How to Blur Image in PowerPoint

PowerPoint offers artistic effects including blur for images. Here's how to blur images in PowerPoint for professional presentations.

Blur image in PowerPoint (step-by-step)

1. Open PowerPoint and create a new presentation or open an existing one.
2. Insert your image: Go to Insert → Pictures or drag and drop your image onto the slide.
3. Click on the image to select it.
4. Go to Picture Format tab (or Format tab) in the ribbon.
5. Click Artistic Effects in the Adjust group.
6. Select Blur from the artistic effects gallery.
7. To adjust blur intensity, click Artistic Effects Options or right-click the image and select Format Picture.
8. In the Format Picture pane, adjust the Radius slider (0-100) to control blur intensity.
9. Close the Format Picture pane when satisfied.
10. Save your presentation or export the slide as an image: File → Save As → Choose PNG or JPG.

Blur background while keeping subject sharp

PowerPoint doesn't have automatic background blur, but you can manually blur backgrounds:

1. Insert your image and duplicate it: Right-click → Copy, then Paste.
2. Select the bottom image layer.
3. Apply blur effect: Picture Format → Artistic Effects → Blur.
4. Increase blur intensity in Format Picture options.
5. Select the top image (original) and use Remove Background tool to isolate the subject.
6. Position the sharp subject over the blurred background.

Note: For easier results, use our Blur Background tool first, then insert the blurred image into PowerPoint.

Free alternative for better results

For better quality background blur, 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.
4. Insert the blurred image into your PowerPoint presentation.

This tool uses AI to automatically detect and blur only the background while keeping your subject sharp. Much easier than manual PowerPoint editing.

Try it online (free)

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

Tips for blurring in PowerPoint

• Use Artistic Effects → Blur for overall image blur.
• Adjust blur radius in Format Picture pane for fine control.
• For background blur, blur the image first, then use Remove Background on a copy to isolate the subject.
• Export slides as images (PNG or JPG) to use blurred images outside PowerPoint.
• Combine blur with other effects like transparency for layered designs.
• Use high-resolution images for better blur quality.

FAQ