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How to Blur An Image In Adobe Illustrator

how_to_blur_an_image_in_adobe_illustrator

Mastering how to blur a picture in Adobe Illustrator is a valued addition to your graphic design skills as a beginner. It allows you to soften edges, create depth, and bring focus to the audience’s attention.  

In this detailed tutorial, we’ll explain the different methods for adding a blur effect to your photos and provide step-by-step instructions.

Methods to Blur a Picture in Adobe Illustrator

In Adobe Illustrator, you can add blur to your images in two different ways. Each method has its own positives and negatives that can help you decide which one best suits you according to your skill level.

Method 1: Gaussian Blur

Gaussian blur is the common tool used by many designers in Illustrator to easily adjust the intensity of the blur on the image or even apply the effect to a specific object. The catch here is that it can reduce the image clarity if you overuse it. 

Method 2: Feather Tool

The Feather Tool creates a softer transition between objects or layers to give a blurry effect and is useful for blending edges seamlessly. However, it is not suitable for all types of images and only applies the effect to the edges of the picture. 

Steps To Make a Blurry Photo In Illustrator

The Gaussian Blur method offers the most simple and quick way to blur a picture in Adobe Illustrator with these quick steps:

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch Illustrator and click Open.

Browse and select the image you want to import and click Open again.

Click the Selection Tool (V) and drag the edges of the image to resize it according to the canvas size.


Step 2: Apply Gaussian Blur

Now, select the image layer from the layers panel, click Effect, go to Blur, and choose Gaussian Blur.

Drag the slider next to Radius in the Gaussian Blur window to adjust the degree of blurriness on your image, and click OK to apply the changes.

Step 3: Export The Image

Once you are done, click File, select Export, and choose Export As.

In the Export window, set the File Name and choose PNG or JPEG file type from the Save as Type drop-down menu.

Click Export to save your image for further use.

Depending on your selected file type, you may have to do additional settings before exporting.

Tips and Tricks

Adjust The Document Raster Effect Settings

If your image has sharp cutoffs surrounding the edges after applying the Gaussian Blur, try adjusting the Document Raster Effect Settings under the Effect menu and add up to 500px space around the object to get optimal outcomes. 

Experiment With The Degree Of Blurriness

Be cautious while adjusting the Gaussian Blur Radius because it can make your image details fade away if applied too much. So, always start with a lower value and gradually increase it until you get the intended blur effect.

Use Preview Mode

Before applying Gaussian Blur, toggle the preview mode on and off to see how the effect changes your image. This helps in fine-tuning the blur intensity.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Blurring Text Directly

If your image has text and you blur it directly with the Gaussian Blur, the effect will make it difficult or impossible to read. Instead, right-click the textual content and choose Create Outlines to convert it to outlines. 

Overlooking Color Mode Differences

Do not overlook the color mode differences (RGB vs. CMYK) when applying blur. If you do so, the effect might look different when switching modes. So, always check the final output using the intended color scheme. 

Overlooking Resolution

Images with low resolution might appear pixelated after applying Gaussian Blur because the effect further reduces the details. Always ensure you’re working with high-resolution pictures before using the blur effect.

FAQs

How Do I Blur a Particular Area In Illustrator?

Create a clipping mask over the image and apply Gaussian Blur by navigating to Effect > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Adjust the blur radius to get the effect you want and move the shape to add it to the specific area.

Why Does My Gaussian Blur Look Pixelated?

A pixelated Gaussian blur in Illustrator can result from low raster effect settings. To prevent this, check your Document Raster Effect Settings and increase the Resolution to create a smoother blur effect.

Can I Remove The Gaussian Blur Effect Once Applied?

After applying the Gaussian blur effect, you can remove it and restore the original image. 

For this, select the Window option in the upper menu and choose Properties. Then, click the Delete icon next to the effect in the properties panel on the right side of the screen. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, you have learned how to blur a picture in Illustrator using the Gaussian Blur method. 

Remember to keep practicing with the different tools and techniques to achieve your desired blurry effect and improve the overall impact of your images.

Author

  • Ella Grace

    A design maestro who graduated from Missouri University and has been shaping the design landscape for the past 12 years. Specializing in Adobe Photoshop, Ella's expertise lies in crafting compelling branding for diverse industries, including tech, food, and beverage. She channels her passion for design into helping aspiring designers achieve their dreams by mastering Adobe Photoshop and creating standout designs.

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