Drag over the parts you want to hide. The pixels themselves are changed, so the hidden details are gone from the saved file.
Drag a box over each area to hide. Each box is applied as soon as you let go.
Each box you draw changes the actual pixel values of the image on a full-resolution canvas; it is not a see-through layer on top. Pixelate divides the area into square blocks and replaces every block with its average color. Blur runs three passes of a box blur horizontally and vertically, which closely approximates a Gaussian blur, using only pixels inside the box so nothing outside is affected. Black box fills the area with solid black. Strength sets the block size or blur radius in proportion to the image, so a setting looks similar on a small screenshot and a large photo.
How safe is each effect? A black box keeps nothing of the original, so it is the right choice for passwords, account numbers and documents. Large pixel blocks are also very hard to undo, because each block keeps only one color for many original pixels. A light blur keeps more information than it seems: researchers have shown that blurred or finely pixelated text can sometimes be recovered by guessing the text and comparing the blurred results. Use a strong setting for faces and plates, and black boxes for text.
Example: on a 4000 × 3000 photo, strength 6 pixelates with blocks of about 126 pixels, enough to make a face or a license plate unrecognizable. The saved file is a newly drawn image, so it also contains none of the original's hidden metadata such as GPS location. PNG keeps the edited result exactly; JPEG gives a smaller file at high quality.
Can someone un-blur my image?
Not with a black box or large pixel blocks, because that information is no longer in the file. Light blurs and small pixel blocks on text can sometimes be reconstructed, so for anything sensitive use high strength or a black box.
Does it detect faces automatically?
No. You choose exactly what to hide by dragging boxes. That keeps everything on your device and makes sure nothing is missed or hidden by mistake.
Will the original photo be changed?
No. Your original file stays as it is. The tool creates a new image that you download.
Does the downloaded image still contain location data?
No. The image is redrawn, which leaves out EXIF metadata such as GPS location, camera model and date. To remove metadata without changing anything else, use our Photo Metadata Remover.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Drag with your finger to draw a box. While your finger is on the image the page won't scroll, so start dragging next to the image to scroll.