Ever looked at a portrait and thought, “Why does the subject pop so much?”
The secret is simple: a blurred background.
Blurring out the background makes your subject stand out, adds depth, and gives your photo that crisp, cinematic look. The best part? You don’t need fancy gear or advanced editing tools. Lightroom has everything you need—right inside the app.
Whether you’re editing on desktop or mobile, here’s how you can blur the background like a pro (even if you’re just getting started). And if you’re serious about mobile photo editing, you might want to check out these 5 Best Photo Retouching Apps for Smartphone Portraits to level up your entire editing game.
Why Blur the Background in Lightroom?
Before we jump in, let’s answer the “why.”
Blurring the background helps:
- Draw attention to your subject
- Reduce distractions from messy or busy environments
- Add depth and a professional look to your photos
- Simulate that creamy bokeh effect from high-end lenses
You’re faking shallow depth of field using editing software—and the results can be stunning.
How to Blur Background in Lightroom: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Import Your Photo
Whether you’re on desktop or mobile:
Open Lightroom
Import or select your photo
Head to the Edit or Develop module
If you’re on the mobile app and using the premium version (or an unlocked one), you’ll have access to AI tools that make this even easier. If you don’t have that, or you want all premium features without a subscription, download the Lightroom MOD APK to unlock everything.
Step 2: Use AI to Select the Subject
Lightroom’s AI-powered masking makes things super easy.
- Tap Masking
- Choose Select Subject
- Lightroom will automatically detect and highlight your main subject
Once selected, invert the mask so that the background becomes the editable area:
- Click or tap the three dots next to the mask
- Choose Invert
Now you’ve got the background selected and ready to blur.
Step 3: Create the Blur Effect
Now, Lightroom doesn’t have a direct “blur” button, but you can create a similar look using these sliders:
- Texture → Slide left to remove fine details
- Clarity → Lower it for a soft, hazy effect
- Sharpness → Reduce to give that out-of-focus feel
- Dehaze (optional) → Lightly reduce to add softness
Adjust each one gently to keep the edit natural and realistic.
Step 4: Refine the Mask
Sometimes AI doesn’t get it perfect. You can fix rough edges using the Brush tool:
- Tap Add → Brush
- Zoom in and paint over areas that were missed or need correction
- Use low flow and feathering for smoother blending
This step takes a little patience but makes a huge difference.
How to Blur Background in Lightroom Mobile (iOS/Android)
On the go? You can do this from your phone, too.
Steps:
- Tap your photo to open it.
- Select the Masking icon.
- Choose Select Subject, then tap Invert.
- Adjust Texture, Clarity, and Sharpness as above.
Same concept. Same results. Total flexibility.
Get the full tutorial: https://lrmdapk.com/how-to-blur-background-in-lightroom/
Final Thoughts
Blurring the background in Lightroom isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. You’re directing the viewer’s eye. You’re simplifying the visual noise. You’re creating intentional focus.
And thanks to Lightroom’s smart masking tools, you don’t need to be a photo-editing wizard to do it.
