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Sharpen boosts edge definition to make an image look crisper and more detailed. Use it on product shots and any image that needs to read sharply at delivery size. Add the e_sharpen token to the transform segment of any delivery URL:
Default sharpening

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How does it work?

e_sharpen on its own applies the default strength of 100. To set your own, use e_sharpen:{strength} with a value from 1 to 2000 — higher values sharpen more aggressively.
Sharpened image For finer control over how detail is enhanced, use e_unsharp_mask, which accepts the same 1 to 2000 range.

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When to use it

  • Make product photos look crisp and detailed.
  • Define facial features in portraits.
  • Bring out texture and detail in landscapes.
  • Recover clarity in images that have been downscaled.

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How do you combine it with other effects?

Chain sharpen with structure and contrast in one comma-separated segment. We recommend strengths between 100 and 150, because higher values create halos and edge artifacts (e.g. e_sharpen:120).
Sharpening with structure and contrast

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Next steps

Contrast

Widen or narrow the gap between light and dark areas with e_contrast.

Grayscale

Convert to black and white with e_grayscale.

All effects

Browse every effect token and how they combine.

Resize and aspect ratio

Resize before sharpening so detail lands at delivery size.