Perhaps you have taken a photograph of a group of people and now want to highlight an individual? Or maybe you thought you took a perfect photograph, except for something in the background that is distracting to the photo? To blur the background of an image with Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, or GIMP, try one of the methods below.
Steps
Step 1. Use a graphic editing application such as Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro or GIMP
Step 2. Open the image file
Choose an image with a good resolution to blur the background.
Step 3. Use "Save As" to start working on a copy of the photo. Never modify the original image.
Step 4. Determine which areas you want to be in focus (foreground) and which areas you want to be out of focus (background)
Set the zoom to see the whole image on the monitor; this will help you get an idea of where to make your selections
Method 1 of 6: Method 1: Photoshop (Quick)
Step 1. Select Layers> Duplicate Layer
This will stack a second identical layer on top of the original image.
Step 2. Select Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur
This will cause the whole image to blur; you will work in reverse from here.
- Play with different blur rays to create the desired background effect. The larger the radius, the blurrier the image will be, so if you are working for a subtle effect, you need to use small radii. For example, if you want the background to be very soft and only slightly identifiable, try a radius of 10. If you want your background to just be blurred, use a radius of 0, 5, or 1.
- Make sure you are working on the top layer when adding the blur.
Step 3. Erase the back of your focused subject
Since the original layer is still intact below the blurred one, using the Eraser tool on your top layer will reveal the clear image below.
- Select the tool Eraser from the bar on the left.
- Adjust the size of the eraser as you go. For large spaces, use a large eraser; for details and edges, use a smaller, more precise eraser.
- Adjust the opacity of the eraser as you go. For large internal areas, use a high opacity to erase as accurately as possible; for the edges, lower the opacity to create a softer, more subtle effect. Passing a low-opacity eraser in the same place multiple times will have a cumulative effect, so you'd better be lacking in low-opacity when needed.
Step 4. When you are completely satisfied, go to Layer> Flatten Image
This will combine your various levels into one.
Method 2 of 6: Method 2: Photoshop (Detailed Method 1)
Step 1. From your tool palette, select the Lasso tool
You will use it to select the image in the photo that you want to distinguish from your blurry background. Choose the type of selection based on what is best suited for your particular image. Examples:
- If the image you want to underline has very straight edges, right-click to change the lasso to Polygonal, which will create straight lines between the points you click on.
- If there is a sharp, clear edge between the background and the image you want to emphasize, change the lasso to Magnetic, which will find the edge for you.
Step 2. Increase the feather to a value between 1 and 3 pixels
Blending your edges will make them softer and thinner - and much more flexible.
Step 3. Zoom in on your subject so you can see the edges clearly
This will help you select freehand with greater precision.
Step 4. Click or drag the Lasso tool along the edges of the subject
Be sure to "close the loop" by returning to where you started and clicking on the point of origin. You will know that the selection is complete once a line marked with circles appears around the edges.
- Make sure you are working on the top layer when using the lasso.
- To add something to an already completed selection, hold down the SHIFT key while continuing to select. This is a great way to change the current selection or select a separate object at the same time.
- To subtract something from an already completed selection, press the alt="Image" key and select the area you want to remove, which will then become unselected.
Step 5. Copy the selection to the front by pressing Ctrl - C
Step 6. Paste the foreground selection over the top of the existing image
This will create a new layer on top of the original one.
- Usually, this will paste the copied image directly on top of the original one, meaning it may appear as if nothing has changed. Look at the Layers tab (usually in the lower right corner) to see if a new one has appeared.
- If this “Layers” toolbar is not visible in Photoshop, go to Window and select Levels in the drop-down list.
- If necessary, use the Move tool, which looks like an arrow cursor, to drag the foreground you just pasted over the existing image to match.
Step 7. Select the layer that contains the original image
This is found in the Levels bar.
Step 8. Go to Filter> Blur> More Blur
This will blur the background, but not the duplicated images of the subject.
- Repeat this command More Blur until the desired effect is obtained. In Photoshop, the keyboard shortcut Ctrl F will repeat the last filter command.
- Alternatively, use the Gaussian blur and play with rays of different blur to create the desired background effect. The larger the radius, the blurrier the image, so if you want a fine effect, keep it low. For example, if you want your background to be very soft and just a little identifiable, try a radius of 10. If you want your background to be just a little blurry, use a radius of 0, 5, or 1.
Step 9. Make sure your foreground doesn't look too distinct
The simplest way to do this is to look at the chronology of the toolbar and undo some of your commands More Blur. Alternatively, changing the way the layers are combined can produce cute effects. To do this:
- Try to change the Opacity of the layer you just copied to the foreground. This is visible in the toolbar of Levels. A good percentage of opacity to start with is 50%; move a little at a time until you find a good combination.
- Try changing the way the layer combines on others by changing its property, also available in the toolbar Levels. For example, try Darker instead of Normal for an artistic drawing effect.
Step 10. Use the Blur Tool to soften the edges of your foreground of focus
This should be on the same bar as the Lasso tool.
- Set the intensity of the Blur Tool to around 33%.
- Set the size of your brush to a comfortable level such as a 5-15 pixel radius. If you don't see a brush size option, select Brushes from the menu Window in Photoshop.
- Use the blur tool to touch up the outer edge of your foreground, especially where the image appears to be pixelated. This will help you create a sense of transition between your foreground and background that is a sight to behold.
Step 11. When you are completely satisfied, go to Layer> Flatten Image
This will combine your various levels into one.
Method 3 of 6: Method 3: Photoshop (Detailed Method 2)
Step 1. Select Layers> Duplicate Layer
This will stack a second identical layer on top of the original image.
Step 2. From your tool palette, select Lasso
You will use it to select the image in the photo that you want to distinguish from your blurry background. Choose the type of selection based on what is best suited for your particular image. Examples:
- If the image you want to highlight has very straight edges, right click to change the lasso to Polygonal, which will create straight lines between the points you choose.
- If there is a sharp, clear edge between the background and the image you want to emphasize, change the lasso to Magnetic, which will find the edge for you.
Step 3. Increase the feather to a value between 1 and 3 pixels
Blending your edges will make them softer and thinner - and much more flexible.
Step 4. Zoom in on your subject so you can see the edges clearly
This will help you select freehand with greater precision.
Step 5. Click or drag the Lasso tool along the edges of the subject
Be sure to "close the loop" by returning to where you started and clicking on the point of origin. You will know that the selection is complete once a line marked with circles appears around the edges.
- Make sure you are working on the top layer when using the lasso.
- To add to a selection that has already been completed, press and hold the key Shift while continuing to select. This is a great way to change the current selection or select a separate object at the same time.
- To subtract from a selection that has already been completed, press and hold the key Alt and select the area you want to remove, which will then become unselected.
- Don't worry about making your selection perfectly the first time - you'll fix it later.
Step 6. Go to Select> Inverse
This will select your background instead of your subject.
Step 7. Go to Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur
This will cause the background of your image to blur.
Play with different blur rays to create the desired background effect. The larger the radius, the blurrier the image, so if you're looking for a fine effect, choose a low value. For example, if you want your background to be very soft and barely identifiable, try a radius of 10. If you want your background to be just dim, use a radius of 0, 5, or 1
Step 8. Go to Select> Inverse
This will re-select the subject instead of the background.
Step 9. Go to Layer> Add Layer Mask> Hide Selection
The subject of the photo will disappear from the top layer, revealing the intact image from the underlying layer.
Step 10. Use the Brush tool to modify the selection
It may seem like a mistake to "paint" over the photo, but what you are really changing is the size and shape of the "hole" between the top and bottom layer. In other words, this is a way of fixing the Lasso selection you originally made.
- Use black to hide much of your top layer. For example, if the blur overlaps the subject in some places, use a black brush to hide some of that upper layer of blur.
- Use white to show more of your top tier. For example, if the blur isn't close enough to the edges of your subject, simply fill in the gaps with a white brush.
- Make sure you use shades of gray. Especially for the edges, it is important to keep the look soft and subtle, which will make it more difficult to detect errors.
Step 11. When you are completely satisfied, go to Layer> Flatten Image
This will combine your various levels into one.
Method 4 of 6: Method 4: Paint Shop Pro (Quick)
Step 1. Select Layers> Duplicate
This overlays an identical second layer on top of the original image.
Step 2. Select Adjust> Blur> Gaussian Blur
This will cause the whole image to blur; you will work in reverse from here.
- Play with different blur rays to create the desired background effect. The larger the radius, the blurrier the image, so if you're looking for a fine effect, choose a low value. For example, if you want your background to be very soft and barely identifiable, try a radius of 10. If you want your background to be just dim, use a radius of 0, 5, or 1.
- Make sure you are working on the top layer when adding the blur.
Step 3. Erase the back of your focused subject
Since the original layer is still intact below the blurred one, using the Eraser tool on your top layer will reveal the clear image below.
- Select the tool Eraser from the bar on the left.
- Adjust the size of the eraser as you go. For large spaces, use a large eraser; for details and edges, use a smaller, more precise eraser.
- Adjust the opacity of the eraser as you go. For large internal areas, use a high opacity to erase as accurately as possible; for edges, lower the opacity to create a softer, more subtle effect. Passing a low opacity eraser in the same place multiple times will have a cumulative effect, so you'd better be lacking in low opacity when needed.
Step 4. When you are completely satisfied, go to Layers> Merge> Merge All
This will combine the various levels into one.
Method 5 of 6: Method 5: Paint Shop Pro (Detailed Method)
Step 1. Select Layers> Duplicate
This overlays an identical second layer on top of the original image.
Step 2. From your tool palette, select the Freehand Selection tool (which looks like a lasso)
You will use it to select the image in the photo that you want to distinguish from your blurry background. Choose the type of selection based on what is best suited to your particular image. Ex.:
- If the image you want to emphasize has very straight edges, change the selection type to Point - Point, which will create straight lines between the points you click on.
- If there is a sharp, sharp edge between the background and the image you want to emphasize, change the selection type to Smart Edge, which will find the edge for you.
Step 3. Increase the feather to a value between 1 and 3 pixels
Blending your edges will make them softer and thinner - and much more flexible.
Step 4. Zoom in on your subject so you can see the edges clearly
This will help you select freehand with greater precision.
Step 5. Click or drag the Lasso tool along the edges of the subject
Be sure to "close the loop" by returning to where you started and clicking on the point of origin. You will know the selection is complete once a dotted line appears around the edges.
- Make sure you are working on the top layer when selecting freehand.
- To add something to an already completed selection, hold down the SHIFT key while continuing to select. This is a great way to change the current selection or select a separate object at the same time.
- To subtract from an already completed selection, press the key Control and select the area you want to remove, which will then become unselected.
- Don't worry about making your selection perfectly the first time - you'll fix it later.
Step 6. Go to Select> Inverse
This will select your background instead of your subject.
Step 7. Go to Image> Blur> Gaussian Blur
This will cause the background of your image to blur.
Play with different blur rays to create the desired background effect. The larger the radius, the blurrier the image will be, so if you are working for a subtle effect, you need to use small radii. For example, if you want the background to be very soft and only slightly identifiable, try a radius of 10. If you want your background to be just blurred, use a radius of 0, 5, or 1
Step 8. Go to Select> Inverse
This will select your background instead of your subject.
Step 9. Select Masks> New> Hide Selection
The subject of the photo will disappear from the top layer, revealing the intact image from the underlying layer.
Step 10. Use the Brush tool to modify the selection
It may seem like a mistake to "paint" over the photo, but what you are really changing is the size and shape of the "hole" between the top and bottom layer. In other words, this is a way of fixing the Lasso selection you originally made.
- Use black to hide much of your top layer. For example, if the blur overlaps the subject in some places, use a black brush to hide some of that upper layer of blur.
- Use white to show more of your top tier. For example, if the blur isn't close enough to the edges of your subject, simply fill in the gaps with a white brush.
- Make sure you use shades of gray. Especially for the edges, it is important to keep the look soft and subtle, which will make it more difficult to detect errors.
Step 11. When you are completely satisfied, go to Layers> Merge> Merge All
This will combine the various levels into one.
Method 6 of 6: Method 6: GIMP (Quick)
Step 1. Select the Free Selection tool (which looks like a lasso) from your palette
You will use it to select the image in the photo that you want to distinguish from your blurry background.
Step 2. Zoom in on your subject so you can see the edges clearly
This will help you select freehand with greater precision.
Step 3. Click or drag the Lasso tool along the edges of the subject
Be sure to "close the loop" by returning to where you started and clicking on the point of origin. You will know that the selection is complete once a line marked with circles appears around the edges.
Step 4. Go to Select> Feather to soften your selection
A good starting point is between 1 and 3 pixels. The higher the number, the softer the edges will become.
Step 5. Go to Select> Invert
This will select your background instead of the subject.
Step 6. Go to Filters> Blur> Gaussian Blur
This will cause the background of your image to blur.
Play with different blur rays to create the desired background effect. The larger the radius, the blurrier the image will be, so if you are working for a subtle effect, you need to use small radii. For example, if you want the background to be very soft and only slightly identifiable, try a radius of 10. If you want your background to be just blurred, use a radius of 0, 5, or 1
Step 7. Go to Select> None to release the selection
Advice
- You have to be very precise in outlining your foreground; otherwise, it will have a rippled appearance.
- This technique produces somewhat artificial images. If you want a more natural look, harmonize your blur so that it only really affects the background elements. In the above example, if the grass in front of the child were still sharp it would more accurately simulate a limited "depth of field", which would appear more natural.
- The more megapixels of the camera, the better resolution the image will be. It is difficult to improve a photo with a lower resolution.
- Some digital editing programs have a feature known as "zoom blur" which allows you to select a point in your image and blur it from there.
- Using digital editing to blur the background doesn't create true depth, because it blurs everything in the background evenly rather than independently based on the distance from the lens. If you're using Photoshop CS2, it now offers a 'smart blur' option in the filter sections under the Blur heading. The filter takes depth of field and perspective into account and applies more blur to the pixels it interprets as further away and less to those perceived as closer to the subject. The filter is also adjustable, so it's best to gradually add the effect until you get the look you want.
- Before making changes to a photograph, make a copy, then convert it to 16 million colors, if it wasn't already set up like this. All the algorithms in these digital photography programs work better in 16 million colors than in other modes.
Warnings
- Be careful not to save to the original file! Once the file is overwritten, you will have lost it forever, if that was the only copy.
- Be careful to save frequently! If your computer crashes during this process, you will lose all your progress.
