Blurring parts of an image is a useful trick when you want to protect the privacy of people or objects, or if you want to focus the viewer’s attention on a certain area. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive software to do this. There are several free online tools that allow you to blur parts of an image easily and quickly. Here are five of the best ones.

1. Fotor

Fotor is a comprehensive online photo editor that includes a blur tool. It has a simple interface that makes blurring easy even for beginners. To use the tool, simply upload your image, select the “Blur” option from the left-hand toolbar, and adjust the size, strength, and shape of the blur circle or rectangle. You can preview the changes and save the blurred image in various formats.

2. Pixlr

Pixlr is another popular online photo editor with a free blur tool. It offers two types of blur: Gaussian and radial. The Gaussian blur is a softer, more natural-looking blur that mimics the depth-of-field effect of a camera lens. The radial blur, on the other hand, creates a circular motion blur around a central point. To use the tool, upload your image, select the “Filter” option from the top menu, and choose “Blur.” You can adjust the intensity, radius, and angle of the blur, as well as apply it selectively to certain areas using the brush tool.

3. Lunapic

Lunapic is a simple yet powerful online photo editor with a variety of effects and filters, including a blur tool. The blur tool in Lunapic allows you to blur parts of an image in different ways, including circular blur, linear blur, and motion blur. To use the tool, upload your image, select the “Effects” option from the top menu, and choose “Blur.” You can adjust the size, intensity, and direction of the blur, as well as erase or apply it selectively using the brush tool.

4. Canva

Canva is a popular online design tool that also offers basic photo editing features, including a blur tool. The blur tool in Canva is particularly useful if you want to blur the background of an image to create a clear foreground subject. To use the tool, upload your image, select the “Effects” option from the left-hand toolbar, and choose “Tilt-shift.” You can adjust the focus area, blur intensity, and angle, as well as add text or other design elements to your image.

5. BeFunky

BeFunky is a fun and easy-to-use online photo editor that offers various effects and filters, including a blur tool. The blur tool in BeFunky allows you to apply a soft focus or shape blur to your image, as well as add a vignette or bokeh effect. To use the tool, upload your image, select the “Effects” option from the left-hand toolbar, and choose “Blur.” You can adjust the size, shape, intensity, and color of the blur, as well as apply it selectively using the eraser tool.