How to Upscale Midjourney Images to 4K (2025 Guide)

Midjourney creates stunning AI-generated art, but every creator hits the same wall eventually: resolution. V6 outputs at 1024 x 1024 pixels by default, or 2048 x 2048 with the built-in 2x upscaler. That looks great on Instagram, but try printing it and the math falls apart. At 300 DPI — the standard for professional printing — a 1024px image covers just 3.4 inches. Barely a postcard.

If you want to sell prints, create wall art, or use Midjourney images in professional design, you need a way to upscale without destroying quality. This guide covers the three best methods available in 2025.

Why Midjourney Images Need Upscaling

Midjourney is fundamentally designed for screen viewing. The diffusion model that generates each image is optimized for visual impact at roughly 1 megapixel, not for the 20+ megapixel files that printers demand. This creates a gap between what you see on your monitor and what comes out of a printer.

The key formula is simple: pixels ÷ 300 DPI = print size in inches. Here is what that means in practice:

• An 8 x 10 inch print requires 2400 x 3000 pixels
• A 12 x 16 inch print requires 3600 x 4800 pixels
• A 16 x 20 inch print requires 4800 x 6000 pixels
• A 24 x 36 inch poster requires 7200 x 10800 pixels

If you are selling digital downloads on Etsy, listing prints on a print-on-demand service, or framing artwork for a client, hitting these resolution targets is non-negotiable. Buyers expect crisp, artifact-free images at any print size. That means upscaling is not optional — it is a required step in the workflow.

3 Ways to Upscale Midjourney Images

Option 1: Midjourney's Built-In Upscaler

Midjourney includes upscaling directly in its interface. After generating a grid of four images, click the U1–U4 buttons to separate and upscale a single image. In V6, you can then select "Upscale (2x)" for a 2048 x 2048 result, or "Upscale (4x)" for a 4096 x 4096 output that is currently in beta.

• Result: Up to 2048 x 2048 (2x) or 4096 x 4096 (4x, beta)
• Pros: Built directly into the workflow, no extra tool needed
• Cons: Uses your fast GPU minutes, the 4x mode is beta quality and can alter image details, limited to Midjourney-generated images only
• Cost: Included in your Midjourney subscription ($10–$60/month)

Option 2: Topaz Gigapixel AI

Topaz Gigapixel is a desktop application dedicated to AI upscaling. You download the app, open your image, select a scale factor up to 6x, and let it process. The results are generally high quality, especially for photographic content.

• Result: Up to 6x upscale with strong detail reconstruction
• Pros: High output quality, batch processing support, works with any image file
• Cons: $199/year subscription, requires a powerful GPU for reasonable processing speed, desktop-only, large application download
• Cost: $199 per year

Option 3: PixelMax (Recommended)

PixelMax is a browser-based upscaler that uses Real-ESRGAN, one of the most advanced super-resolution neural networks available. There is nothing to install. You upload your image, select 4x, preview the result for free, and pay $1 to download the high-resolution file.

• Result: 4x upscale using Real-ESRGAN (1024px → 4096px)
• Pros: No installation, no GPU required, ~30-second processing, $1 per image, works in any browser on any device
• Cons: Maximum 4x upscale (sufficient for most print sizes from Midjourney output)
• Cost: $1 per image

Step-by-Step: Upscaling with PixelMax

1. Generate your image in Midjourney using the /imagine command in Discord
2. Download the full-resolution image from Discord by clicking the image and selecting "Save image"
3. Go to pixelmaxupscaler.com
4. Drag and drop your image onto the upload area
5. Select 4x upscale to maximize your output resolution
6. Preview the result — the before/after comparison is free, so you can verify quality before paying
7. Pay $1 to download the high-resolution file, ready for printing

The entire process takes under a minute. Your 1024 x 1024 Midjourney image becomes a 4096 x 4096 file — large enough for a 13.6-inch print at 300 DPI, or a 20-inch print at 200 DPI, which is still excellent quality for wall viewing distance.

Which Method Should You Choose?

• Use Midjourney's built-in upscaler if you are already paying for a subscription and only need occasional upscales for screen use or small prints.
• Consider Topaz Gigapixel if you upscale hundreds of images monthly, need batch processing, and have a powerful desktop GPU to handle the workload.
• Use PixelMax if you want the simplest, cheapest option for getting print-quality results from your Midjourney art. No subscription, no software, no GPU — just upload, upscale, and download.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best resolution for printing Midjourney art?

The standard is 300 DPI at your target print size. For an 8 x 10 inch print, that means 2400 x 3000 pixels. For a 16 x 20 inch print, you need 4800 x 6000 pixels. A PixelMax 4x upscale from Midjourney's default 1024px output gives you 4096 pixels on each side, which comfortably covers prints up to about 13 inches at full 300 DPI quality.

Does upscaling reduce image quality?

With AI-powered upscaling using Real-ESRGAN, no. Unlike simple bicubic interpolation that stretches pixels and creates blur, the neural network reconstructs fine detail — sharpening edges, recovering texture, and filling in information that the original resolution could not represent. The result is sharp and artifact-free, often revealing clarity that was not visible in the smaller file.

Can I upscale Midjourney images for Etsy?

Yes. Many Etsy sellers use PixelMax to prepare Midjourney art for digital download listings and print-on-demand products. At $1 per upscale, it is economical for even small shops with limited inventory. Upload your Midjourney output, upscale to 4x, and list the high-resolution file as a digital download or send it to your print fulfillment service.