How to Unpixelate an Image in Illustrator

Pixelation is a common issue that affects image quality, especially when dealing with low-resolution images or resizing them beyond their original size. When an image becomes pixelated, it appears blocky and blurry, which can be a significant problem, particularly for graphic designers, artists, and anyone working with digital visuals. Whether you’re working on a design project or simply trying to improve the clarity of a photo, learning how to unpixelate an image in Illustrator can help restore detail and improve overall image quality.

Adobe Illustrator is one of the most powerful tools for handling pixelated images, thanks to its ability to transform raster images into vector graphics, which are scalable without losing quality. In this article, we’ll explore various techniques within Illustrator to fix pixelation, and we’ll introduce you to a user-friendly alternative that leverages AI for quick, high-quality results.

Understanding Pixelation

Before jumping into solutions, it’s essential to understand what pixelation is and why it happens.

What Causes Pixelation?

Pixelation occurs when an image is resized beyond its original resolution. Raster images, made up of tiny squares known as pixels, lose clarity when scaled up. The individual pixels become visible, resulting in a blurry or blocky image. Common causes of pixelation include:

1. Low-Resolution Files: Images downloaded from the web or taken with low-quality cameras often have fewer pixels, making them more susceptible to pixelation.
2. Improper Scaling: Enlarging an image without adjusting its resolution or without using proper techniques can result in visible pixelation.
3. Compression: When images are saved in highly compressed formats (like JPEG), data is lost, resulting in pixelation when the image is edited or resized.

Understanding these factors helps in determining how to address pixelation and prevent it in future projects.

Preparing Your Image

To get the best results when fixing a pixelated image in Illustrator, it’s crucial to start with good preparation. Follow these tips before you begin editing:

Start with the Best Possible Image Quality

Wherever possible, start with the highest resolution version of your image. If you’re working with a small, low-resolution image, achieving a perfectly unpixelated result may be challenging. Here’s how to make the most of what you have:

• Image File Type: Use a high-quality format like PNG or TIFF instead of JPEG, which compresses the image and can lead to pixelation.
• Resolution: Higher resolution means more pixels and thus a clearer image. Aim for images with at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for optimal quality.

Import and Set Up Your Image in Illustrator

Once you’ve chosen the highest-quality image, it’s time to import it into Adobe Illustrator. Follow these steps:

1. Open Illustrator: Launch Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
2. Place the Image: Go to File > Place, select your image, and click to place it on the artboard.
3. Check Resolution: To view the resolution of your image, go to the Links Panel (Window > Links), and check the pixel per inch (PPI) value. Ideally, you want the resolution to be 300 PPI for print work or 72 PPI for web use.

Now that your image is ready, you can begin the process of fixing pixelation.

Using Illustrator’s Image Trace Tool

One of the most effective methods to unpixelate an image in Illustrator is by using the Image Trace tool. This tool converts raster (pixel-based) images into vector graphics, which are scalable without losing quality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Image Trace

1. Select the Image: After placing your image in Illustrator, select it by clicking on it.
2. Open the Image Trace Panel: Go to Window > Image Trace to open the Image Trace panel.
3. Choose a Preset: Illustrator offers several presets, but for unpixelating images, High Fidelity Photo is the best option as it retains the most detail.

4. Adjust Settings:
   • Mode: Select Color for a full-color image, Grayscale for black-and-white images, or Black and White for simpler designs.
   • Threshold: Adjust the threshold slider to fine-tune the amount of detail retained.
   • Advanced Settings: Expand the Advanced section to control paths, corners, and noise. Reducing noise can help smooth out pixelation.
5. Preview and Expand: Check the Preview box to see a live preview of the traced image. Once you’re satisfied with the result, click Expand to convert the trace into a vector.

The Image Trace tool works best with images that have clear, defined shapes and contrast. It’s a powerful way to unpixelate logos, icons, and other graphics with clean lines.

Advanced Techniques in Illustrator

For more control over the image’s appearance after using Image Trace, Illustrator provides additional tools that can help refine the results.

Using the Pen Tool for Manual Adjustments

The Pen Tool is one of the most versatile tools in Illustrator. After tracing your image, you may notice areas where the trace isn’t perfect. Here’s how to use the Pen Tool to refine it:

1. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar.
2. Click along the path you want to adjust to add anchor points.
3. Drag the anchor points to smooth out edges or correct irregularities.

This method gives you full control over the shape and appearance of your image.

Adjusting Resolution in Document Raster Effects Settings

Illustrator allows you to fine-tune the resolution of raster images directly within the software. Here’s how:

1. Go to Effects > Document Raster Effects Settings.
2. Set the Resolution: Change the resolution to 300 PPI for high-quality images.
3. Anti-Alias: Make sure the Anti-Alias box is checked to smooth out the edges of your image.

These adjustments can make a significant difference in the quality of your final image.

Face26: An Easy and Effective Alternative

While Illustrator is a powerful tool for unpixelating images, it can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of expertise. For those looking for a quicker, user-friendly solution, Face26 is a great alternative.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Face26

1. Upload Your Image: Visit the Face26 website and click on Upload Image to select your pixelated photo.
2. Automatic Depixelation: Once uploaded, Face26 uses AI to analyze and automatically remove pixelation, enhancing the clarity and detail of the image.
3. Preview and Download: After processing, preview the enhanced image. If you’re satisfied with the result, click Download to save the image to your device.

Benefits of Using Face26

• Speed: Face26 works in seconds, saving you time compared to manual editing in Illustrator.
• Ease of Use: No need for advanced editing skills—Face26 does the work for you with its AI-driven tools.
• High-Quality Results: Despite being an online tool, Face26 delivers professional-grade results, making it a go-to option for users who need quick, reliable depixelation.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While Illustrator and Face26 are effective tools, you may still encounter some issues when trying to unpixelate images.

Handling Stubborn Pixelation

If pixelation remains even after using Image Trace or Face26, consider:

• Re-adjusting Image Trace settings: Increase the threshold or lower the noise reduction to retain more detail.
• Combining Methods: Use Illustrator to clean up basic pixelation, then refine the image further with Face26.

Dealing with Color Mismatches

If colors appear distorted after using Image Trace, try adjusting the color mode or manually correcting the colors using Illustrator’s color correction tools.

Pixelation can be a frustrating issue, but tools like Adobe Illustrator and Face26 provide powerful solutions to restore image clarity. Illustrator’s Image Trace tool gives precise control over vectorizing pixelated images, while Face26 offers a quick, effective alternative for users looking for fast, high-quality depixelation. By experimenting with both options, you can find the best solution to how to unpixelate an image in Illustrator and enhance image quality for your design projects.

FAQs

What is the best way to avoid pixelation when using Illustrator?

The best way to avoid pixelation is to start with high-resolution images and use vector formats whenever possible.

How does Face26 compare in ease of use for new users?

Face26 is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no advanced skills. It’s an ideal tool for quick and effective depixelation with just a few clicks.

Can Illustrator or Face26 improve the resolution of any image?

Both tools can significantly improve the appearance of pixelated images, but results depend on the original image quality and the extent of the pixelation.

What file formats are supported by Face26 for uploading and downloading?

Face26 supports common file formats like JPG, PNG, and JPEG for uploading and downloading images.