FeaturedWhere to Put Upscalers in WebUI

Upscalers are important tools in image generation that help improve the quality and resolution of images. When working with Stable Diffusion, a powerful model for creating images, upscalers play a key role in making those images clearer and more detailed. In this blog, we’ll guide you on where to put upscalers and how to use upscalers for WebUI. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enhance your image creation process effectively.

What are Upscalers?

Upscalers are tools used in image processing to increase the resolution of images. Their main purpose is to make images larger and clearer, allowing for more detail and improved quality. When you generate images using models like Stable Diffusion, upscalers in WebUI can significantly enhance the final result, making your images look sharper and more professional.

How They Improve Resolution and Detail

Upscalers work by analyzing the existing pixels in an original image and adding new pixels to the final image to fill in the gaps. This process helps to create a higher resolution image that retains clarity, especially when enlarged. By using advanced algorithms, upscalers can predict what details should be added, resulting in images that appear much more defined and vibrant.

Popluar Upscalers for SD WebUI

In Stable Diffusion, upscalers are tools that enhance the resolution of upscale images, and they come in various types, each suited for specific use cases:

1. Lanczos and Nearest: These are basic upscaling methods. Lanczos is useful for resizing images with smoother transitions, while Nearest Neighbor is best for pixel art as it preserves hard edges.
2. DAT X2, X3, and X4: These upscalers are optimized for simpler, lightweight upscaling, offering multiple scaling factors. They generally maintain clarity without heavy processing.
3. ESRGAN_4X and LDSR: ESRGAN (Enhanced Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Network) upscalers like ESRGAN_4X deliver sharp details and work well with images needing high clarity. LDSR is specifically good for complex textures but may introduce some noise in photo-realistic images.
4. R-ESRGAN 4X+ and R-ESRGAN 4X+ Anime6B: These are variants of ESRGAN fine-tuned for different contexts. The 4X+ model is suitable for photo-realistic images, while the Anime6B version is tailored for anime-style artwork, maintaining clear lines and vibrant colors.
5. ScuNET GAN and ScuNET PSNR: ScuNET models cater to different image quality needs, with GAN focusing on general applications and PSNR aiming for images where signal fidelity is essential. However, some find ScuNET PSNR less effective, as it can produce blurrier results​.
6. SwinIR 4X: This upscaler uses the SwinIR model to maintain image details but can sometimes create tile lines, which may not be suitable for highly detailed or seamless images.

Choosing the right upscaler depends on the desired output—whether it’s anime-style, photo-realism, or general-purpose upscaling. Each tool has its unique strengths and potential limitations, so it’s important to select the one that aligns with your image type and quality requirements.

Where to Put Upscalers in SD WebUI

1. Access Ready-to-Use Upscalers with MimicPC

MimicPC offers a selection of popular upscalers that you can start using immediately without needing to download or install anything. This is a convenient option if you want to quickly upscale images without customizing the setup.

2. Finding Custom Upscalers

If you’d like to try other upscalers, you can find a variety of custom upscaler models on Open Model Database. This resource hosts an extensive list of upscalers for different image types and artistic styles.

3. Downloading and Placing Upscaler Files

Once you’ve chosen an upscaler, download its .pth file and place it in the correct folder within your SD WebUI directory. For example, if your upscaler uses the ESRGAN architecture, put the file in the models/ESRGAN folder. This ensures that SD WebUI can recognize and use the model.

4. Relaunch WebUI

After adding the model file to the appropriate directory, relaunch your SD WebUI interface. And then you will find the new scaler in the list.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use an Upscaler in SD WebUI

1. Launch SD WebUI

Open your Automatic1111 WebUIand navigate to the main interface. Ensure that the software is fully loaded and that your custom upscaler files have been placed in the correct folders.

2. Access the Upscaler Settings and Upload the Image

Once in the WebUI, locate the Extras tab at the top or side of the interface, depending on your WebUI layout. This tab contains various tools, including upscaling options. Click on the upload button to select the image you want to upscale. Once uploaded, you’ll see a preview of the image and any applicable settings, such as cropping or resizing options.

3. Select the Upscaler

Within the Extras tab, find the Upscaler 1 dropdown menu. Click on it to view all the available upscaler models. The models you installed should now appear on this list alongside the default upscalers. Choose the upscaler you want to use for your image (e.g., Real-ESRGAN, LDSR).

4. Adjust Settings

Scale Options:

Choose between Scale by Resize or Scale to Width and Height. Scaling by resize allows you to upscale by a percentage or factor, while scaling to width and height lets you specify exact dimensions.

Additional Settings:

You can adjust a variety of parameters for the upscaling process, including:

• GFPGAN: Select this for general face enhancement to restore facial details in portraits.
• CodeFormer: Use this option for improving facial quality in a variety of images.
• Split Oversized Images: This setting automatically breaks down large images into smaller parts for more efficient upscaling.
• Auto Focal Point Crop: Enables the upscaler to focus on the main subject of the image, ensuring it remains the center of attention.
• Auto-Sized Crop: Allows the image to be automatically cropped to the best dimensions based on the scaling options.
• Create Flipped Copies: Generates mirrored versions of the upscale image, useful for creating balanced visuals or testing symmetry.
• Caption: Adds text or labels to the image during the upscaling process, which can be helpful for tagging or documenting the final output.

5. Start the Upscaling Process

Once everything is set, click on the Generate button. The WebUI will then use the chosen upscaler to enhance the resolution and detail of the image. This process may take a few moments, especially for more resource-intensive upscaler.

6. Review and Save the Result

Once the upscaling process is complete, a preview of the upscale image will appear. Review the quality and detail, and if satisfied, download to store the high-resolution image on your device. If the results are not satisfactory, you can go back to adjust settings or try a different upscaler.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize custom upscalers in both Automatic1111 WebUI and WebUI Forge to enhance the resolution and quality of your images, with options tailored to suit various artistic styles and needs.

Best Practices for Using Upscalers

Choosing the Right Upscaler

When selecting an upscaler, it's important to consider the type of images you’re generating. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Image Content: Different upscalers excel with particular types of images. For instance, Real-ESRGAN works well for realistic photographs, preserving fine details and enhancing clarity. On the other hand, Waifu2x is tailored for anime-style images, helping to maintain smooth lines and vibrant colors without introducing noise.
• Resolution Requirements: Consider how much you need to upscale your images. For significant resolution increases, upscalers like 4x-Ultra provide high scaling factors, making them ideal for larger outputs without sacrificing quality.
• Quality vs. Speed: Some upscalers prioritize quality over processing speed, while others offer a balance between the two. For example, LDSR and R-ESRGAN 4X+ are known for producing high-quality, detailed results but may take longer to process. In contrast, options like DAT X2, X3, and X4 provide moderate upscaling while maintaining quicker processing times.

For those balancing quality and speed, MimicPCoffers virtual hardware options to match different needs. You can choose configurations based on VRAM and RAM, ranging from Medium (T4 16GB VRAM | 16GB RAM) to Ultra (L40S 48GB VRAM | 32GB RAM). This flexibility allows for faster processing or enhanced quality based on your selection, all with cloud storage and direct access to various upscalers—no installation needed.

Try MimicPC today to easily upscale your images on Automatic1111 WebUI—enjoy the flexibility of online upscaling with powerful virtual hardware options and no need for downloads or installations.

Performance Optimization

To maximize the efficiency of upscalers generating images, follow these tips:

1. Use Batch Processing: If you're generating multiple images, utilize batch processing features to apply the upscaler settings to all images at once. This can save time and improve overall workflow.
2. Adjust Settings: Experiment with the settings in the upscalers’ configuration files. Sometimes, minor adjustments can lead to better performance without sacrificing quality.
3. Monitor Resource Usage: Keep track of your system’s CPU, GPU, and memory usage during upscaling. If you’re using MimicPC, you can select higher VRAM options to support more demanding tasks, which helps maintain smooth performance even with larger batch sizes.
4. Regular Updates: Ensure you are using the latest versions of both WebUI and your chosen upscalers. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can enhance efficiency.

By choosing the right upscaler and optimizing its performance, you can significantly enhance the quality of your images generated with SD WebUI.

In conclusion, using upscalers is essential for enhancing image resolution and quality, allowing you to achieve stunning results in your projects. This guide has provided you with detailed steps on how to upload custom upscalers and effectively use them within your workflows. Remember to choose the right upscaler based on your image type and quality needs, as each option offers unique strengths. With the right approach, you can elevate your image generation to new heights.

If you're ready to upscale your images with ease and efficiency, try MimicPC! It provides powerful virtual hardware configurations for fast processing and high-quality results, all accessible online without installation. Additionally, MimicPC includes a WebUI app featuring both Automatic1111 and WebUI Forge, where you'll find popular upscalers ready for immediate use.