# Image blur tool

URL: https://shahid09.is-a.dev/tools/image-blur/
Author: Muhammad Shahid (https://shahid09.is-a.dev/)
Free tool · runs in your browser

Blur a face, number plate or private detail in a photo, or soften the whole image.

**Quick answer:** Choose an image, then drag over the area to hide, such as a face, number plate or address, and press Apply blur. Repeat for other areas, or choose The whole image to soften it all. A Strength slider sets how strong the blur is. For sensitive details, use a high strength. Your photo is processed on your device, so private images stay private.

## How to use it

1. **Choose an image.** Any image your browser can show.
2. **Mark and apply.** Drag over each area, set the strength, then press Apply blur.
3. **Download.** Save the result. Start over at any time to return to the original.

## Example

Hiding a number plate before posting a photo of a car:

Input:

```
car.jpg
Area: the number plate
Strength: 30
```

Output:

```
car-blurred.jpg
The plate cannot be read. The rest of the photo is unchanged.
```

## Common errors and how to fix them

- **The text can still be read**: Raise the strength and blur again. You can apply several rounds.
- **Apply blur is disabled**: Drag a box on the image first, or choose "The whole image".

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I blur part of a picture?

Drag a box over that area, then press Apply blur. Repeat for each area you want to hide.

### Is blurring safe for hiding private information?

A strong blur over a large enough area is reasonable for faces. For text such as card numbers, weak blur can sometimes be reversed, so use the highest strength or cover the text with a solid box in another app.

### Can I blur a face in a photo?

Yes. Drag over the face and apply. Use a strength above 20 so it cannot be recognised.

### Can I blur the background and keep the subject sharp?

This tool blurs rectangles rather than following outlines, so it suits hiding details over background effects.

### Can I undo a blur?

Press "Start over" to return to the original. Once you save the file, the blur is permanent in that copy.

### Should I remove other details from a photo I share?

Yes. Files saved here do not contain the original EXIF data, such as your GPS location, which is an added privacy benefit.

### Does a stronger blur reduce the file size?

Usually, yes, as blurred areas have less detail to store, particularly in JPG files.

### Is my photo uploaded?

No. The blur is calculated in your browser, so private images stay on your device.

### Is blurring better than cropping for privacy?

Cropping removes the detail completely, so it is the safest when the detail is near an edge. Use the [image cropper](https://shahid09.is-a.dev/tools/image-cropper/) for that, and blur when it sits mid-picture.

### Does blurring remove hidden photo data?

Files saved here drop the original EXIF data, as they are drawn afresh in your browser.

## Related

- [Image cropper](https://shahid09.is-a.dev/tools/image-cropper/)
- [Image compressor](https://shahid09.is-a.dev/tools/image-compressor/)
- [Background remover](https://shahid09.is-a.dev/tools/background-remover/)

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Box blur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_blur)