Complete guide to frame generation, upscaling methods, and advanced features
Frame generation is a revolutionary technology that creates intermediate frames between existing frames to dramatically increase frame rates. Unlike traditional rendering, which requires the GPU to render each frame from scratch, frame generation uses AI and motion interpolation algorithms to predict and generate new frames based on previous and upcoming frames.
Lossless Scaling implements this technology through its proprietary LSFG (Lossless Scaling Frame Generation) algorithms. When enabled, the software analyzes the motion vectors and pixel data from your game to generate smooth intermediate frames, effectively doubling or even tripling your perceived frame rate.
This technology is particularly effective in scenarios where your GPU can render at a stable base frame rate (e.g., 30-60 FPS) but struggles to reach higher targets. Frame generation can take that 60 FPS and transform it into a smooth 120 FPS experience with minimal additional GPU load.
LSFG 2.3 was the first major implementation of frame generation in Lossless Scaling. It introduced gamers to the concept of AI-powered frame interpolation and quickly became popular for its ability to boost frame rates in demanding games.
LSFG 2.3 uses a motion estimation algorithm that tracks pixel movement between frames. It then generates intermediate frames by interpolating the motion, creating smooth transitions that are nearly indistinguishable from native frames. While effective, LSFG 2.3 had some limitations with fast-moving objects and could occasionally produce minor artifacts in complex scenes.
LSFG 3.0 represents a significant leap forward in frame generation technology. Released as a major update, it addresses many of the limitations of LSFG 2.3 while introducing new capabilities that make it suitable for even competitive gaming scenarios.
The core improvement in LSFG 3.0 is its use of temporal information from multiple previous frames, not just the immediate previous frame. This allows the algorithm to better predict motion trajectories and generate more accurate intermediate frames. The result is smoother motion, fewer artifacts, and significantly reduced input lag.
For competitive gamers, LSFG 3.0 introduces a "Competitive Mode" that prioritizes input responsiveness over maximum frame generation. In this mode, the algorithm uses a more conservative approach to frame generation, ensuring that input lag remains minimal while still providing a noticeable FPS boost.
Pro Tip: LSFG 3.0 works best when your base frame rate is stable. If you're experiencing frame drops below 30 FPS, consider lowering in-game settings first before enabling frame generation.
| Feature | LSFG 2.3 | LSFG 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Input Lag | ~2-3ms | ~1-1.5ms |
| Artifact Reduction | Good | Excellent |
| Competitive Gaming | Not Recommended | Recommended (Competitive Mode) |
| Fast Motion Handling | Moderate | Excellent |
| GPU Overhead | Low (~5%) | Low (~7%) |
Upscaling is the process of increasing the resolution of an image or video from a lower resolution to a higher one. In gaming, upscaling allows you to render games at a lower internal resolution (which is faster) and then scale them up to your display's native resolution, maintaining visual quality while significantly improving performance.
Lossless Scaling supports multiple upscaling algorithms, each optimized for different scenarios. Choosing the right upscaling method can make a significant difference in both visual quality and performance, depending on your game type, hardware, and preferences.
LS1 is Lossless Scaling's proprietary upscaling algorithm, designed specifically for gaming scenarios. It uses a combination of edge detection, temporal information, and intelligent interpolation to create sharp, detailed upscaled images.
Performance Impact: Low overhead (~2-3% GPU usage). Excellent for maintaining high frame rates while upscaling.
LS1 excels at preserving fine details and text readability, making it an excellent default choice. It's particularly good at handling UI elements and maintaining sharp edges, which is crucial for games with lots of text or HUD elements.
FSR is AMD's open-source upscaling technology that uses spatial upscaling algorithms to enhance image quality. It's designed to work on all GPUs (both AMD and NVIDIA) and provides excellent performance with good image quality.
Performance Impact: Very low overhead (~1-2% GPU usage). Can provide 30-50% FPS boost depending on resolution scaling.
FSR uses a spatial upscaling technique that analyzes the current frame to enhance details. It's particularly effective at preserving fine details in textures and maintaining sharp edges. FSR works best when upscaling from 70-80% of the target resolution.
One of FSR's major advantages is its compatibility - it works on any GPU, making it an excellent choice for users with older or budget graphics cards. The quality modes (Ultra Quality, Quality, Balanced, Performance) allow you to fine-tune the balance between image quality and performance.
NIS is NVIDIA's spatial upscaling solution, similar to FSR but optimized for NVIDIA GPUs. It provides sharp, detailed upscaling with minimal performance impact and works on all NVIDIA GPUs from the GTX 900 series onwards.
Performance Impact: Very low overhead (~1-2% GPU usage). Similar performance characteristics to FSR.
NIS uses a 6-tap filter with 4 directional scaling and adaptive sharpening to produce high-quality upscaled images. It's particularly good at maintaining texture detail and preventing blurriness. NIS works best when combined with NVIDIA's sharpening filter for optimal results.
Anime4K is a specialized upscaling algorithm designed specifically for anime-style content, pixel art, and games with cel-shaded graphics. It uses edge-preserving filters to maintain the sharp, clean lines characteristic of anime and stylized games.
Performance Impact: Moderate overhead (~5-8% GPU usage). Slightly more demanding than FSR/NIS but produces superior results for anime-style content.
Anime4K uses a combination of edge detection and line preservation algorithms to maintain the characteristic sharp edges and clean lines of anime-style graphics. It's particularly effective at preventing the blurring and smoothing that other upscalers might introduce to stylized content.
For pixel art games, Anime4K can intelligently upscale while maintaining the pixel-perfect aesthetic, making it ideal for retro games and indie titles with pixel graphics. It's the go-to choice for visual novels and anime-style JRPGs where maintaining the artistic style is crucial.
xBR is a pixel art upscaling algorithm that uses pattern recognition to upscale pixel art while maintaining its characteristic look. It's designed to intelligently smooth and enhance pixel graphics without losing the pixelated aesthetic.
Performance Impact: Low to moderate overhead (~3-5% GPU usage). Very efficient for its specialized use case.
xBR analyzes pixel patterns and uses rule-based algorithms to determine how to upscale each area. It's particularly good at handling diagonal lines and curves in pixel art, which are often problematic for simple upscaling methods. xBR maintains the pixelated look while making it look smoother and more polished.
| Method | Best For | Performance | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS1 | General gaming | Excellent | Very Good |
| FSR | Modern AAA games | Excellent | Excellent |
| NIS | NVIDIA GPUs | Excellent | Excellent |
| Anime4K | Anime/Pixel art | Good | Excellent (for anime) |
| xBR | Pixel art games | Good | Excellent (for pixel art) |
Lossless Scaling supports systems with dual GPUs, allowing you to leverage both graphics cards for improved performance. This is particularly useful for laptops with integrated and dedicated GPUs, or desktop systems with multiple graphics cards.
The software can intelligently distribute the workload between GPUs, using one for frame generation and the other for upscaling, or dedicating each GPU to different processes for optimal performance.
Create custom resolutions that aren't natively supported by your display. This is useful for ultrawide gaming, custom aspect ratios, or matching specific game requirements.
Lossless Scaling allows you to set any resolution and aspect ratio, making it perfect for games that don't support your preferred resolution natively.
Configure custom hotkeys to toggle frame generation, switch upscaling methods, or adjust settings on the fly without leaving your game.
This is particularly useful for testing different settings or quickly disabling frame generation if you encounter issues in specific games.
Save different configuration profiles for different games. Each profile can have its own frame generation settings, upscaling method, and resolution preferences.
Profiles automatically load when you launch a game, making it easy to optimize settings for each title without manual configuration each time.
For general gaming, start with LS1 or FSR. For anime-style games, use Anime4K. For pixel art, use xBR. For NVIDIA GPU users, NIS is an excellent choice. Experiment to find what works best for your specific games and hardware.
LSFG 3.0 is recommended for most users as it offers better performance, reduced input lag, and fewer artifacts. Use LSFG 2.3 only if you experience compatibility issues with specific games.
Yes! In fact, using both together can provide the best results. Render at a lower resolution, upscale it, then use frame generation to boost the frame rate further. This combination is particularly effective on weaker hardware.
Lossless Scaling works with most DirectX and OpenGL games. Some games with anti-cheat systems or exclusive fullscreen modes may have limitations. Check our troubleshooting guide for specific game compatibility information.