PhotoCut Studio

Blur the background of a photo (portrait effect)

Free tool · No sign-up · Your image is never uploaded

The portrait effect — sharp subject, soft background — is what makes a photo look professional: it highlights the person or object and blurs away distractions. This tool does it in your browser by reusing the AI segmentation: you cut out the subject and the background blurs at the strength you choose. Free, and your photo never leaves your device.

Open the editor and blur the background →

How it works

Unlike removing the background (which deletes it), here the background is kept but softened. The AI separates the subject; the subject stays in focus and everything behind it blurs, just like a phone's portrait mode.

Step by step

  1. Open the photo in the editor.
  2. Run the AI Cutout (or mark the subject) so it knows what to keep sharp.
  3. In Export, set the blur strength.
  4. Tap "Download with blurred background".

Tips

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to cut out the subject first?

Yes. The effect uses segmentation to know what stays sharp and what gets blurred. Run the AI Cutout or mark the subject, then download with the blurred background.

Can I choose how much blur?

Yes, with a strength slider: soft for subtle, strong for a bold portrait-mode look.

Is my photo uploaded to a server?

No. Everything happens in your browser; the photo is never uploaded or stored.

Blur the background now →

Remove the background

Automatic AI cutout to isolate the subject with no background.

Change the background

Put a color or another image behind the subject.

All tools

Remove and change backgrounds, color palette, text and more.