Fix Low-Quality Pics Instantly with Photoshop's New AI!

PiXimperfect
1 Jan 202307:29

TLDRThe video script introduces a powerful technique for improving the quality of low-resolution images with significant artifacts. It outlines a step-by-step process using the 'Neural Filters' feature within a photo editing software, focusing on the 'JPEG Artifact Removal' tool. The method involves duplicating the background layer, applying the filter, and adjusting its strength for optimal results. The script also addresses potential limitations and offers solutions, such as using 'Surface Blur' for further refinement and edge preservation. The demonstration showcases remarkable before-and-after comparisons, highlighting the effectiveness of the technique in restoring image details and reducing compression artifacts.

Takeaways

  • 📸 Improve low-quality images with artifacts by using the 'Neural Filters' feature in photo editing software.
  • 🖼️ Duplicate the background layer before applying filters to preserve the original image.
  • 🔍 Use the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' filter to reduce or eliminate compression artifacts.
  • 💪 Adjust the 'strength' of the filter according to the severity of the artifacts for customized results.
  • 🎨 Apply the filter as a 'Smart Filter' to allow for non-destructive editing and later adjustments.
  • 🖌️ Create masks with different strength values for targeted areas within the image.
  • 🤔 Be aware that the method may not be perfect and some artifacts may remain, especially in complex areas like the sky.
  • 👁️‍🗨️ Use a combination of 'Surface Blur' and layer masks to selectively fix remaining artifacts without blurring edges.
  • 🎨 Experiment with different 'Surface Blur' radius and threshold settings to achieve the desired effect.
  • 📊 Select the sky using the 'Select Sky' tool to apply targeted adjustments to the sky area.
  • 🔧 Remember that this technique is a workaround and may require some fine-tuning for best results.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue with the image mentioned in the transcript?

    -The main issue with the image is its low quality, which is characterized by the presence of many artifacts and a small file size of only 29 KB.

  • How does the script suggest improving the quality of a low-resolution image?

    -The script suggests using a feature called 'Neural Filters' with a specific focus on 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' to improve the quality of the image by reducing or eliminating artifacts.

  • What is the first step in using the described method to enhance an image?

    -The first step is to make a copy of the background layer by pressing Ctrl or Command + J.

  • How can the strength of the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' filter be adjusted?

    -The strength of the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' filter can be adjusted according to the user's preference, allowing for a more or less pronounced effect.

  • What is the advantage of setting the output to 'Smart Filter'?

    -Setting the output to 'Smart Filter' allows the user to change the strength of the filter later, providing more flexibility and control over the editing process.

  • In which situations might the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' method not work perfectly?

    -The method might not work perfectly when dealing with compressed JPEG images from social media, where some areas may not be fixed properly despite the application of the filter.

  • How can the script's method help with fixing artifacts in large images?

    -The script's method processes the image on the device, which is beneficial for large images as it does not require cloud processing, and it can still do a pretty good job at removing artifacts, even in large dimensions like 6000 by 4000 pixels.

  • What is the suggested approach for dealing with areas where 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' leaves residual lines?

    -The suggested approach is to use a combination of a mask to paint back details and 'Surface Blur' to maintain the edges while blurring the sky or other areas that need smoothing without affecting the sharpness of the image.

  • How can the 'Surface Blur' filter be adjusted to best effect?

    -The 'Surface Blur' filter can be adjusted by setting the threshold high initially to blur everything, and then gradually reducing the radius while carefully monitoring the sky and other areas to find the optimal level that smooths without introducing unwanted blur or lines.

  • What is the final step in the script's method to fix the sky and maintain the overall effect?

    -The final step is to create a merged layer of the entire canvas, convert it into a smart object, and apply 'Surface Blur' to the sky area specifically by selecting it and using a mask to apply the blur effect only where needed.

  • How can users stay updated with similar tips and tutorials?

    -Users are encouraged to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and ring the bell to ensure they do not miss any future feature tips, tricks, or tutorials.

Outlines

00:00

🖼️ Enhancing Low-Quality Images with Neural Filters

This paragraph discusses the process of improving the quality of low-resolution images with visible artifacts. It explains that by duplicating the background layer and applying the 'Neural Filters' feature within the 'Filter' menu, users can significantly enhance image quality. The 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' option is highlighted as a powerful tool that can be adjusted for strength according to user preference. The transformation is showcased with a before-and-after comparison, demonstrating the remarkable improvement in image details. The paragraph also touches on the possibility of applying different strength values to various areas of the image through layer duplication and mask creation. However, it notes that there may be limitations to this method, especially when dealing with compressed images from social media.

05:02

🎨 Addressing Limitations and Sky Fix Techniques

The second paragraph delves into addressing the limitations of the JPEG Artifacts Removal method, particularly when dealing with compressed images from social media. It introduces a practical approach to fixing issues that the method may not resolve entirely. The technique involves creating a copy of the image, applying the same filter, and then using a smart filter mask to manually restore details. The paragraph also introduces the 'Surface Blur' tool as a solution for fixing lines that remain in the sky after using the artifacts removal. By adjusting the threshold and radius in Surface Blur, users can effectively blend the sky while retaining the edges of the image. The process is demonstrated with a step-by-step guide, resulting in a visually pleasing and artifact-free image. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the importance of addressing JPEG artifacts and a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and engage with more content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Low Quality Image

The term 'Low Quality Image' refers to a digital image that has poor visual clarity, often due to low resolution or compression artifacts. In the video, the issue is not with the resolution but with the presence of artifacts, which are distortions caused by the image's file size being too small (29 KB). The main theme of the video revolves around improving such low-quality images using various editing techniques.

💡Neural Filters

Neural Filters are a type of digital image processing tools that use artificial neural networks to analyze and modify images in sophisticated ways. In the context of the video, neural filters are used to enhance the quality of a low-quality image by removing JPEG artifacts, which are visual distortions resulting from the compression process.

💡JPEG Artifacts Removal

JPEG Artifacts Removal is a specific feature within the neural filters that aims to reduce or eliminate the visual artifacts commonly found in JPEG-compressed images. These artifacts appear as blotches, blockiness, or noise, and this feature attempts to smooth them out, restoring the image's details.

💡Smart Filter

A Smart Filter is a non-destructive editing feature in photo editing software that allows users to apply effects to an image while preserving the original image data. This means that the changes can be adjusted or removed at any time without losing image quality. In the video, the user is advised to set the output to 'Smart Filter' to enable later adjustments to the strength of the JPEG artifacts removal.

💡Masking

Masking in image editing is the process of hiding or revealing certain parts of an image based on specific criteria. It is a fundamental tool for selective editing, allowing for precise control over where edits are applied. In the video, masking is used to selectively apply the JPEG artifacts removal to certain areas of the image, as well as to restore details that were inadvertently removed.

💡Surface Blur

Surface Blur is a type of blur effect that selectively blurs an image while preserving edges and details. Unlike a standard blur, which indiscriminately smooths the entire image, surface blur allows for a more controlled blurring effect, which is particularly useful for fixing areas like the sky in a low-quality image without losing the sharpness of other elements.

💡Threshold

In image editing, the term 'Threshold' refers to a value that determines the transition between different editing effects. In the context of 'Surface Blur', the threshold controls the balance between the blurred and unblurred parts of the image. Adjusting the threshold allows the user to define which parts of the image should remain sharp and which can be blurred.

💡Selective Editing

Selective Editing is the process of applying image adjustments to specific parts of an image rather than the entire image. This technique allows for greater control and precision, enabling the editor to focus on improving or altering particular areas as needed. In the video, selective editing is used to address issues in different parts of the image, such as the sky and detailed areas like the eyebrows.

💡Image Compression

Image Compression is the process of reducing the file size of an image, typically for storage or transmission purposes. However, compression can lead to a loss of image quality, manifesting as artifacts or a decrease in detail. The video addresses the common issue of image compression, particularly in the context of JPEG files, and provides solutions for improving the quality of compressed images.

💡Non-Destructive Editing

Non-Destructive Editing refers to editing techniques that do not permanently alter the original image data. Instead, they allow for flexible and reversible changes. In the video, the use of smart filters and masks exemplifies non-destructive editing, as the original image can be preserved and changes can be adjusted or removed without loss of quality.

Highlights

The transcript discusses a method to improve the quality of low-resolution images with a lot of artifacts.

The image size mentioned is only 29 KB, which contributes to the poor quality.

A technique is introduced to enhance image details by making a copy of the background layer and using a feature called 'Neural Filters'.

The 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' feature is highlighted as a game-changer for improving image quality.

The strength of the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' can be adjusted according to user preference.

The 'Smart Filter' option allows users to modify the strength of the filter later.

The transcript provides a before-and-after comparison to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

The possibility of applying different strength values to various areas of an image is mentioned.

The transcript addresses a common issue where the original image file is lost, and only a compressed JPEG from social media remains.

The process of using 'Neural Filters' is described as device-based, meaning no cloud processing is involved.

The transcript provides a detailed example of how to fix artifacts in a large image.

A technique using a mask to paint back details in certain areas of the image is introduced.

The concept of 'Skyfix' is introduced to fix issues in the sky area of an image using surface blur.

The 'Surface Blur' technique is explained as a solution to maintain edges while blurring an image.

The transcript demonstrates how to selectively apply the 'Skyfix' to only the sky area using the 'Select Sky' feature.

The video concludes with a summary of the method for fixing JPEG artifacts and sky issues.

The importance of 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' is emphasized, and viewers are encouraged to explore its potential.