Effects — Photo
Blur effect
Soften or smear your photo with Gaussian or motion blur, with adjustable radius and angle.
- Status
- Live
- Category
- Photo
- Settings
- 3
What is the Blur effect?
Blur averages neighbouring pixels to soften detail. Gaussian blur does it evenly in all directions and looks like an out-of-focus lens, while motion blur smears along one direction, like a moving subject or a panned camera.
Radius controls how far the blur spreads. In motion mode, Angle sets the direction of the smear. Use blur to hide noise, soften backgrounds or, combined with other effects, build dreamy glows.
Blur settings
- Type (Gaussian or motion)
- Radius
- Angle
Best photos for it
- Softening backgrounds and skin
- Adding a sense of speed
- Preparing a photo for halftone or dither effects
Tips for better results
- Tip 01
A small blur before halftone or dither can reduce noisy patterns.
- Tip 02
Match the motion angle to your subject's direction to convey speed.
- Tip 03
Use the mask brush to blur only selected areas.
Common questions
What is the difference between Gaussian and motion blur?
Gaussian softens equally in every direction. Motion blur smears along one direction set by the angle.
Similar effects
- Tilt-shiftCreate a miniature-model look by blurring the top and bottom of a photo and keeping a sharp focus band.Available
- Zoom blurAdd radial speed streaks that radiate from the centre, like zooming the lens during a long exposure.Available
- SharpenBring out fine detail with adjustable amount and radius, and avoid halos by keeping the settings subtle.Available
Also searched as: Gaussian blur, Motion blur, Soften filter.