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

PiXimperfect
1 Jan 202307:29

TLDRThe video script introduces a powerful technique for enhancing low-quality images with artifacts by using a feature called 'Neural Filters' with a focus on JPEG artifact removal. It demonstrates the process of improving image quality by creating a copy of the background layer and applying this filter, which can be adjusted for strength. The script also addresses potential limitations and offers solutions, such as using a smart filter mask to restore details and employing surface blur for further refinement. The tutorial is practical, showing 'before and after' comparisons and catering to various editing scenarios, ultimately guiding viewers on how to achieve a visually appealing result.

Takeaways

  • 📸 The video discusses a method to improve the quality of low-resolution images with many artifacts.
  • 💡 Make a copy of the background layer in an image editing software to begin the enhancement process.
  • 🌐 Utilize the 'Neural Filters' feature, specifically the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' option, to clean up the image.
  • 🔍 Adjust the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' strength according to the severity of the artifacts for optimal results.
  • 🎨 Set the output to 'Smart Filter' to allow for non-destructive editing and the ability to modify the strength later.
  • 🖼️ Understand that while the method works well in many cases, it may not be perfect for all images.
  • 🔧 For images with more severe compression issues, additional steps like 'Surface Blur' may be necessary to further refine the quality.
  • 🖌️ Use masks to paint back details in areas where the 'Artifacts Removal' may have over-smoothed.
  • 🔄 Create a merged layer and convert it into a smart object for additional editing steps.
  • 🌁 Apply 'Surface Blur' to the entire image to blend the fixed areas with the rest of the image, then use the threshold to recover edges.
  • 🎯 Select the sky in the image and apply the 'Sky Fix' layer with a mask to correct sky-related artifacts without affecting other parts of the image.

Q & A

  • What is the primary issue with the image discussed in the script?

    -The primary 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' to improve the quality of the image by making a copy of the background layer and then applying 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' within the filter menu.

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

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

  • How can different strength values be applied to various areas of an image?

    -Different strength values can be applied by creating masks for different areas and adjusting the strength accordingly. This can be done by duplicating the layer and applying different strengths to each duplicate.

  • What is the 'catch' mentioned in the script when dealing with compressed JPEG images?

    -The 'catch' is that even after using the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' feature, some areas of the image may not be fixed properly, especially if the original file is lost and only a compressed version from social media is available.

  • How does the script suggest fixing areas that are not properly addressed by the 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' feature?

    -The script suggests using a combination of techniques, including creating a mask to paint back details and using 'Surface Blur' to maintain edges while blurring the sky to fix remaining artifacts.

  • What is the purpose of the 'Surface Blur' filter as described in the script?

    -The 'Surface Blur' filter is used to blur an image while preserving the edges, which is particularly useful for fixing areas like the sky where traditional blurring might cause unwanted effects on the edges of objects.

  • How does the script recommend selecting the sky in an image for editing purposes?

    -The script recommends using the 'Select Sky' feature, which automatically selects the sky in the image, making it easier to apply targeted edits like the 'Surface Blur'.

  • What is the significance of the 'threshold' setting in 'Surface Blur'?

    -The 'threshold' setting in 'Surface Blur' determines which parts of the image will be blurred. By adjusting the threshold, users can control the level of blur and ensure that only the intended areas are affected.

  • What is the final step suggested in the script to fix the sky while maintaining the overall image quality?

    -The final step suggested is to apply a mask to the 'Sky Fix' layer after using 'Surface Blur', which allows the user to limit the effect to the sky and preserve the sharpness of other areas in the image.

  • What is the overall message or lesson of the script?

    -The overall message of the script is to demonstrate the power of 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' and 'Surface Blur' in improving the quality of low-resolution images, and to provide practical solutions for fixing common issues that arise from image compression.

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 a technique that involves duplicating the background layer and applying a feature called 'Neural Filters' to remove JPEG artifacts. The strength of the effect can be adjusted according to the user's preference, and the results can be compared before and after the application. The paragraph also mentions that while the method works well in certain cases, it may not be perfect all the time. It further explores the possibility of adjusting the output to 'Smart Filter' for later adjustments and demonstrates the application of the technique on different areas of an image with varying levels of strength.

05:02

🎨 Addressing Limitations and Fixing Compression Artifacts

The second paragraph delves into the limitations of the previously discussed method when dealing with compressed JPEG images from social media. It introduces a practical approach to fixing such images by using the same 'Neural Filters' technique but acknowledges that some areas may not be fixed properly. The paragraph then describes a step-by-step process to address these imperfections, including the use of a smart filter mask to paint back details and the creation of a 'Skyfix' layer through surface blurring. This technique helps in maintaining the edges of the image while blending the sky area effectively. The paragraph concludes with a demonstration of how to selectively apply surface blur to fix the sky without affecting the overall sharpness of the image.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Low Quality Image

The term 'Low Quality Image' refers to a digital image that has poor visual characteristics, often due to low resolution or the presence of artifacts. In the video, the user is dealing with an image that has many artifacts and a small file size of only 29 KB, which significantly impacts its quality.

💡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, the user employs neural filters to improve the quality of a low-resolution image by removing JPEG artifacts.

💡JPEG Artifacts

JPEG Artifacts are visual distortions that can occur in images due to the lossy compression used by the JPEG file format. These artifacts often manifest as blocky patterns or noise in images, reducing their overall quality. The video discusses a method to remove these artifacts using neural filters.

💡Image Resolution

Image resolution refers to the dimensions of an image, typically measured in pixels. A higher resolution image contains more pixels and thus can display more detail. In the video, the user mentions that the resolution of the image is fine but the overall quality is compromised due to artifacts.

💡Artifact Removal

Artifact Removal is the process of eliminating unintended visual elements or distortions in a digital image. In the video, the user utilizes a feature called 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' to improve the appearance of a low-quality image by reducing the visible artifacts.

💡Smart Filter

A Smart Filter is a non-destructive editing feature in image manipulation software that allows users to apply effects and adjustments to an image without permanently altering the original pixels. In the video, the user sets the output to Smart Filter, enabling the adjustment of the artifact removal strength even after it has been applied.

💡Masking

Masking in image editing is the process of hiding or revealing certain parts of an image based on specific criteria. It is used to apply effects to selective areas of an image. In the video, the user uses a mask to paint back details in areas where the artifact removal feature was too strong.

💡Surface Blur

Surface Blur is an image editing technique that smooths an image while preserving edges and details. Unlike regular blur filters, Surface Blur is sensitive to the differences in texture and color, allowing for a more controlled blurring effect. In the video, the user uses Surface Blur to fix remaining artifacts in the sky without blurring the edges.

💡Threshold

In image editing, the Threshold is a value that determines the point at which a pixel is considered a certain color or shade. It is used to control the intensity of effects like blurring. In the video, the user adjusts the threshold for Surface Blur to control the extent of the blurring effect.

💡Selective Editing

Selective Editing refers to the process of modifying specific parts of an image while leaving other parts untouched. This technique allows for greater control and precision in image manipulation. In the video, the user uses selective editing to apply different strengths of the JPEG Artifacts Removal to different areas of the image.

💡Image Compression

Image Compression is the process of reducing the file size of an image, often for easier storage or faster transmission over the internet. However, compression can lead to a loss of image quality and the introduction of artifacts. In the video, the user addresses the issue of image compression by attempting to fix a compressed JPEG image from social media.

Highlights

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

The image size of concern is only 29 KB, which contributes to the low quality.

A specific feature, 'Neural Filters', is introduced as a tool to enhance image details.

The process begins by duplicating the background layer for editing purposes.

The 'JPEG Artifacts Removal' feature within Neural Filters is highlighted for its effectiveness.

Adjusting the strength of the JPEG Artifacts Removal allows for customization of the image enhancement.

The 'Smart Filter' option is recommended for non-destructive editing.

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

Different strength values can be applied to various areas of the image for a more nuanced result.

The transcript acknowledges a limitation of the method when dealing with compressed social media images.

A practical example is given for fixing issues with a compressed image from social media.

The use of 'Surface Blur' is introduced as a solution for residual artifacts after using JPEG Artifacts Removal.

The process of using a mask to selectively apply the enhancement is explained.

The transcript provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use the mask to recover details.

A technique for fixing banding issues in the sky using 'Sky Fix' and 'Surface Blur' is presented.

The transcript emphasizes the importance of maintaining edges while blurring to achieve a natural effect.

The final result is showcased, demonstrating a significant improvement in image quality.

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more content.