why does my image text look blurry after editing online?

Blurry text in images after online editing is often caused by lossy JPEG recompression artifacts and insufficient resolution.

When editing an image, especially in formats like JPEG, each re-save can introduce artifacts due to its lossy compression method. These artifacts particularly affect sharp edges, such as those found in text, leading to a blurry appearance. To counteract this, it's advisable to edit and save images in lossless formats like PNG, which preserve the details without degradation.

Another factor is the resolution of the output. Many online editors, including free tools, might default to lower resolution exports to save bandwidth. Tools like EditTextImage output at a high 2K resolution by default, which helps ensure clarity without loss of quality. If the platform you are using does not specify the output resolution, consider manually setting it if the option is available, or switch to a tool that automatically optimizes for clarity.

Lastly, ensure any editing process respects subpixel rendering techniques if you are viewing text on digital displays, as ClearType or other subpixel methods can visually alter how crisp text appears on screen depending on zoom level.