How to Blur Part of an Image

To blur part of an image, open it above, pick an effect and drag over the area you want to hide. Repeat for every face, plate or line of text, then download the result.

  1. Open the image. Drag it onto the box, click to choose it, or paste a screenshot with Ctrl+V.
  2. Pick the effect and shape. Pixelate, Blur or Black box; a rectangle for text and plates, an oval for faces. Each area keeps the effect it was drawn with, so you can mix them.
  3. Drag over each area. On a phone, drag with one finger. Undo removes the last area.
  4. Download or share. Download keeps the image's format; Publish & get a link uploads the edited image and gives you a link to share.

Blur, Pixelate or Black Box?

EffectLooks likeUse it for
PixelateLarge coloured squaresFaces and number plates, the classic "censored" look
BlurSoft, out-of-focus areaFaces and backgrounds where you want the photo to still look natural
Black boxSolid blackPasswords, account numbers, addresses, names in screenshots

For text, use the black box. Blurred or lightly pixelated text can sometimes be partly reconstructed, especially short strings such as numbers. A solid box removes the information completely. For faces, a high strength hides more; check the preview before you share.

What to Hide Before Sharing

  • Faces of people who didn't agree to be shared, especially children.
  • Number plates, house numbers and street signs that place the photo.
  • In screenshots: names, email addresses, phone numbers, order and account numbers, QR codes and anything in the browser's address bar.
  • Documents: ID numbers, signatures, barcodes and dates of birth.

Photos also carry hidden details, such as the place where they were taken. The edited image you download here has none of them; to check another photo, use the EXIF viewer and remover. To mark a picture as yours instead, add a watermark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I blur part of an image?
Open the image in the box on this page, pick Blur, Pixelate or Black box, and drag over each area you want to hide. Then download the result or publish it to get a link.
How do I blur a face in a photo?
Choose the Oval shape and Blur or Pixelate, then drag an oval over each face. A higher strength hides more detail.
Is blurring or pixelating enough to hide text?
Not always. Light blurring and large-block pixelation of short text, such as numbers, can sometimes be partly reversed. For passwords, account numbers, addresses and other text that must stay secret, use Black box.
Is my image uploaded?
No. The image is edited in your browser and stays on your device. It is only uploaded if you press "Publish & get a link".
Can I undo an area?
Yes. Undo removes the last area, and Clear all removes every area so you can start again. The original image is never changed.
Does the saved image keep the hidden parts?
No. The download is a new image with the areas blurred, pixelated or blacked out in the pixels themselves. It also carries no location or camera data.