You are here:

Blur

The Blur filter applies various types of blur to an image.

Customized settings can be saved as a preset for future use. Presets can be selected from the Presets drop-down, or saved by clicking the adjacent Save icon.

To blur an image:

Select Filter | Detail | Blur from the main menu, or press Alt + U.
In the Blur dialog, navigate to the Blur type section and select the type of blur to apply.
Set the options as described below.
Do one of the following:
- Click OK to apply any changes and close the tool.
- Click Cancel to discard all changes and close the tool.

Blur Types

Gaussian	Produces an even, smooth blur.
	Amount	Specifies the amount of blur. Move the slider to the right to intensify the effect.
Linear	Produces a blurring effect that gives the illusion of movement.
	Amount	Specifies the amount of blur. Move the slider to the right to intensify the effect.
	Angle	Specifies the direction of the blur effect.
Radial	Produces blur around a center point. Click the image to set the center point.
	Amount	Specifies the amount of blur. Move the slider to the right to intensify the effect.
	Clockwise	Specifies clockwise blur.
	Counter-clockwise	Specifies counter-clockwise blur.
	Horizontal position	Specifies the blur's center point on the horizontal axis.
	Vertical position	Specifies the blur's center point on the vertical axis.
Spread	Produces a smeared or frosted blur.
	Amount	Specifies the amount of blur. Move the slider to the right to intensify the effect.
Zoom	Produces inward or outward blur to or from a center point.
	Amount	Specifies the amount of blur. Move the slider to the right to intensify the effect.
	Zoom in	Creates a blur that zooms in to the image's center.
	Zoom out	Creates a blur that zooms out from the image's center.
	Horizontal position	Specifies the blur's center point on the horizontal axis.
	Vertical position	Specifies the blur's center point on the vertical axis.
Smart Blur	Produces blur by detecting and avoiding edges, and preserves detail based on the threshold setting. This effect is usually used to smooth out skin.
	Amount	Specifies the amount of blur. Move the slider to the right to intensify the effect.
	Threshold	Specifies how little detail an area must have before the blur will apply to it.
Lens	Produces a blur that mimics the blurring effect of a camera aperture. Select a bokeh shape from the options on the Blur panel. These shapes concentrate in highlights.
	Amount	Specifies the strength of the blur. Move the slider to the right to intensify the effect.
	Bokeh Frequency	Specifies how often the bokeh shapes show up.
	Bokeh Brightness	Specifies how much the bokeh shapes stand out.

Right-click a slider to reset to the default value.

This filter features a Pixel Targeting tab (see Pixel Targeting for more details).

Use the Edit Brush to paint this effect onto specific areas of the image.

Use the Gradient tool to transition this effect across specific areas of the image.

Use the Radial Gradient tool to apply effects around, or directly to, a center point.