Can I blur just part of an image online?

PixelTools currently applies blur to the entire image. To blur only a specific region, crop the area you want to blur using the crop tool first, blur it, then use image editing software to composite it back. Selective blur (masking) is a feature we may add in a future update.

What blur radius should I use to hide faces or text?

For hiding small text or faces in a photo, a radius of 15–20px usually works well. For strong privacy protection where the content should be fully unreadable, use 25–30px. A lower radius (5–10px) creates a softer effect that's more aesthetic than functional for privacy purposes.

Will blurring reduce my image file size?

Slightly, yes. Blurred images compress better than sharp ones because they have fewer high-frequency details. When exported as JPG, a heavily blurred image will typically be noticeably smaller than the original. For PNG, the difference is smaller but still present.

Can I blur a PNG and keep the transparent background?

Yes. If your source image is a PNG with transparency and you export as PNG, the transparent areas are preserved. The blur effect is applied to the image pixels while maintaining the alpha channel. Export as JPG if you don't need transparency.

Does the blur tool work on iPhone and Android?

Yes. PixelTools is a web app that works on any modern mobile browser — Safari on iPhone, Chrome on Android. Open the page, upload your image, adjust the blur, and download the result directly to your device.

How to Blur an Image Online (Free, No App Needed)

Quick answer

Go to pixeltools.io/blur, drop your image in, drag the blur slider to your preferred intensity (1–30px Gaussian blur), and download the result. The entire process runs in your browser — your image is never uploaded anywhere. Works on any format: JPG, PNG, WebP, HEIC. Export as PNG or JPG.

What is Gaussian blur?

Gaussian blur is the standard algorithm used by image editors like Photoshop and GIMP to apply a smooth, natural-looking blur. It works by averaging each pixel's color with its neighbors, using a bell-curve (Gaussian) distribution — pixels closer to the center contribute more than those further away. The result is a smooth, soft blur without harsh edges or halos. The blur radius (in pixels) controls intensity: a 1–3px radius gives a subtle softening effect, 10–15px creates a clear blur, and 25–30px produces a strong mosaic-like effect. PixelTools applies Gaussian blur in real time as you move the slider.

Why blur an image?

There are several common reasons to blur an image. Privacy: blur out faces, license plates, addresses, or personal information before sharing a screenshot or photo. Background effect: soften a background to make the subject stand out, simulating depth of field. Artistic effect: create a dreamy or stylized look for photography or design work. Hiding sensitive content: blur confidential data in documents, presentations, or screen recordings before sharing. Thumbnail creation: a blurred version of an image can serve as a low-resolution placeholder while the full image loads. All of these are quick to achieve with a single slider adjustment.

How to blur an image step by step

1. Open pixeltools.io/blur in your browser. 2. Click 'Choose file' or drag your image into the drop zone. Supported formats: JPG, PNG, WebP, HEIC, and others. 3. Use the blur radius slider to adjust the intensity. The preview updates in real time so you can see exactly what the result looks like. 4. Choose your export format (PNG or JPG). 5. Click 'Download' to save the blurred image.

The whole process typically takes under 30 seconds. No account is required and nothing is sent to a server.

Do I need Photoshop to blur an image?

No. Photoshop is powerful but not necessary for basic blur effects. PixelTools applies Gaussian blur entirely in the browser using the Canvas API, which produces the same quality result as desktop software for standard blur operations. Where Photoshop has an advantage is in selective blurring — applying blur to only a specific part of the image (using masks or the blur tool on a selection). PixelTools currently applies blur to the entire image. If you only need to blur a specific area, one workaround is to crop the region, blur it, and composite it back — though for simple full-image blur, the PixelTools approach is faster and requires no software installation.

Is my image safe to process online?

Yes. PixelTools runs entirely in your browser — your image is processed using local compute (Canvas API) and is never sent to a server. This makes it safe to use with private photos, screenshots containing personal data, or confidential documents. Once you close the browser tab, nothing persists. The tool works offline too: once the page is loaded, internet access isn't required for the conversion.