What is Lossless Scaling?

Lossless Scaling is a versatile third-party application on Steam that enables PC gamers to improve both performance and image quality in nearly any windowed game or application. Created by THS, this utility combines spatial upscaling—which enhances visual fidelity when playing at reduced resolutions—with temporal scaling, also known as frame generation, to create smoother motion.

What makes this tool particularly valuable is its broad compatibility. It works with games that don’t include built-in support for contemporary upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR. At $6.99 (frequently discounted during sales), it offers an economical solution for maximizing your existing gaming hardware.

Understanding Lossless Scaling’s Feature Set

Rather than relying on a single approach, Lossless Scaling incorporates multiple technologies that employ different techniques to enhance your gaming experience.

Spatial Upscaling Methods

The software provides several upscaling algorithms, each suited to particular visual styles:

  • LS1: A proprietary algorithm using machine learning with strong detail retention
  • AMD FSR 1.0: AMD’s open-source upscaler offering a good balance between quality and speed
  • NVIDIA Image Scaling (NIS): NVIDIA’s spatial upscaling technology
  • Integer Scaling: Ideal for retro pixel art titles, maintaining crisp pixel boundaries
  • xBR: Specialized techniques for creating smoother pixel art visuals
  • Anime4K: Tuned specifically for anime-styled and cartoon graphics
  • Bicubic CAS: Merges bicubic interpolation with AMD’s Contrast Adaptive Sharpening

Frame Generation Approaches

The software features two main frame generation technologies:

  • LSFG (Lossless Scaling Frame Generation): Employs fixed multiplication (2x or 3x) to double or triple your apparent frame rate
  • AFG (Adaptive Frame Generation): Automatically adjusts frame generation to hit a specific target frame rate

These systems examine your rendered frames and computationally create additional frames between them to enhance motion fluidity.

Technical Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (build 2004 or later)
  • Optimal Experience: Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer
  • Graphics Cards: Works with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel GPUs
  • Suggested Hardware: NVIDIA RTX 30 series or newer, AMD RX 6000 series or newer, or Intel Arc graphics
  • Display Mode Requirement: Games must run in Windowed or Borderless Windowed mode (Exclusive Fullscreen is incompatible)

Configuration Instructions

  1. Buy and install Lossless Scaling through Steam
  2. Set your game to run in Windowed or Borderless Windowed mode
  3. Turn off VSync within the game’s settings menu
  4. Start your game, then alt-tab to the Lossless Scaling application
  5. Choose your desired scaling algorithm and frame generation options
  6. Press the “Scale” button and immediately return to your game
  7. Press Ctrl+Alt+S (the default hotkey) to enable or disable scaling while playing

Optimization Tips

  • Consistent Base Performance: When using frame generation, cap your base frame rate through in-game limiters or tools like RTSS
  • Reserve GPU Capacity: Target 70-80% GPU usage before activating frame generation
  • Minimize Overlay Conflicts: Disable Steam, Discord, and similar overlays if you encounter issues
  • Test Capture APIs: Switch between DXGI and WGC capture methods to determine which performs better for your system

Selecting the Appropriate Algorithm

  • Contemporary 3D Titles: LS1 or AMD FSR provide the best visual results
  • Retro Pixel Art: Integer Scaling for sharp edges; xBR for softened upscaling
  • Anime-Style Graphics: Anime4K is purpose-built for this art style
  • Maximum Performance: Nearest Neighbor or Sharp Bilinear offer minimal processing overhead

Important Limitations to Consider

Despite its capabilities, Lossless Scaling has several inherent constraints:

  • Added Input Delay: Frame generation introduces additional latency that may affect responsiveness in competitive or fast-action games
  • Possible Artifacts: Generated frames can sometimes produce visual inconsistencies or ghosting effects
  • Resource Requirements: The software consumes GPU resources; inadequate headroom may actually decrease performance
  • Manual Tuning Needed: Optimal results typically require more experimentation than built-in solutions

Ideal Use Cases

Lossless Scaling excels in specific situations:

  • Legacy Titles: Breathe new life into older games lacking modern resolution options
  • Emulator Performance: Enhance both speed and visuals in emulated classic games
  • Frame Rate-Locked Games: Bypass hardcoded 30 or 60 FPS limitations
  • Lower-End Systems: Extract better performance from budget hardware, portable gaming devices, or laptops while reducing heat and fan noise
  • Games Missing Native Upscaling: Add modern upscaling capabilities to titles without DLSS or FSR integration