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Waifu2x

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Free open-source AI tool that upscales anime-style art and photos using deep convolutional neural networks

AI Image Upscaler Tools
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  • Deployment Cloud Based, On Premises
  • Starting price Free
  • Free trial Not offered
  • Best for Freelancers, SMEs

What is Waifu2x?

Waifu2x is a free, open-source single-image super-resolution tool built on deep convolutional neural networks. It was originally created to enlarge anime-style illustrations while reducing noise and preserving line quality, and it also supports photographic images. The web version at waifu2x.net lets users upload an image, choose an upscaling factor (1.6x or 2x on the standard site) and a noise-reduction level, and download the result as PNG or WebP.

The project is maintained as open source on GitHub (nagadomi/waifu2x), and the technique has been reimplemented in numerous third-party ports (Caffe, NCNN-Vulkan, TensorRT, Converter-CPP) for local desktop use without file-size limits. The hosted web demo imposes practical limits (around 5MB per file, up to 3000x3000px for noise reduction and 1500x1500px for upscaling) and offers an experimental in-browser "unlimited" version with 4x upscaling. There are no paid subscription tiers; the project accepts optional support via Patreon and Fantia.

Key Features of Waifu2x

Waifu2x lists 8 documented features, including Single-image super-resolution using deep convolutional neural networks, Upscaling up to 2x on the standard web tool (4x on the experimental unlimited in-browser version) and Noise reduction with None, Low, Medium, High, and Highest levels. The list below covers what the product does rather than how it is marketed.

  • Single-image super-resolution using deep convolutional neural networks
  • Upscaling up to 2x on the standard web tool (4x on the experimental unlimited in-browser version)
  • Noise reduction with None, Low, Medium, High, and Highest levels
  • Separate model modes for Artwork, Artwork/Scans, and Photo content
  • Drag-and-drop browser-based upload interface
  • PNG and WebP output formats
  • Open-source codebase (nagadomi/waifu2x) available for local/offline use
  • Multi-language web interface (18+ languages including English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Korean)

Waifu2x Pricing

Waifu2x lists one plan, at Free.

Free

Free

Web tool: ~5MB per file, up to 3000x3000px for noise reduction, up to 1500x1500px for upscaling

Request pricing

No paid tiers exist. The hosted web version and open-source software are entirely free. An experimental in-browser ‘unlimited’ version with 4x upscaling is available at unlimited.waifu2x.net at no charge. Optional voluntary support accepted via Patreon and Fantia.

Waifu2x Specifications

Waifu2x is available on web app. It has a free plan.

Deployment
  • Cloud Based
  • On Premises
Billing cycle
Onetime
Desktop
  • Web App
Languages
  • English
Built for
  • Freelancers
  • SMEs
Integrations
No major third-party integrations
Public API
No
Free trial
No
Free plan
Yes
Runs in browser
Yes
Customisable
No
Website
waifu2x.udp.jp

Waifu2x Videos

Waifu2x Screenshots

Waifu2x screenshot 1

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Waifu2x FAQs

Yes. Waifu2x is completely free and open source. There are no paid subscription tiers; the hosted web tool at waifu2x.net and the open-source code on GitHub can both be used at no cost.

The web tool accepts common image uploads and outputs results as PNG or WebP files.

The hosted web version limits uploads to about 5MB, with a maximum of 3000x3000px for noise reduction and 1500x1500px for upscaling. The experimental unlimited.waifu2x.net in-browser version relaxes some of these limits and supports 4x upscaling.

Waifu2x was originally designed for anime-style illustrations but also includes a dedicated Photo mode for upscaling and denoising real photographs.

Yes. The original implementation is open source on GitHub (nagadomi/waifu2x), and multiple third-party ports (Caffe, NCNN-Vulkan, TensorRT, Converter-CPP) let users run it locally on their own hardware without the web tool's file-size limits.

No official hosted API is documented on the official site; it is primarily a browser-based tool and an open-source codebase for local use.