Image Pyramids
Visualize Gaussian and Laplacian image pyramids for multi-scale analysis, blending, and coarse-to-fine CV workflows.
Decompose an image into a multi-scale pyramid. Gaussian pyramids progressively downsample the image; Laplacian pyramids store the detail lost between pyramid levels and are used for image blending and compression.
How to Use Image Pyramids
- Upload an image: Upload one of the formats listed by the tool (JPG, PNG, WebP) and wait for the local preview.
- Adjust settings and process: Adjust the available controls, then run the selected image processing workflow in your browser.
- Review and download: Review the result, then download it in one of the formats offered by this tool.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Gaussian pyramid?
A Gaussian pyramid is a series of progressively downsampled images created by applying a Gaussian blur and then halving the resolution at each level. It is used in optical flow, object detection, and image blending.
What is a Laplacian pyramid?
A Laplacian pyramid stores the difference between adjacent Gaussian levels. Essentially the detail that was lost during downsampling. It enables lossless reconstruction and is used in seamless image blending and video compression.
What is the difference between Gaussian and Laplacian pyramids?
A Gaussian pyramid is a sequence of progressively blurred and downsampled images. Each level is a low-pass filtered version. A Laplacian pyramid captures the difference (band-pass details) between consecutive Gaussian levels. Together, they enable perfect reconstruction and multi-scale image blending.
Is the Image Pyramids tool free?
Yes. All tools on Pixlane are free with no signup required.
Does it reuse cached assets on repeat visits?
Browser caching can speed repeat visits; uncached site assets can still require an internet connection.
What image formats are supported?
JPG, PNG, and WebP are supported.
How many pyramid levels should I use?
Typically 3-4 levels suffice for most applications. Each level halves the resolution, so 4 levels reduces a 1024px image to 64px. More levels capture coarser features but the smallest levels may become too small to be useful.
What are image pyramids used for in practice?
Image pyramids enable multi-scale object detection (detecting objects at different sizes), seamless image blending (Laplacian pyramid blending), optical flow computation, and coarse-to-fine feature matching in panorama stitching.