HiPixel

HiPixel is a native macOS application for AI-powered image super-resolution, built with SwiftUI and leveraging Upscayl's AI models.

What is HiPixel?

HiPixel is a free, open-source (AGPL v3) macOS app that uses AI models to upscale images to higher resolutions. It takes images in formats such as PNG, JPG, and WEBP, and outputs upscaled versions in the format of your choice (PNG, JPG, WEBP, or original). The app requires macOS 13.0+ and is developed by 5KM Tech (GitHub user okooo5km). It has received over 1,100 stars on GitHub with 46 forks.

Key Features

• Native SwiftUI interface — A modern, intuitive macOS experience with drag-and-drop support for immediate image processing. The interface is designed for efficiency, with a clean layout that adapts to macOS design conventions.

• AI upscaling models — Includes built-in models such as upscayl-standard-4x, upscayl-lite-4x, high-fidelity-4x, and digital-art-4x. Custom models can be added via a custom folder path.

• GPU acceleration — Processes images using GPU acceleration for fast results. Users can specify a GPU ID to control which GPU is used in multi-GPU setups.

• Batch processing and folder monitoring — Process multiple images at once by dragging and dropping them, or set up folder monitoring to automatically upscale new images added to a designated folder.

• URL Scheme automation — Trigger image processing from any app or script using hipixel:// URLs. The scheme supports over a dozen parameters including path, imageScale (2x, 4x, 8x), saveImageAs, doubleUpscayl, enableTTA, and upscaylModel. Example: open "hipixel://?path=/image.jpg&imageScale=4.0&saveImageAs=PNG".

• Advanced processing options — Test Time Augmentation (TTA) for improved quality, double upscaling for even higher resolutions, and custom tile size for fine-tuned performance.

• Output control — Choose output format (PNG, JPG, WEBP, Original), compression level (0-99), and custom output folder. Optionally enable Zipic compression (requires Zipic app) to reduce file size after upscaling.

Who is it for?

• Photographers and graphic designers — Upscale high-resolution images for printing, digital art, or web use, preserving detail while increasing dimensions.
• Developers and automation enthusiasts — Integrate HiPixel into automated workflows using the URL Scheme or AppleScript to upscale images as part of a larger pipeline.
• macOS users who prefer native apps — Those who value a SwiftUI-native application that fits seamlessly into macOS, with features like folder monitoring and batch processing for efficient image management.

What can you do with HiPixel?

• Bulk upscale image collections — Drop a folder of images onto HiPixel and let it process them with your chosen settings (model, scale, output format). The app can handle dozens of images in a single session.
• Automate image upscaling — Write a shell script or AppleScript that triggers HiPixel via URL Scheme when new images appear in a watch folder. For example, a script can loop through files and call open "hipixel://?path=$image&imageScale=4.0".
• Combine with compression tools — After upscaling, use the recommended companion Zipic for intelligent compression to reduce file size while maintaining sharpness, creating an optimal quality-size balance.

How does HiPixel work?

HiPixel bundles Upscayl's binary tools and AI models (AGPL v3). When an image is dropped or a URL is received, the app passes it to the upscayl-bin binary with the user's chosen parameters. The processing utilizes GPU acceleration and can be configured for different model strengths and scale factors. Output is saved to the original directory or a custom folder.

Pricing

HiPixel is free and open source (AGPL v3). There are no paid tiers or hidden fees.

FAQ

What macOS version is required?

HiPixel requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later.

Can I use custom AI models?

Yes. You can specify a custom models folder in the settings and select a custom model name via URL parameters (selectedCustomModel). If both a built-in and custom model are given, the custom model takes precedence.

Does HiPixel support batch processing?

Yes. You can drag and drop multiple images or folders, or set up folder monitoring to automatically process new files added to a watched folder.

How do I automate HiPixel?

Use the hipixel:// URL Scheme from Terminal, AppleScript, or any scripting language. Parameters like path, imageScale, upscaylModel, and saveImageAs let you control the upscaling process programmatically.