Create depth of field with lens blur

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to apply the Lens Blur filter in Adobe Photoshop to create a depth-of-field effect.

Select the layer you want to blur in the Layers panel.

Select Filter > Blur > Lens Blur.

Customize your settings in the Lens Blur dialog box:

  • Depth Map: Select None from the Source menu for an even blur across the image or pick Transparency or Layer Mask if you’ve set up a depth map.
  • Blur Focal Distance: Drag the slider to control which part of the image stays sharp. Pixels near this value remain clear, while others blur gradually.
  • Iris: Select a shape from the Shape menu and adjust Radius to control blur strength, Blade Curvature to smooth edges, and Rotation to change orientation.
  • Specular Highlights: Increase Brightness to enhance highlights and adjust Threshold to define which bright areas become highlights.
  • Noise: Drag the Amount slider to add texture to the image.
  • Distribution: Select Uniform or Gaussian and check Monochromatic to keep it in grayscale.
Photoshop Lens Blur dialog box with controls for Depth Map source, Iris shape, Specular Highlights, and Noise displayed in the right panel.
Adjust the Lens Blur dialog box's depth map, iris shape, and blur settings for custom focus effects.

Select OK to apply the effect.