How to Use the Image Blur Filter in Photoshop - Step by Step (Example)

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Catherine Le Nevez
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You like to work with the application, Adobe Photoshop and give a unique and special touch to your images and make them more attractive. Well, in this guide, we'll teach you how use the image blur filter in Photoshop, so that you stand out with your images. With the help of this guide, you will learn how to use the blur effects gallery in Photoshop, so be careful.

Image blur filter function

To give your image a depth effect, you can use the blur filter , so one part is in focus and the other areas are out of focus. Using an area selection, you can determine which part you want to blur and this can be done with a separate alpha channel depth map.



The image blur filter works with the depth map for locate the pixels in the image . Therefore, when working with this format, you can use the crosshair to determine the epicenter of the blur you want to create.

To create depth maps, you can use layer masks or alpha channels and work on the design of your image. Where black areas of the alpha channel are treated as if they were the first printed sheet of the image. And the white areas of the layer masks will be treated as distant, which will make it easier to blur the image.

Using the image blur filter

Depending on the shape of the iris you choose, the effect will be blurry, just as the number of pages determines the shape of the iris. It is also possible edit the pages of the iris rotating or circularizing them, as well as reducing or enlarging the image with the plus or minus options.


  • Enable the graphics processor in Photoshop.
  • Choose the "Edit" option in Photoshop.
  • Then select, preferences> performance and use the graphics processor.
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With Photoshop 21.0, image blur works in conjunction with your PC graphics card to enhance image blur filters. And with version 21.1, the image blur algorithms have been improved, for get more blurry edges in the foreground .


Steps to use the image blur filter

Next, we will detail the steps you need to take to properly use the image blur filter in Photoshop.

  • First, select Filter> Blur> Image Blur.
  • Then go to the preview and select one of the following alternatives.
  1. More accurate: this alternative will allow you to see the final result of the image, although it usually takes a while to present it.
  2. Faster: This option allows you to see a quick preview of the image.
  3. Depth Map: select a channel from the source menu , layer mask or transparency.
  4. But if you don't have a depth map channel, choose "None".
  • Using the slider, drag the blur focal length slider to determine the pixel depth, for example:
  1. You will determine that the focal length will be 100 pixels.
  2. So the pixels on 1 and 255 will be completely out of focus .
  3. But pixels close to 100 will not appear out of focus.
  • Then select the preview image.
  • Now the blur focal length slider it will reflect where you select the image.
  • And it will show you an in-depth approach.

Continuity of the stages of using image blur

After going through the simple steps, which we have already mentioned to get an image blurring using Photoshop, let's move on with these:


  • Choose the "Invert" option to change the alpha channel you are using.
  • Select an iris from the shape options.
  • Depending on your preferences, you can curve or round the edges of the iris.
  • Drag the radius slider to blur the image more.
  • To set a brightness limit, drag the cursor Threshold mirror lights .
  • And to increase the brightness, drag the brightness slider.
  • From the noise section, select "Amount slider".
  • For noise distribution choose "Gaussian Blur".
  • To add gray noise, choose "Monochrome".
  • And select "Ok".
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Hello, we hope you can take advantage of the information and use the image blur filter , with the help of this practical guide.


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