Printable checklist
A practical photo enhancement checklist
Choose the right enhancement, compare the same crop, inspect important details, and save a new copy. A printable checklist for private photo editing on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Keep the original. Start with the largest original file you have, rather than a screenshot or a repeatedly compressed copy. Save the result as a new image so you can compare or undo your choice.
- Identify the problem. A small image that becomes pixelated when enlarged calls for Upscale. A grainy image calls for Denoise. A full-size image with slightly soft edges may benefit from Sharpen. Try Faces only when a face is the part you want to improve.
- Change one thing at a time. Preview one tool first. Compare the same area at the same display size before deciding whether to apply another tool. More processing does not always produce a better photograph.
- Inspect the details that matter. Check eyes, teeth, hair, whiskers, text, straight edges, and fine texture. Sharpening can exaggerate edges; generated detail can differ from what was photographed. Keep the original when a result looks unnatural.
- Separate enlargement from recovery. Increasing pixel dimensions does not guarantee that missing detail has been recovered. Heavy motion blur, missed focus, or a heavily compressed source can remain poor after enhancement.
- Record what you tried. For a useful comparison or review, note the original and output pixel dimensions, tool, app version, device, and elapsed time. Retain both files. Label an enhanced archive image so it is not mistaken for an untouched scan.
Results depend on the source. Upscaling increases image dimensions and can produce plausible detail; it does not prove that missing detail was recovered. Sharpen is intended for slight softness, rather than heavy motion blur. Review face detail closely.
What sharpening can and cannot do · App facts and product images