How to Unblur Images in Photoshop: Steps, Reviews, & Alternative

Photoshop is a powerful tool for photo editing, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming, even for professionals. If you’re unsure how to unblur images in Photoshop, you’re not alone! We’ve got you covered with four different methods to choose from, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

The art of unblurring: How to unblur a photo in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful image editing software widely used by both beginners and professionals to enhance images. Besides, it helps users transform blurry images into stunning visuals in four proven ways: The Shake Reduction Filter is designed to address motion blur, while the Unsharp Mask method sharpens edges by increasing contrast, making details pop. For more advanced control, the Smart Sharpen Filter employs sophisticated algorithms to reduce blur while minimizing artifacts. Lastly, the High Pass Filter allows for targeted sharpening by enhancing contrast in specific areas, providing a refined look. Choose the one and watch the part based on your needs.



Method 1: How to unblur a picture in Photoshop quickly via Shake Reduction

Unblurring an image in Photoshop can be achieved quickly using the Shake Reduction filter, which is designed specifically for correcting shake-related blur. This tool analyzes the trajectory of camera movement during the shot and applies automatic adjustments to restore sharpness, providing quick results for images that might otherwise be unusable. Here's how to unblur pictures in PhotoShop with the Shake Reduction filter.

Step
1. Upload an image
2. Start by opening Photoshop and uploading the image you want to unblur. You can do this by clicking "Open".
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Step
4. Use Shake Reduction Filter
5. Once your image is open, navigate to Filter > Sharpen > Shake Reduction. This will open the Shake Reduction options panel. The filter will automatically analyze the image and apply adjustments to reduce blur caused by the camera shake.
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7. In the options panel, you can adjust settings such as Blur Trace Bounds, Source Noise, and Smoothing to fine-tune the results. The estimation region box allows you to define areas of interest in your image, ensuring that Photoshop focuses on restoring clarity where it matters most.
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Step
9. Use the Advanced Panel and save the image
10. For more control, enable the Advanced option in the Shake Reduction panel. Here, you can further refine your adjustments. Once you're satisfied with the results, click OK to apply the changes. Finally, you can download your edited image by selecting "File" and then choosing "Save As." That's how you can use PhotoShop to unblur images in an easy way.
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Method 2: How to unblur a picture in Photoshop generally via Unsharp Mask

Use the Photoshop Unsharp Mask tool to unblur an image effectively. The Unsharp Mask works by increasing the contrast between adjacent pixels, which helps to sharpen the image and make it appear clearer. This method is particularly useful for enhancing fine details and improving edge clarity. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to initiate the process.

Step
1. Upload an image
2. Begin by opening Photoshop and uploading the blurry image you wish to enhance.
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Step
4. Use Unsharp Mask
5. Next, create a duplicate copy of your image layer to preserve the original. Right-click on the layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer. Then, navigate to Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask. This will open the Unsharp Mask dialog box.
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Step
7. Adjust settings
8. In the Unsharp Mask dialog, you will see three settings: Amount, Radius, and Threshold. Set the Amount to an ideal range (10%~100%). A radius of about 7.9-8 pixels is recommended for heavily blurred images, while a range of 2 to 3 pixels works well for minor blur. This threshold setting controls how much difference, in contrast, must exist between pixels before they are considered edge pixels. A lower threshold will affect more pixels, while a higher threshold will limit sharpening to only the most prominent edges. Once you have adjusted these settings to your liking, click OK to apply the changes. Go to File > Save As to download your work to your device.
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Method 3: How to unblur photos on Photoshop precisely via Smart Sharpen

You can unblur a picture in PhotoShop using the Smart Sharpen menu. This method allows for detailed adjustments to sharpening parameters, giving you the ability to enhance your images effectively while minimizing unwanted artifacts. It can be found in the Filters menu and utilizes advanced algorithms to enhance the sharpness of your image. Here's how to unblur photos in PhotoShop using the Smart Sharpen menu.

Step
1. Upload an image
2. To unblur images in PhotoShop, open the PhotoShop and upload the image you want to unblur.
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Step
4. Open the Smart Sharpen menu
5. Once your image is open, go to Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen. This will open the Smart Sharpen dialog box, where you can fine-tune your sharpening adjustments.
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Step
7. Adjust settings
8. In the Smart Sharpen dialog, you will find several settings, such as Amount, Radius, Reduce Noise, and Preview. Amount controls how much to increase the contrast of pixels. A higher amount can sharpen the image more, but be cautious, as it can add too much noise to the image. Radius determines how wide the edges will be affected by sharpening. A smaller radius is generally better for fine details, while a larger radius can help with broader edges. Reduce Noise option helps to minimize any noise that may be introduced during sharpening, allowing for a cleaner final image. Finally, use the Preview feature to see real-time adjustments to your image as you modify the settings. Once you’ve adjusted these settings to your satisfaction, click OK to apply the changes. Download your edited image by visiting File > Save As and navigate to your desired file location to save your work.
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Method 4: How to unblur an image in Photoshop detailedly via High Pass

For high-quality, detailed sharpening, the High Pass filter method in Photoshop is an excellent choice. The High Pass filter works by highlighting the edges in an image, allowing you to sharpen specific areas without affecting the overall tonal quality. This technique is particularly effective for enhancing portraits and intricate details in photos. Here's how to unblur a picture in PhotoShop using the High Pass filter.

Step
1. Upload an image
2. Start by launching Photoshop and importing the image you want to unblur. To do this, go to File > Open and select the photo you wish to enhance from your device.
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Step
4. Select the High Pass filter
5. After your image is open, duplicate the layer to preserve the original. Right-click on the layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer.
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7. With the new layer selected, navigate to Filter > Other > High Pass. This will open the High Pass dialog box.
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Step
9. Adjust settings
10. In the High Pass dialog, you will see a slider that allows you to adjust the Radius. A lower radius (around 1-3 pixels) is ideal for fine details, while a higher radius (around 5-10 pixels) can be used for broader edges. Adjust the radius until you see the edges of your subject clearly without introducing too much haloing.
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After adjusting the radius, click OK to apply the filter. To blend this effect with your original image, change the layer blending mode to Overlay or Soft Light in the Layers panel. If you are fully satisfied, then go to File > Save As, and choose the location to save your image.



Let's review: Is it good or not unblurring images with Photoshop

While PhotoShop is referred to as the most effective image-editing tool, it still has a fair share of disadvantages. Scroll down to find a real-time review of this photo-editing tool.

While PhotoShop offers various proven ways to unblur images, they still cannot justify the pricey subscription plans and time-consuming approach. Photoshop technique might take from a few minutes to longer, making it totally worthless for those looking for quick results. So, if you are longing for an easy yet effective alternative, here is a method that can unblur your images in 20 seconds: Dreamina. Let's step closer and understand how to use this handy AI tool.

One-click alternative: Unblur image with Dreamina

Dreamina is your portable AI-powered photo editor, turning complex editing into seconds-long tapping. With its cutting-edge algorithms, Dreamina will identify the type of blur, polish the areas, and boost resolution and clarity. All you need is to tap features, and Dreamina will address the process within seconds. Whether you’re restoring cherished old photos, enhancing your social media content, or refining product images for e-commerce, Dreamina has got you covered with clean outputs.



Steps to unblur images with Dreamina AI

Ready to transform your images? Click the button below to start using Dreamina and experience the ease of unblurring photos in just a few clicks!

Step
1. Upload your image
2. To begin using Dreamina, navigate to the official Dreamina website and click on the "Create on canvas" option. This will take you to the editing interface where you can upload your images. Click the "Upload image" button, and select the photo you wish to edit from your device.
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Step
4. Unblur images
5. Once your image is uploaded, it's time to enhance it. For effortless unblurring, select the "HD Upscale" tool. This feature will automatically improve the resolution of your photo, making it clearer and sharper.
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7. PS: You can use the "Retouch" feature that can remove blur while touching up portraits, making them appealing and clear.
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Step
9. Export
10. After achieving the desired enhancements, it's time to download your edited image. Click the "Export" button to save your work. You can adjust export settings such as file type (JPEG or PNG), size, and other options before finalizing your download. Once you're satisfied with your selections, click "Download" to save the enhanced image directly to your device.
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Other AI tools to polish your images

• Expand
• This tool allows you to enlarge your images without losing quality. It changes images into different ratios and ensures that the expanded areas blend seamlessly with the original content, making it perfect for creating larger prints or detailed views.
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• Remove
• The Remove feature is designed to eliminate unwanted objects or distractions from your photos. With just a few clicks, you can select the elements you wish to erase, and the AI will fill in the gaps with surrounding textures and colors, resulting in a clean and complete image.
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• Blend
• This tool enables you to merge two image layers smoothly. By analyzing the colors and lighting of each image, the blend feature ensures that transitions are natural and cohesive, making it ideal for creating promotional flyers or artistic collages.
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• Inpaint
• Inpainting is a regenerative fill technique used to redraw and heal incorrect spots in an image. This tool is particularly useful for adding more elements to the images by intelligently predicting what should be in those spaces based on surrounding content or your prompt.
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Conclusion

Here, we explored various methods to unblur images in Photoshop. Although it functions as a powerful tool, providing advanced tools and complete control, it’s also important to note that the process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. To mend that gap of needs, we here introduced Dreamina. With advanced AI capabilities, it not only allows you to unblur images effortlessly but also to edit, redraw, and regenerate the image into anything you want. Try Dreamina today and use AI power to polish your photos.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to unblur an image in Photoshop?
2. Unblurring an image in Photoshop can take anywhere from a few minutes to longer, depending on the complexity of the image and the techniques used. Basic methods like the Unsharp Mask or Smart Sharpen filters can be applied relatively quickly, usually within 5 to 10 minutes. However, more intricate adjustments or working with multiple layers can extend the time needed for editing. For those looking for a faster and simpler solution, Dreamina offers an efficient alternative. This advanced AI picture editor allows users to unblur images effortlessly in just 20 seconds using its "HD Upscale" feature. Try Dreamina today and transform your blurry images in seconds.
3. Why is there noise after unblurring a photo in Photoshop?
4. The noise after unblurring a photo in PhotoShop is often a result of several factors, including high ISO settings used during the photo capture, low-light conditions, or the inherent limitations of the camera sensor. When you apply sharpening techniques to enhance clarity, it can inadvertently amplify this noise, making it more noticeable. For a more efficient and user-friendly solution, consider using Dreamina's HD Upscale feature. This advanced AI tool not only enhances image resolution but also intelligently reduces noise during the unblurring process. Give Dreamina a try and experience the benefits of AI-powered photo editing!
5. Can you unblur a photo except for the background in Photoshop?
6. Yes, you can unblur a photo in Photoshop while keeping the background intact. This process typically involves using layer masking techniques to selectively apply sharpening effects to the subject of the image without affecting the background. For those looking for a simpler and more efficient solution, Dreamina offers an excellent alternative. With its HD Upscale feature, you can easily enhance your images, and with "Remove", you can eliminate unwanted elements with just a few clicks. Try Dreamina today and experience the ease of unblurring photos while maintaining control over your edits!