Upscaling gives you a higher-resolution version of a video or image you've already made, so a generation that looks soft on a large screen, in a client delivery or in print comes out sharp without regenerating it. This article covers what upscaling does, where to find it in Runway and how to get a clean result.
What is upscaling?
takes the image or video frame you give it and builds a larger version, filling in detail between the original pixels so edges stay clean and textures stay natural instead of turning blocky. Everything else about the file stays the same: a video keeps its length, frame rate and aspect ratio, and an image keeps its composition.
It fits into your work in a few predictable spots.
| You're… | Upscale… |
|---|---|
| Delivering a generation to a client or a 4K screen | the finished take, after you've picked it and made your edits |
| Bringing outside footage into a Runway project | the upload with Upscale Video, so it matches your generations |
| Preparing an illustration for print or a banner | with Magnific Precision v2, choosing the factor from your target size |
| Finishing a story panels sheet | every panel at once with Panel Upscaler |
| Making any image presentable | with Upscale Image, in one click |
Where to upscale in Runway
Upscaling tools can be found across Runway surface: beneath your generations in Tool mode, as a node in Workflows, and as apps on your Dashboard.
| Upscaler | For | What you get back | Where it lives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upscale to 4K | Video | As close to 4K as possible, with the same length and frame rate |
|
| Upscale Image | Image | A 4K-quality version, no settings to choose |
|
| Panel Upscaler | Image | Every panel in a story panel upscaled in one generation |
|
| Magnific Precision v2 | Image | A faithful 2x to 16x enlargement, with controls for sharpness, grain and detail |
|
| Magnific Creative | Image | An enlargement with reimagined detail, guided by a text prompt |
|
FAQ
Why isn't my upscaled video exactly 3840×2160?
Upscale to 4K works from your source resolution and aspect ratio, so the result lands near 4K rather than at one fixed size. From a 16:9 source, 480p comes back at 3416×1920, and 720p or 1080p comes back at 4096×2304, slightly wider than 3840×2160. If a delivery spec requires exact UHD, scale the upscaled file down to 3840×2160 in your editor.
My video is longer than 40 seconds. How do I upscale it?
Split it into clips of 40 seconds or less in your editing software, upscale each one with the Upscale Video app, then join them back together.
How is upscaling different from Enhance Frame Rate and HDR?
Each one changes a different part of your video and leaves the rest alone:
- Upscaling adds pixels, so the picture holds up at a larger size
- Enhance Frame Rate adds frames, so motion plays smoother and matches the frame rate your delivery needs
- Ruby expands brightness and color range, turning an SDR video into HDR
Because they don't overlap, you can run a video through more than one.
Can upscaling change my frame rate?
No, your video keeps the frame rate it had. To change it, use Enhance Frame Rate, available beneath any generation in Tool mode, as a node in Workflows or through Agent.
Should I convert to HDR before or after upscaling?
Before. HDR conversion has a maximum input resolution below 4K, so a clip you've already upscaled will be rejected. Convert to HDR first, then select Upscale to 4K on the result.