Blur or Sharpen an Image
Gaussian blur or unsharp mask
What is Image Blur and Sharpen Tool?
Apply a Gaussian blur or a subtle sharpen effect to any image. Blur is handy for redacting sensitive information, creating depth-of-field effects, or building a soft background plate for overlays. The sharpen option lifts contrast and micro-detail; useful for tired JPGs that lost definition during compression. Both effects run through the browser's native CSS filter engine, which is GPU-accelerated where available.
How do I use Image Blur and Sharpen Tool?
- Drop an image onto the upload zone.
- Choose Gaussian blur or Sharpen.
- Drag the slider until the preview looks right.
- Click Download to save the result.
When should I use Image Blur and Sharpen Tool?
Blur is good for privacy redactions and artistic softening. For full subject isolation (removing the background entirely), use Background Remover. To tweak colour rather than detail, use Color Adjuster.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of blur does the tool apply?
A Gaussian blur, which is the same algorithm used by most photo apps. It creates a soft, smooth falloff that looks natural on photos; unlike box blur, which looks boxy.
Can I blur just part of an image?
This tool blurs the whole image. For selective blur (e.g. hiding a face or licence plate), use a photo editor with a brush, or crop the sensitive region first.
Does a higher blur radius make the file bigger or smaller?
Usually smaller. Blurred images compress better because high-frequency detail; which JPG and WebP spend bits on; is removed.
Is my file uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Your files never leave your device, and there is no server component for this tool.
Tools that pair well with Image Blur and Sharpen Tool
- Image Color Adjuster brightness, contrast, saturation, free and in your browser.
- Image Cropper crop to any aspect ratio, free and in your browser.
- Image Compressor shrink file size, keep quality, free and in your browser.
- Image Resizer resize to exact pixels or %, free and in your browser.