The result is noticeably better than a simple bicubic or bilinear scale, but it cannot compete with modern AI‑based plugins. Many users have reported that ScaleUp produces “much higher quality” than the built‑in effect.
Instead of blurring edges, AI algorithms add pixels that look "correct" based on surrounding data.
Perfectly upscaled digital video can sometimes look too smooth or plastic-like. Add a new adjustment layer over your footage and apply a tiny amount of simulated film grain. This tricks the human eye into perceiving higher resolution and organic texture. Summary Comparison Plugin / Tool Technology Render Speed Best Used For Machine Learning Maximum detail retrieval and archival footage Boris FX UpRez Advanced Filtering Professional broadcast and fast turnarounds Maxon Universe GPU Interpolation Quick timeline scaling for motion graphics Detail-Preserving Upscale Native Edge Detection Zero-budget projects and tight deadlines instant 4k plugin after effects
You can also render a 4K composition while telling After Effects to output at a lower resolution, but the opposite direction (upscaling) is not recommended. If you want to upscale only at render time, you can enable “Resize” in the Output Module, but this applies a simple bicubic scale on the final render – not a good choice for quality.
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. The result is noticeably better than a simple
ScaleUP is particularly effective for video enlargement, low-resolution restoration, and enhancing compressed video footage. It recovers textures and details that would otherwise be lost during traditional scaling methods.
We’ve all been there. You import a clip into After Effects, zoom in to adjust a composition, and your heart sinks. Pixelation. Jagged edges. That dreaded soft, fuzzy look that screams "low resolution." Perfectly upscaled digital video can sometimes look too
Follow this step-by-step workflow to instantly transform a 1080p video into a crisp 4K masterpiece using After Effects. Step 1: Create Your 4K Composition Open Adobe After Effects. Go to .
Expensive if purchased as part of the full Continuum suite. 3. Red Giant Universe Unravel / Scale (Maxon)
Add the plugin to the footage layer. For ScaleUp: select the layer, go to Effect > Aescripts > ScaleUp , and set the target scale (usually 200–400%). For Topaz Video AI: apply the effect and choose the “4K” preset under the Proteus model.