Image ToolsBeginner

How to Choose Between Topaz Photo AI and Gigapixel for Heavy Enlargements

Decide which Topaz tool to reach for when you need to enlarge an image far beyond its native resolution.

6 minBeginner

Topaz makes two tools that both upscale, and people mix them up. Photo AI is an all-in-one editor that denoises, sharpens, and upscales together. Gigapixel is focused purely on enlargement, with extra models and far higher scale ceilings. This guide helps you pick the right one for a given job.

What you need

Either Topaz Photo AI or Topaz Gigapixel installed
The image you want to enlarge and the final pixel size you need
Knowledge of where the image will be used (web, large print, signage)

Step 1: Work out how much enlargement you actually need

Divide your target dimension by the source dimension. If a 2000 px image needs to become 4000 px, that is only 2x, which Photo AI handles comfortably. If you need 8x or more, for example a small image blown up to a banner, Gigapixel is built for that range.

Job	Scale needed	Better tool
Sharpen and clean a noisy photo, slight enlarge	Up to 2x	Photo AI
General photo, also needs denoise and face fix	2x to 4x	Photo AI
Tiny image to a large print or poster	4x to 6x	Gigapixel
Extreme enlargement for signage	8x and beyond	Gigapixel

Step 2: Pick the model for the source type

Gigapixel offers dedicated models like Standard, High Fidelity, Low Resolution, and one tuned for art. Match the model to your source: use Low Resolution for small web images and High Fidelity for already-sharp originals you simply need bigger.

Topaz Gigapixel - Settings

Scale: 2x 4x [ 6x ] custom

AI Model: High Fidelity v

Standard

Low Resolution

Art & CG

Suppress Noise: [----o----]

Output: 7800 x 5200 px

The model dropdown matters more than the scale slider for quality.

Combine them for the worst cases

For a tiny, noisy image headed to print, clean it in Photo AI first, then enlarge the cleaned result in Gigapixel. Denoising before extreme upscaling stops the noise from getting magnified along with the detail.

Step 3: Confirm the output resolution meets your print spec

For print, aim for roughly 300 pixels per inch at final size. A 24 inch wide print therefore needs about 7200 pixels across. Check that your chosen scale reaches that number before you commit credits or time.

Result: you confidently reach for Photo AI on everyday 2x to 4x cleanups and switch to Gigapixel only when a small source has to become a large print, getting better detail than forcing one tool to do both jobs.