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Waifu2x

A web tool that enlarges and cleans up images with a convolutional neural network. It is aimed at anime-style artwork and also accepts photos, with adjustable noise reduction and upscaling.

Photo enhancementImage editing
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What it does

Waifu2x is a browser-based image upscaler. You drop in or pick an image file, choose a style, a noise reduction level and a scale, and download the result as PNG or WebP. The style options are Artwork, Artwork/Scans and Photo, so the model can be matched to the kind of picture. Noise reduction runs from None to Highest and is meant for images that actually have JPEG artifacts; the page warns that using it on a clean image can have the opposite effect. Upscaling choices are None, 1.6x, 2x and 4x. The page lists limits of 5MB per file, 3000x3000 pixels for noise reduction and 1500x1500 pixels for upscaling. A note on the page says the Art model was updated in August 2026. The site links to the project's GitHub repository and asks for support through Patreon or Fantia, and it states no pricing.

Capabilities

  • Upscales images by 1.6x, 2x or 4x
  • Five noise reduction levels for JPEG artifacts
  • Style choices for artwork, scans and photos
  • PNG or WebP output
  • Interface available in many languages

When to use it

  • You have a small anime-style illustration you want to enlarge
  • You need to reduce JPEG artifacts in artwork or a scan
  • You want a quick browser upscaler without installing anything