How to Blur Backgrounds in Photopeg (The "Bokeh" Effect)
Introduction
One of the most popular photography effects is a blurred background (also known as "bokeh"). It makes the subject stand out, removes distractions, and gives photos a professional, expensive look.
Usually, this requires a DSLR camera with a wide aperture lens. But you can recreate this effect manually in Photopeg using layers and blur filters.
This guide shows you how to blur backgrounds online free using Photopeg’s non-destructive editing tools.
1. Why Blur the Background?
Blurring helps when:
The background is messy or distracting.
You want to focus attention on a person or product.
You need space for text (blurred backgrounds make text readable).
You want a cinematic or portrait mode look.
2. The Method: Manual Blur Using Layers
Since Photopeg doesn’t have an AI "Portrait Mode" button, you use a manual method that gives you more control.
Step 1 — Open Your Photo
Load your image into Photopeg.
Step 2 — Duplicate the Layer
Right-click the background layer → Duplicate.
Now you have two identical layers.
Top Layer = Subject (Sharp)
Bottom Layer = Background (Blurred)
Step 3 — Select the Subject
On the top layer, use the Lasso or Polygon Tool to trace around your subject.
Be as accurate as possible.
Step 4 — Isolate the Subject
Once selected:
Invert selection (Select → Invert)
Press Delete
Now, the top layer contains only your subject. The background is gone.
- It won’t look different yet because the bottom layer is still visible).
Step 5 — Blur the Bottom Layer
Select the bottom layer (the original full image).
Go to Filter → Blur → Gaussian Blur (or standard Blur).
Increase the blur amount until you like the look.
Step 6 — Clean Up Edges
Select the top layer (subject).
Use a soft Eraser to smooth any rough edges around hair or clothes.
This blends the sharp subject with the blurred background perfectly.
3. Advanced Blur Tips
- Don’t over-blur
Too much blur looks fake. Keep it subtle.
- Use "Tilt-Shift" for landscapes
Blur only the top and bottom of a photo to make it look like a miniature model.
- Blur only distractions
You don’t have to blur the whole background. You can select just a messy sign or trash bin and blur that specific area.
4. Why Manual Blur Is Better Than AI
AI blur often fails with:
Glasses
Hair strands
Transparent objects
Complex gaps
Manual blurring in Photopeg lets you decide exactly what stays sharp and what gets blurred.
5. Real-World Uses
- Portrait photos
- Product photography
- YouTube thumbnails (blurring the game/video background)
- Social media posts
- Hiding sensitive info (blurring license plates, faces, documents)
6. Final Verdict
If you want to create a background blur online free, Photopeg offers a reliable, manual way to do it.
It gives you:
- Professional control
- Natural-looking results
- Adjustable blur intensity
- Edge refinement
- Total privacy (local processing)
With just two layers and a filter, you can turn a flat snapshot into a professional-looking portrait.