Pixelmator Pro is one of the best photo editing software for Mac, especially for designers who want professional results without complex tools. One of its most searched features is layout blur, which helps create modern UI designs, website headers, and eye-catching thumbnails. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to blur a layout in Pixelmator Pro for Mac using beginner-friendly and professional techniques optimized for macOS.
How to Blur a Layout in Pixelmator Pro for Mac (Step-by-Step Guide)?
Pixelmator Pro for Mac is one of the most powerful and user-friendly photo editing applications available today. Many designers and content creators use it to create modern layouts with background blur effects.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a layout blur in Pixelmator Pro on macOS using simple and professional methods.
What Is Layout Blur in Pixelmator Pro?
Layout blur is a design technique where the background or specific parts of an image are blurred to highlight text, buttons, or main content. This effect is widely used in:
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Website UI designs
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App mockups
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YouTube thumbnails
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Social media banners
Pixelmator Pro offers multiple blur tools optimized for Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3).
Method 1: Blur the Entire Layout in Pixelmator Pro
Step 1: Open Your Image
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Launch Pixelmator Pro
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Click File → Open
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Select your layout or image file
Step 2: Select the Background Layer
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Open the Layers panel
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Click on the layer you want to blur
Step 3: Apply Blur Effect
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Go to Format → Effects
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Choose Blur
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Select Gaussian Blur
Step 4: Adjust Blur Strength
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Use the Radius slider
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Adjust until the layout looks smooth and professional
✅ Best for full background blur and clean layouts
Method 2: Blur a Specific Area (Partial Layout Blur)
Step 1: Select the Area
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Choose the Selection Tool
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Use Rectangle Selection or Free Selection
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Select the area you want to blur
step 2: Apply Blur
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Go to Effects → Blur
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Choose Gaussian Blur or Motion Blur
Step 3: Apply Changes
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Adjust the blur amount
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Press Enter to apply
🎯 Best for hiding details or highlighting text areas
Method 3: Professional Layout Blur Using Mask
This method gives a high-end UI blur effect.
Step 1: Duplicate the Layer
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Select the background layer
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Press Command + J
Step 2: Add Blur
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Apply Gaussian Blur to the duplicated layer
Step 3: Add Mask
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Click Add Mask
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Paint on the mask to control where blur appears
✨ Perfect for modern web and app designs
Method 4: Blur Background Behind Text
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Duplicate the background layer
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Apply blur to the duplicated layer
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Add text above it
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Reduce opacity if needed
This style is commonly used in website headers and thumbnails.
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Best Blur Effects in Pixelmator Pro
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Gaussian Blur – Soft background blur
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Motion Blur – Dynamic movement effect
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Zoom Blur – Focus and depth
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Bokeh Blur – Portrait and cinematic look
Tips to Get Better Results
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Always work on duplicate layers
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Keep blur subtle for a professional look
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Combine blur with opacity and shadows
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Avoid over-blurring text areas
Why Pixelmator Pro Is Best Photo Editing Software for Mac
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Fully optimized for macOS
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No monthly subscription
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Fast performance on Apple Silicon
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AI-powered image editing tools
Pixelmator Pro is a strong alternative to Adobe Photoshop for Mac users.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to blur a layout in Pixelmator Pro for Mac can dramatically improve your designs. Whether you are a beginner or professional designer, Pixelmator Pro makes layout blur simple, fast, and visually appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I blur only part of an image in Pixelmator Pro?
Yes, Pixelmator Pro allows you to blur specific areas using the Selection Tool or Layer Masks, giving you full control over the blur effect.
Is Pixelmator Pro better than Photoshop for Mac?
Pixelmator Pro is a powerful Photoshop alternative for Mac, especially for users who want a one-time purchase of a monthly subscription.
Does Pixelmator Pro support Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3)?
Yes, Pixelmator Pro is fully optimized for Apple Silicon Macs, delivering fast performance and smooth editing.
What is the best blur effect in Pixelmator Pro?
Gaussian Blur is the most commonly use effect for layout and background blur due to its smooth and natural look.