How to Upscale Midjourney Images for Print / Print on Demand (Ai Art)

Wade McMaster - Creator Impact
30 Mar 202314:47

TLDRThis video tutorial explains how to upscale AI-generated images from Midjourney for high-quality printing. It covers the default resolution limits of various Midjourney models, the importance of DPI for print quality, and techniques to avoid pixelation. The script suggests using tools like Photoshop, ImageLarger.com, and Topaz Gigapixel AI for upscaling, and provides step-by-step instructions for preparing images with bleed and margins for professional printing, ensuring a crisp and clean final print.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Upscaling a square image from Midjourney version 5 results in a 10,240 by 10,240 pixels image, which is the standard for all models except MJ test and MJ test photo.
  • ๐Ÿ” The initial upscale of non-test Midjourney images is 1,024 by 1,024 pixels for squares and 2,048 by 2,048 pixels for the test model.
  • ๐Ÿ“ The resolution of upscaled images is often insufficient for high-quality print, potentially resulting in a fuzzy or pixelated appearance.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Light upscale, redo, and beta upscale redo options are available in Midjourney versions 4 and below, but they may lose detail.
  • ๐ŸŽจ For printing, a good rule of thumb is to aim for 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the print size, with each dot representing a pixel.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Understanding the aspect ratio is crucial for determining the printable size of an image, and adjustments may be necessary for different print sizes.
  • ๐Ÿ“‘ Printers often require additional space for bleed and margin to ensure clean cuts and avoid white edges on prints.
  • ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ Photoshop and other tools can be used to upscale images, with options like 'Preserve Details 2.0' and 'Oil Paint' filter providing different results.
  • ๐ŸŒ Online AI upscalers like imagelarger.com and topaz gigapixel can significantly improve image detail and resolution for print.
  • ๐Ÿ†“ Free alternatives such as upscale.media offer basic upscaling, though the quality may not match premium software.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Converting PNG files to JPEG may be necessary for certain online upscaling platforms that have size limitations or compatibility issues.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Using design tools like Canva or Photoshop, it's possible to create print-ready documents with proper bleed and margin settings.

Q & A

  • What is the standard resolution for an image created in Midjourney version 5 when upscaled?

    -The standard resolution for an image created in Midjourney version 5 and upscaled is 1024 by 1024 pixels if it is square. For non-square images, the resolution remains similar.

  • What is the resolution difference when using the MJ test algorithm for upscaling?

    -When using the MJ test algorithm, the image resolution becomes 2048 by 2048 pixels, which is higher than the standard resolution of other models in the Midjourney algorithm.

  • Why might an upscaled image from Midjourney look fuzzy or pixelated when printed?

    -An upscaled image might look fuzzy or pixelated when printed because the initial resolution is not high enough for larger print sizes, resulting in a loss of detail and clarity.

  • What is the recommended DPI for printing to ensure quality?

    -The recommended DPI for printing to ensure quality is 300 DPI (Dots per inch), which means each inch of print should have 300 pixels.

  • What is the minimum size an image with 1024 by 1024 pixels can be printed at while maintaining 300 DPI?

    -An image with 1024 by 1024 pixels can be printed at a size of a little over three inches by three inches while maintaining 300 DPI, as it requires 900 by 900 pixels for a three-inch by three-inch print.

  • What is the purpose of 'bleed' in printing?

    -The purpose of 'bleed' in printing is to provide a little extra image around the cut area, ensuring a clean edge with ink going straight to the edge and avoiding a white edge after cutting.

  • How can I ensure that important elements of my image are not cut off during printing?

    -To ensure important elements are not cut off, you should include enough bleed and margin in your document, keeping elements within the safe zone from the edge.

  • What are some methods to upscale an image from Midjourney for better print quality?

    -Some methods to upscale an image for better print quality include using Photoshop's resize feature with 'Preserve Details 2.0', using the Camera Raw filter, or using AI upscaling services like imagelarger.com or Topaz Gigapixel.

  • How does Topaz Gigapixel differ from other upscaling methods mentioned in the script?

    -Topaz Gigapixel differs by using AI to create hair and details, improving the image quality significantly. It offers a high-quality result but requires a one-time payment for the software.

  • What is a free alternative to Topaz Gigapixel for upscaling images?

    -A free alternative to Topaz Gigapixel is upscale.media, which allows you to enhance the quality and upscale your image up to four times for free.

  • How can I prepare an image for print using Canva.com?

    -To prepare an image for print on Canva.com, create a design with custom size in inches, show margins, print bleed, and rulers and guides. Upload your image, adjust it to fit within the bleed and margin, and then download the design as a PDF with crop marks and bleed.

  • What are the steps to prepare an image for print in Photoshop?

    -In Photoshop, create a new document with the desired print size and 300 pixels per inch resolution. Place your image, adjust for bleed and margin, and save a copy as a JPEG or PNG. Alternatively, save it as a Photoshop PDF with the quality set to 300 pixels per inch.

  • Why is it important to match the aspect ratio when preparing an image for print?

    -Matching the aspect ratio is important to ensure the image fits properly within the print document. An incorrect aspect ratio can result in distortion or the image not fitting within the print area.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Upscaling AI Art for Printing

This paragraph discusses the limitations of upscaling images created with the mid Journey algorithm, highlighting that standard models result in 1024x1024 pixel squares upon the first upscale, while the test model produces 2048x2048 pixels. It points out the resolution is insufficient for high-quality printing, which typically requires 300 DPI. The script also mentions alternative upscaling options like light upscale, redo, or beta upscale, but notes the loss of detail with these methods. The importance of DPI in printing is explained, along with the concept of bleed and margin for professional printing to ensure a clean edge on the final product.

05:02

๐ŸŽจ Enhancing AI Art Resolution for Print Quality

The speaker explores methods to upscale low-resolution AI-generated images to a size suitable for high-quality printing. They mention using Photoshop's image size feature with various algorithms like 'Preserve Details 2.0' for upscaling. Other techniques include using filters like 'Oil Paint' to smooth out images. The paragraph also introduces online AI upscalers like imagelarger.com, which, despite its cost, provides detailed results, and Topaz Gigapixel, a paid software that offers excellent upscaling quality. A free alternative, upscale.media, is also discussed, along with tips for converting PNG files to JPEG for uploading. The paragraph concludes with advice on preparing the upscaled image for printing by placing it in the correct document size, considering bleed and margin requirements.

10:03

๐Ÿ“ Preparing AI Art for Professional Printing

The final paragraph provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare an AI-generated image for professional printing. It suggests using platforms like Canva or Photoshop to create a print-ready document with the correct dimensions, including bleed and margin. Detailed instructions are given for setting up a document in Photoshop, including creating a new file with the desired print size, adding bleed, and placing the upscaled image. The paragraph also covers how to save the file in a format suitable for printing, such as a high-quality PDF, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the correct aspect ratio to ensure the image fits the print dimensions. Additionally, it advises on communicating with the printer about specific requirements like bleed and margin to avoid any issues during the printing process.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กUpscale

Upscaling refers to the process of increasing the resolution of an image. In the context of the video, it is about enhancing the pixel dimensions of AI-generated images from Midjourney to make them suitable for high-quality print. The script mentions various methods, such as using Photoshop's 'Preserve Details 2.0' or AI upscalers like Topaz Gigapixel, to upscale images to avoid pixelation and achieve a clearer, more detailed print.

๐Ÿ’กMidjourney

Midjourney is the name of an AI art platform that generates images based on user prompts. The video discusses the process of upscaling images created with different versions of Midjourney's algorithm. It is important because the initial resolution of images from Midjourney varies depending on the version used, affecting the quality when printed.

๐Ÿ’กDPI (Dots per inch)

DPI stands for Dots per inch and is a measure of print resolution. The higher the DPI, the better the print quality. The script explains that for optimal print quality, an image should be 300 DPI at the size it is printed. This concept is crucial for understanding how to upscale images to meet professional printing standards.

๐Ÿ’กBleed

Bleed is the area of an image that extends beyond the final trim area of a printed piece. It ensures that when a printer cuts down a larger sheet with multiple prints, there is no white edge showing. The video script discusses the importance of including bleed in the final print layout to achieve a clean, ink-to-edge finish.

๐Ÿ’กMargin

Margin in printing refers to the space within the bleed area where the final image is safe from being cut off during trimming. The script mentions the need to account for margins when preparing images for print to ensure that all important elements are included within the safe zone.

๐Ÿ’กLight Upscale

Light Upscale is one of the methods mentioned in the script for increasing the size of an image with minimal loss of quality. It is an alternative to the standard upscale method available in some versions of Midjourney, which may result in a loss of detail.

๐Ÿ’กBeta Upscale

Beta Upscale, as mentioned in the script, is another method for increasing image size. It is part of the upscaling options in Midjourney's earlier versions and is compared with other methods like Light Upscale and the standard upscale in terms of the quality of the resulting image.

๐Ÿ’กTopaz Gigapixel

Topaz Gigapixel is a software mentioned in the video that uses AI to upscale images with improved detail and minimal artifacts. It is highlighted as a premium option for enhancing the resolution of AI-generated images for print, offering better quality than some free alternatives.

๐Ÿ’กImagelarger.com

Imagelarger.com is an online image upscaling service mentioned in the script. It is used to increase the resolution of images, adding detail and reducing pixelation. The service offers a free trial with limited upscales before requiring a subscription.

๐Ÿ’กPrint on Demand (POD)

Print on Demand refers to a service where images are printed as they are ordered by customers, eliminating the need for inventory. The video script discusses how to prepare images for POD services like Redbubble, ensuring they are the correct size with appropriate bleed and margins.

๐Ÿ’กAspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. The script emphasizes the importance of maintaining the correct aspect ratio when preparing images for print to avoid distortion and ensure they fit within the desired document size.

Highlights

Upscaling a square image from Midjourney version 5 results in a 10,240 by 10,240 pixels image.

All Midjourney versions except MJ test and MJ test photo upscale to 1,024 by 1,024 pixels for square images.

MJ test algorithm creates a 2,048 by 2,048 pixels image, different from other models.

Image resolution may change with aspect ratio adjustments but remains approximately the same.

Low-resolution images from Midjourney may appear fuzzy or pixelated when printed.

Light upscale, redo, and beta upscale redo are options in Midjourney versions 4 and earlier.

Upscaling using light or beta methods may result in detail loss.

300 DPI is the recommended resolution for printing to ensure image quality.

Calculating printable size requires considering DPI and image pixel dimensions.

Bleed and margin are essential for print jobs to avoid white edges after cutting.

A simple solution for printing is to create an oversized image with a margin.

Photoshop's image size feature can upscale images with Preserve Details 2.0 for better results.

Camera Raw filter and Oil Paint filter in Photoshop can be used for image smoothing.

AI upscalers like imagelarger.com and Topaz Gigapixel can significantly enhance image detail.

Topaz Gigapixel offers a one-time payment option for AI-based image enhancement.

Free alternatives like upscale.media provide basic image upscaling capabilities.

Converting PNG files to JPEG may be necessary for certain online upscaling platforms.

Canva.com and Photoshop can be used to create print-ready documents with correct sizing and margins.

Ensuring aspect ratios match the print document is crucial for proper image placement.

Including crop marks and bleed in the final PDF is important for professional printing.

The video provides a comprehensive guide on upscaling and preparing AI art for print.