How to Blur or Replace a Photo Background (Portrait Look on Any Photo)

TL;DR

Blur: tap the subjects to keep sharp and set the blur amount for a portrait look. Background: cut out the subject and place it over a photo you choose, dragging and pinching to fit. Both use on-device models, and each counts as a free daily AI edit.

The problem

The photo is sharp from front to back, and the messy room behind your subject is as clear as their face. The “pro” look is a sharp subject against a soft background, and phone cameras only manage it in Portrait mode, if you remembered. Or you need a clean or different backdrop for a profile picture.

Blur

  1. Open Blur and pick a photo.
  2. Tap the subject(s) to keep sharp. Tap more to add, tap again to remove.
  3. Set the blur amount.
  4. Compare, then save.

Replace background

  1. Open Background and pick the subject photo.
  2. Tap the subject. Choose edge style, and HD · Hair for fine hair.
  3. Choose Background to select the new backdrop from your library.
  4. Drag to move and pinch to resize until it fits.
  5. Save.

Make it look real

  • Match lighting and direction. A subject lit from the left on a background lit from the right looks pasted on.
  • Match sharpness. A very crisp cutout on a soft background looks off. Use a Soft or Natural edge.
  • Keep the horizon sensible. The subject’s feet and the ground should meet believably.
  • Zoom in on the edge before saving.

Limits

Complex edges like hair against a busy background and transparent objects can look rough. Both tools use AI edits, so the free plan has 3 per day.

FAQ

Can I choose how strong the blur is? Yes. The Blur tool has a blur amount control.

What can I use as a new background? A photo from your library, which you can move and resize.

Does it work on photos that weren’t taken in Portrait mode? Yes. It selects the subject from the picture itself, no depth data needed.

The app PhotoRepair →