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Enlarging an image without jagged edges


T

Tristen Shaw

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Hey guys,

I'm trying to alter a games texture images and I was hoping to get some advice.

The images are in PNG format with transparent backgrounds with a size of 128 x 128.

I would like to increase this to 256 x 256.

Now, I know that enlarging an image like that is frowned upon because of the lose in quality considering PS has to pretty much guess at the color and placement of those pixels.

I realize that I wont be able to simply press a buttons a BAM I have a game with twice the graphics. I know I'll have to do some altering and touch up but I'm hoping for some input on how to do this.

Here, I'll upload an example.

cake.png
 
There is a theory that increasing in 10% steps minimises pixelization, but I have never found that. There are third party options like Genuine Fractals and OnOne's Perfect Resize. The former is no better than using Bicubic smoother IME, but I have used Perfect Resize and found it _slightly_ better.

If I really have to do this, then I use Bicubic smoother. Then I select the upresed image, smooth the selection with Refine Edge, and then invert the selection and delete jagged pixels. Then invert the selection again, and use the clone tool to harden up the inside of the selection. I'll repeat this process for individual element of the selection. Sometimes I use marquee tools to make stencils to sharpen up edges with the clone tool, or even the paint brush by constantly re sampling the colour, and building up tone with a low opacity brush.

OK, just trying your cake, and you can also use Layer > Matting to remove some of the fringing after removing the BG, or just increase the selection in Refine edge. Without going mad, this took me five minutes, but I only did one of the strawberry slices.

cake.jpg
 
Why use these exact images, why not find new ones and of the size you desire?
 
Thank you guys! I can always count on this community to be helpful and supportive!

As to why im using these pictures, honesty I would love to make my own texture pack. But I have a complete lack of confidence in my ability to both come up with a creative theme and pull it off.
Actually, I could come up with a theme. I just dont think I could do it.

The simplest thing such as a block of dirt I look at and say "how did they even think of how to design that?"

My digital drawing has been limited to flash style where dirt would be like a solid brown and maybe some gray little pebbles. My brain cant even conceive of how to do even a semi realistic dirt texture, or rock texture.

It would be good Photoshop practice though. . . Maybe I should find someone with experience and make a team and give it a try.
 
Thanks Tom! I will look into that!

Here is a question. Say I come up with, for example, dirt and rock textures. In photoshop they seem to come out leaning more toward the realism side of the scale. How would I change that to be a little more cartoonish styled?

EDIT: I took a look at the wiki page on the pixel art resizing and my eyes glazed over and burst into flames. I hope that I don't have to actually have a real grasp on all that.

And another question. I'm looking to make textures that are 256 x 256. At what point is it not considered "pixel art?"

For my purposes in the 128 x 128 - 256 x256 range, would I use a regular resizing program like you suggested, or would I use a pixel art one?
 
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Unfortunately, I can't respond at the moment. I'm about to leave for the airport. I'll be either in a plane, an airport, or a rental car for the next 12 hours. I'll try to respond ASAP.

Tom
 
Thats a pretty good start! :)

Are there any filters that can be downloaded anywhere? I looked through all the filters in the filter gallery and only a couple of them really seem to fit.
 
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