Sometimes the only photo you've got is a 300-pixel thumbnail someone sent over WhatsApp. You can still get a decent cut-out from it — if you do things in the right order.
Why low-quality images are hard
Background removal is all about edges. Compression blurs edges into blocks, and tiny images simply don't have enough pixels along the outline for a clean result. The AI has less to work with.
The order that works best
- Upscale first. Run the image through the AI image upscaler at 2× or 4×. Real-ESRGAN rebuilds edges and cleans compression artefacts, giving the background remover sharper outlines to follow.
- Then remove the background. Upload the upscaled image to the background remover.
- Check the edges on a dark background before you download.
Doing it the other way round — removing the background first, then upscaling — also works, since the upscaler keeps transparency. But upscaling first usually gives the cleaner edge.
Tips for finding a better source
- Ask the sender for the original file, not a screenshot.
- If it came from a website, try right-clicking to open the image in a new tab — sometimes there's a larger version.
- Messaging apps often have a "send as document" or "HD" option that preserves quality.
Set expectations
AI upscaling invents plausible detail; it can't recover detail that was never captured. Faces in particular can look slightly painted at 4×. For important uses, a better original always wins.
FAQ
Should I upscale 2× or 4×?
2× looks most natural. Use 4× for very small images, logos and icons.
Does upscaling cost credits?
Free previews are free. Full-size upscales cost 1 credit (2×) or 2 credits (4×).
