How to Use the Photoshop Blur Tool

Using Adobe Photoshop blur tool is a great way to create effects in a photograph. The blur tool can be used to soften images, blur out a background or create a soft romantic tone in a photograph or image. Using the blur tool is quick and all you need to do is learn the few basic steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Computer

How to Use the Blur Tool in Photoshop

1. Open a photograph in Photoshop.

2. Click the “Blur” icon on the main tool menu located by default on the left-hand side of the page (it looks like a teardrop) and choose “Blur Tool.”

3. Click on the “Blur Tool Size” icon located on the top toolbar menu. Choose the size of the area that the tool will cover and stroke type from the pull-down menu.

4. Click “Mode” to open the pull-down menu. Choose the type of style that you wish to use, most blur work is “Normal.”

5. Click on the “Strength” arrow to open the sliding strength control. Choose anywhere from 0 to 100% strength depending on how light or how dark you want your blur strokes to be.

6. Click on the layer that you wish to work on from the “Layers” menu.

7. Move the blur tool over the area that you wish to blur. Using the mouse, left-click and hold as you move the tool over the area blurring the layer.

8. Click “Edit” on the main menu and choose “Undo Blur Tool” if you make a mistake.

Tips & Warnings

• AS with any Photoshop tool, the best way to learn how to use the Blur Tool is to practice.