How to Blur Image in Photoshop

Photoshop offers powerful blur tools for creating professional effects. Here's how to blur images in Photoshop, including blurring backgrounds while keeping subjects sharp.

Blur entire image in Photoshop

1. Open your image in Photoshop: File → Open or press Ctrl+O (Cmd+O on Mac).
2. Go to Filter → Blur → Gaussian Blur.
3. In the Gaussian Blur dialog, adjust the Radius slider (0.1 to 1000 pixels).
4. Preview the blur effect in real-time.
5. Click OK to apply the blur.
6. Save your image: File → Save As or Export → Export As.

Blur background while keeping subject sharp

To blur only the background in Photoshop:

1. Open your image and duplicate the background layer: Layer → Duplicate Layer or press Ctrl+J (Cmd+J on Mac).
2. Select the subject: Use Select → Subject for automatic selection, or use Quick Selection Tool, Magic Wand, or Pen Tool manually.
3. Refine the selection: Select → Select and Mask to improve edges.
4. Invert the selection: Select → Inverse or press Ctrl+Shift+I (Cmd+Shift+I on Mac) to select the background.
5. Apply blur: Filter → Blur → Gaussian Blur and adjust the radius (typically 5-20 pixels).
6. Click OK to apply. The subject remains sharp while the background is blurred.
7. Save your image.

Free alternative for quick results

For faster results without Photoshop, use our free Blur Background tool:

1. Upload your photo to our Blur Background tool.
2. Select blur intensity (Light, Medium, Strong, or Max).
3. Download your image with a professionally blurred background.

This tool uses AI to automatically detect and blur only the background while keeping your subject sharp. Perfect for portrait photos and product images.

Try it online (free)

• Blur Background - Blur background while keeping subject sharp
• Remove background from image
• Change image background
• Enhance image quality

Other blur filters in Photoshop

• Motion Blur: Creates directional blur for movement effects.
• Radial Blur: Creates circular or zoom blur effects.
• Lens Blur: Simulates depth of field with bokeh effects.
• Surface Blur: Preserves edges while blurring surfaces.
• Smart Blur: Blurs while preserving edges and details.

Tips for blurring in Photoshop

• Use Gaussian Blur for smooth, natural-looking blur effects.
• For portrait blur, use Lens Blur for more realistic depth-of-field effects.
• Always work on a duplicate layer to preserve the original.
• Use layer masks for non-destructive editing and fine-tuning.
• Adjust blur radius gradually - start with 5-10 pixels and increase as needed.
• For selective blur, use the Iris Blur filter in newer Photoshop versions.

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