# Upscaler (free): make images bigger on your own computer

URL: https://helpcenter.readypixl.com/articles/upscaler
Markdown: https://helpcenter.readypixl.com/articles/upscaler.md
Section: Pipelines
Summary: Free AI upscaling at 2x or 4x that runs on your own computer — no credits, no sign-in for credits. Quality tiers Standard, High and Extra High. Desktop app goes up to 8x.

ReadyPixl has two upscalers. This one, **Upscaler (free)**, runs AI upscaling **on your own computer** (your graphics card or processor), so it costs nothing. The other one, **[AI Upscale](ai-upscale)**, runs on our servers for 10 credits per image.

**Try the free one first.** If your computer handles it, you never need to spend anything.

## How to use it

1. Add **Upscaler (free)** to your pipeline.
2. Pick a **quality tier**: **Standard**, **High** or **Extra High**. **Start with Standard.**
3. Pick the **Upscale Factor**: **2x** or **4x** (4x is the model's native output; 2x runs 4x and then scales down to exactly 2x).
4. Check the new size — the blue numbers under the preview are the size you'll download.

The first time you use a tier, ReadyPixl downloads the model it needs. Let it finish.

## Be careful with slow computers

Speed depends on your machine. **Higher tiers and bigger images can crash a slow PC or Mac.** Test Standard first, then move up only if your computer keeps up.

If your computer struggles or crashes, turn the free Upscaler off and use **[AI Upscale](ai-upscale)** instead — it runs on another computer, so your machine's power doesn't matter.

## Web vs desktop

| | Web version | Desktop app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Where it runs | In your browser (needs WebGPU) | Natively on your computer |
| Factors | 2x, 4x | 2x, 4x — and up to 8x on Extra High |
| Cost | Free | Free (included with the app) |

On the web, **8x is only available in the paid AI Upscale**.

## Tips

- Upscale **before Reposition**, so the bigger image is what gets placed on your canvas.
- A 1024 × 1024 AI image at 4x becomes 4096 × 4096 — then Reposition can place it on whatever canvas size you need.
- Don't run the free Upscaler and AI Upscale in the same pipeline unless you really want to upscale twice.

## What to read next

- **[AI Upscale](ai-upscale)** — the paid, server-side upscaler (2x / 4x / 8x)
- **[Reposition](reposition)** — place the upscaled image on your canvas
- **[Using the desktop app](../getting-started/desktop-app)**