Howto: Enable Integer Scaling

Integer Scaling

Integer scaling is a technique used in computer graphics to provide a clearer and sharper image when upscaling. Here are some of its benefits:

• Pixel-Perfect Upscaling: Integer scaling maintains the original pixel grid structure, which means each pixel in the original image is represented by a block of pixels in the upscaled image. This results in a crisp and clear image, especially beneficial for pixel art and retro games.

• No Blurring: Unlike other upscaling methods that can introduce blurring, integer scaling keeps the image sharp. This is because it multiplies the original pixels by a whole number, avoiding the need for interpolation which can cause blurring.

• Aspect Ratio Preservation: Integer scaling ensures that the aspect ratio of the original image is preserved, preventing any distortion in the upscaled image.

Amiberry has support for Integer Scaling since versions 6.3.3 and 5.7.3

How to enable Integer Scaling in Amiberry

To enable Integer Scaling in Amiberry, it's enough to choose the relevant option from the Display panel -> Scaling method. However, there are a few more options you can use, to get the best results out of this method:

• Enable Integer as the scaling method, in Display -> Scaling method. This can also be set as the default option if you want, by modifying the relevant option in amiberry.conf: set default_scaling_method=2 there.

• Set screen mode to Full-window. This will scale the output to your monitor's current resolution. Integer scaling has no point in Windowed modes anyway. You can set Full-window to be the default screen mode if you want, by editing the relevant amiberry.conf option: set default_fullscreen_mode=2 there.

• Enable Auto-Crop. This option could help get the best results, as it will crop out any unused pixels from the screen. In games that only used 320x200 for example, this will allow you to crop out the rest of the image and scale the result. Of course, the results depend on what is actually used on-screen, it will not always be perfect. You can enable Auto-Crop by default if you want, by editing the relevant amiberry.conf option: set default_auto_crop=yes there.

• Enable Resolution AutoSwitch. This option will dynamically change the horizontal and vertical resolution emulated, depending on what is requested. For example, if a game switches to LowRes mode, this option will set the horizontal resolution to LowRes as well, outputting 320 pixels instead of 640 (which would have been the HiRes default). It will also do the same for vertical resolutions, changing from Single Line mode to Double, as required. This does mean however, that you cannot use those options manually, while this is enabled. You can set this option to be enabled by default, by editing the relevant amiberry.conf option: set default_gfx_autoresolution=1 there.