting in a significantly improved print quality. It compares Topaz with other methods like Photoshop's standard upscaling and Imagelarger.com, noting that while the latter is a good online option, Topaz offers superior quality. The paragraph also discusses free alternatives like upscale.media for those on a budget. It then explains how to prepare an image for print by adjusting the document size to include bleed and margin, using platforms like Canva or Photoshop to set up the print document correctly, and ensuring the final image is the right size and aspect ratio for the desired print dimensions.
🖨️ Preparing AI Art for Print with Adobe Photoshop
The third paragraph provides a detailed guide on how to prepare an image for printing using Adobe Photoshop. It explains the process of creating a new document with the correct dimensions, including bleed and margin, for a 20x20-inch print. The paragraph outlines steps for embedding the image into the document, checking the image size, and adjusting the bleed area to ensure no important elements are cut off. It also covers how to add text within the safe area and how to save the final document as a high-quality JPEG, PNG, or PDF with the correct resolution and color settings. The importance of maintaining the correct aspect ratio when creating the image in mid Journey is emphasized, and the paragraph concludes with advice on exporting the image and sending it to the printer.
Mindmap
Keywords
Midjourney
Upscale
DPI (Dots per inch)
Bleed
Margin
AI Upscale
Topaz Gigapixel
Print on Demand (POD)
Canva
Adobe Photoshop
CMYK
Highlights
Upscaling a square image from Midjourney version 5 results in a 10,240 by 10,240 pixel image, suitable for most models in the Midjourney algorithm.
Using the test algorithm, the upscaled image size is 2,048 by 2,048 pixels, as opposed to the standard 1,024 by 1,024 pixels.
The resolution remains approximately the same even when adjusting the aspect ratio.
Low resolution images may appear fuzzy or pixelated when printed.
Light upscale, redo, and beta upscale redo are available in Midjourney version 4, but not in version 5.
Upscaling with light or beta methods may result in a loss of detail.
The recommended printing resolution is 300 DPI (Dots per inch).
An image of 10,240 by 10,240 pixels can only be printed at a size of about three inches by three inches.
Printers often place multiple prints on larger sheets and use a guillotine to cut them, requiring bleed and margin for clean edges.
To upscale images effectively, one can use tools like Photoshop, Imagelarger.com, or Topaz Gigapixel AI.
Imagelarger.com offers a good upscaler but requires a subscription after a few free uses.
Topaz Gigapixel is a paid software that provides high-quality upscales and runs on your computer.
Free alternatives like upscale.media can be used for basic image upscaling needs.
Converting a PNG to JPEG may be necessary for some platforms that do not support large file sizes.
Canva.com can be used to create custom-sized designs, including bleed and margin for printing.
In Photoshop, creating a new document with the correct size and bleed percentage is crucial for print-ready images.
Ensuring the aspect ratio of the image matches the desired print size is important for a proper fit.
Adding text or other elements should be done within the safe area to prevent them from being cut off during printing.
Saving the final document as a PDF with crop marks and the correct color mode is recommended for professional printing.