How to Blur a Picture on iPhone

Using the Portrait mode on your iPhone

One of the easiest ways to blur a picture on your iPhone is by using the built-in Portrait mode. This feature is available on iPhone models with dual or triple-lens cameras, such as the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and newer models.

To use Portrait mode, open the Camera app and select the “Portrait” option from the bottom of the screen. Then, frame your subject in the viewfinder and tap the shutter button to take the picture. After the photo is captured, you can adjust the intensity of the blur effect using the editing tools in the Photos app.

Keep in mind that Portrait mode works best when the subject is relatively close to the camera and there is a significant amount of distance between the subject and the background. If you’re trying to blur the background of a picture that was taken without using Portrait mode, you may need to use a different technique such as a third-party app or manual editing in a photo editing software.

Adjusting the intensity of the blur effect

After using Portrait mode or any other technique to add a blur effect to your picture on iPhone, you can adjust the intensity of the effect to your liking. To do this in the Photos app, follow these steps:

1. Open the picture that you want to edit.
2. Tap the “Edit” button at the top right corner of the screen.
3. Tap the “…” button at the top right corner of the screen, and then select “Adjust” from the dropdown menu.
4. Tap the “Depth” option and then use the slider to adjust the blur effect intensity.
5. Tap “Done” to save your changes.

You can also adjust other aspects of the photo, such as brightness, contrast, and color, to further enhance the overall look of the picture. Experiment with different settings until you achieve the desired result.

Applying blur effect to specific areas of the picture

If you want to blur only certain parts of a picture on your iPhone, you can use the selective blur feature in the editing tools of the Photos app. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the picture that you want to edit.
2. Tap the “Edit” button at the top right corner of the screen.
3. Tap the “…” button at the top right corner of the screen, and then select “Selective Adjust” from the dropdown menu.
4. Use your finger to draw a circle or a rectangle around the area of the picture that you want to blur.
5. Use the slider at the bottom of the screen to adjust the intensity of the blur effect.
6. Tap “Done” to save your changes.

You can apply selective blur to multiple areas of the picture by repeating the steps above. This feature is particularly useful for creating a bokeh effect, where the subject is in sharp focus while the background is blurred.

Using third-party apps to add blur effect

In addition to the built-in editing tools of the Photos app, there are many third-party apps available on the App Store that offer advanced features for adding blur effect to your pictures on iPhone. Some popular options include:

1. Snapseed – a free app that offers a wide range of editing tools, including selective blur, tilt-shift, and vignette effects.
2. AfterFocus – a paid app that allows you to adjust the blur effect based on the distance from the camera, and also offers various lens effects.
3. Blur Photo Editor – a free app that offers a simple interface for adding blur effect to your pictures, with adjustable intensity and brush size.

When using third-party apps, make sure to read reviews and check the ratings before downloading to ensure that you are getting a high-quality and reliable app.

Tips for achieving the best results when blurring photos on iPhone

Here are some tips to keep in mind when blurring photos on your iPhone:

1. Use a high-quality camera – newer iPhone models with dual or triple-lens cameras are better equipped to capture images with a shallow depth of field, which is necessary for creating a natural-looking blur effect.

2. Choose the right subject – portrait shots with a clear subject in the foreground and a clean background work best for creating a natural-looking blur effect.

3. Experiment with different techniques – try using Portrait mode, selective blur, and third-party apps to see which method works best for your specific photo.

4. Don’t overdo it – adding too much blur can make a photo look unnatural, so be mindful of the intensity and the areas where you apply the effect.

5. Practice, practice, practice – the more you experiment with different editing tools and techniques, the more confident you will become in creating the desired look for your photos.