Blurring the background of an image in GIMP allows a specific object to be the main focus and makes the image less cluttered. Two of the best methods to blur the background in GIMP are the blur tool and the Gaussian blur layer option.
Continue reading to learn how to use these tools to remove background blur in GIMP.
How to use Gaussian blur layers in GIMP
This method of blurring images in GIMP is ideal for your related requirements. It may take longer, but you’ll gain more control over the end results than with other methods. Once you have mastered the process, it is better and faster than undoing or re-brushing areas while using the blur tool.
To blur an image in GIMP using the Gaussian layer option, follow these steps:
- Open GIMP.
- Select an image to blur.
- From the bottom right, click on the “Layers” palette.
- Right click on the layer and go to “Duplicate Layer”.
- Or press “Shift+Ctrl+D” on a PC or “Shift+Command+D” on a Mac.
- Name the layer Blur.
- With the new Blur layer selected, open “Filters.”
- Choose “Blur” and then “Gaussian Blur.”
- Move the “X and Y” sliders to set the degree of blur you want.
- Look at the results in the main window and press “OK” if you are satisfied.
You will now have a blurred image layer on top of the blurred image. Combine the Blur layer with a layer mask to control which parts of the image are blurred and which remain sharp. The layer mask option also makes it easy to create interesting effects using gradients and mask editing.
Add a layer mask
To control which ps of the image are displayed in the final image, add a “Layer Mask”. This is what you should do:
- Go back to the “Layers” palette.
- Right click on the new layer and select “Add Layer Mask”.
- Edit the “Initialize Layer Mask” option to “Black (full transparency).
A layer mask is a black and white hidden layer on top of the current pixel layers. White pixels will be visible at 100%, but black pixels will be 100% transparent. When the mask color is black, the blurry pixels of the new Blur layer are hidden and the sharp image underneath is visible.
Next, place a regular brush on white and, in the Blur layer mask, paint the parts of the image that you want the blurred layer to show through. Mix in some grays to create a distant fade effect and use a gradient to create a lens blur effect. To refine the mask, right-click on the blurred layer and select “Show Layer Mask.”
How to use the Blur tool in GIMP
GIMP’s blur tool is the fastest way to blur backgrounds if you’re not worried about precision or don’t have to isolate a specific object. What is certain is that you will finish it with just a couple of brush strokes.
There are three ways to find and use the blur tool in GIMP:
- Click on the blur tool icon (it looks like a drop of water) located below the blur tool in the GIMP toolbox.
- Go to the menu options and select “Tools”, then “Painting Tools” and “Blur/Sharpen”.
- Activate the blur tool using the “Shirt + U” shortcut, which is the same for both PC and Mac.
You can customize your brush options once you have activated the blur tool. The “Convolution Type” should be set to “Blur” and to choose the intensity of the blur effect, modify the “Speed” setting at the bottom. Once you have the perfect brush, go over the parts of the image you need to blur.
It’s not advisable to use a large brush on high-resolution photos, as there is a delay when moving the cursor as GIMP struggles to follow the movement. The layer option is a better choice for large files as it will maintain a consistent blur throughout without overlapping blur strokes or inconsistent blur patches.
The different blur filters in GIMP
Here are some other filters that can also be used to blur images in GIMP:
- Medium Curvature Blur – a filter that uses medium curvature to create a blur effect while preserving the edges of the image.
- Selective Gaussian Blur – is a good option if you just want similar pixels to blur together.
- gaussian blur – this filter is the most popular option and is the fastest method to blur images in GIMP.
- Medium blur – is a filter that reduces noise and scratches in the image.
- Pixelize the blur – uses large blocks and is similar to how criminal images are blurred on television.
- Tileable Blur – is similar to Gaussian blur but wraps around the edges of an image.
- Motion blur – with this filter, you can blur in all directions around a center point.
- Circular motion blur – this filter fades in a circular effect around a selected center.
- Linear motion blur – This blur effect works based on the length and angle changing the direction of the blur motion.
What is image blur and why use this feature?
Blurring an image means making it less sharp and reducing the contrast between adjacent pixels. Filters can blur images and modify the value of pixels within an image. Blur softens the sharp edges and details of an image, which is useful, especially for the background of an image. Many people blur images in GIMP for these reasons:
- To make the main topic grab attention: If there is a central object in an image that you want to stand out from the background, the blur tool will make it the focal point.
- Eliminate distractions: Some image backgrounds are too busy and distracting with unnecessary elements. Lowering the background of the image will eliminate distractions and make the image more attractive.
- To add depth: Blurring a background can create a three-dimensional feel and add a sense of depth.
- Hide sensitive information: If there is something you don’t want anyone to see in the background of an image, blurring does a great job of hiding it.
- For a shallow depth of field: This is ideal for portrait photography to make the subject stand out from the background.
Blur backgrounds in images with GIMP
Most people blur the background of images to hide private information, highlight the main subject, or if the background is too distracting. GIMP has many options for doing this, including medium blur, circular motion, medium curvature, and tileable filters. The best and most popular blur tools in GIMP are the blur and Gaussian blur tools. The blur tool is the fastest option, but the Gaussian tool, along with a mask, allows for more selective and precise blurring of an image.
