If you find a particular photo looking dull, you can try sharpening it in IrfanView. Note that trying to sharpen a palette-based image (such as a GIF) will automatically convert it to 24-bit true-color to perform the sharpening process.

1. First, load an image into IrfanView.

2. Select "Image" - "Sharpen" or press SHIFT-S.

If the result is not pleasing (the image is too sharp or remains too dull), you can instead use the interactive sharpen tool to increase/decrease the amount of sharpening.

1. After loading an image, select "Image" - "Effects" - "Effects Browser" or press CONTROL-E.

2. The "Image Effects" dialog box will appear. Click "Sharpen" on the left side.

3. An original image and preview image view will appear. Underneath "Filter settings" and next to "Value", enter in a sharpen amount (1 - least sharp, 99 - most sharp). As you enter new values the preview window will change to reflect your changes.

4. Click "OK" to accept the new sharpening, or "Cancel" to abort the sharpening process.

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