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How to Enhance a Blurry License Plate in CaseGuard Studio

October 30, 2023 | 3 minutes read
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In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make a blurry license plate in a image or video readable.

When dealing with a getaway car caught on camera or a hit-and-run incident, knowing the license plate number can be a big advantage for investigators in uncovering the identity of their suspect. However, environmental factors, like low lighting or poor camera quality, can lead to an image of a license plate being illegible. CaseGuard’s image redaction tools and enhancement effects, a readable license plate number is just a few clicks away.

Let’s get started

  • Open CaseGuard Studio and select the “New Project” button.

new-project

  • In the New Project pop-up, select the Storage Folder for your project and give the project a Name.

New Project dialog showing storage folder path C:CG Videos, project name 'image-enhancement', with a highlighted New Project button.

Dialog for creating a new project with fields for storage path, project name, requester name/email, case number, request date, priority, due date, and reasons; includes New Project and Cancel buttons.

  • Click the “New Project” button to finish creating the project.
  • The file explorer will open automatically, prompting you to add your audio or video files to the project.

How to enhance a blurry license plate

If you are using a video, locate where in the video the license plate is shown. Select the “Manual”  option from the Left Toolbar.

Screenshot of photo editor showing Manual tool active and a blue-toned car photo on the right side.

  • Select the “Rectangle” shape from the dropdown menu at the bottom.

Rear view of a dark sports car driving down a city street at dusk, red taillights glowing.

  • Select the “Magnify” effect from the list of Effects/Enhancements to zoom in on the license plate.

Dark blue sports car on a city street at blue hour, with red taillights; an editing panel with a Magnify tool is visible nearby.

  • If the Blur effect is selected, remove it by clicking on the “X” next to the Blur effect in the tool property panel.
  • Depending on your enhancement needs, you can choose the intensity level of the effects you applied using the Level Bar.

Rear view of a dark blue sports car driving away on a city street at blue dusk, red taillights glowing under street lamps

  • Select the “Sharpen” effect to improve the pixels of the selected area, making the image clearer. Use the level bar to change the intensity or the sharpening effect.

  • Select the “Gray Scale” effect to make differentiating the characters on the license plate easier.

Screenshot of video tools panel with Gray Scale selected; background shows a blue dusk photo of a sports car on the road.

  • Select the “Contrast” effect to brighten the selected area. Play with the level of contrast to get the best results.

Screenshot of a video editor showing a blue-toned car image on the canvas and editing controls (Shape, Reasons, Labels, Type, and Contrast) in the left panel.

  • Click between the different effects and change the level of each effect until you can read the license plate number.
  • Once you can read the license plate, click “ExportExport” from the top right of CaseGuard to process the file. The redacted file will appear in the Project Files Panel.

Conclusion

CaseGuard Studio’s enhancement tools make it easy to improve the visibility of blurry or difficult-to-read license plates in both images and videos. By combining effects such as Magnify, Sharpen, Grayscale, and Contrast, you can enhance the clarity of the selected area and adjust each effect until the license plate is as readable as possible. Once you are satisfied with the results, simply export the enhanced file for further review or investigation.