Blur vs Pixelate vs Redact
Blur hides identity by smoothing details, pixelation hides by blockifying, and redaction removes detail entirely. Choose based on the risk and the viewing distance.
Quick comparison
| Criteria | BlurFaces | Pixelate/Redact |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Auto face detection, one tap | Manual steps and setup |
| Privacy | On-device processing, no uploads | Depends on workflow |
| Learning curve | Designed for quick edits | General design or editing tools |
| Best use | Publish-ready privacy blur | Full creative control |
Where BlurFaces wins
- Blur feels more natural for faces in photos.
- Adjustable strength to match distance and resolution.
- Fast, repeatable results with automatic detection.
Where Pixelate/Redact might fit
- Pixelation is obvious and good for low-res screenshots.
- Redaction is safest for text and license plates.
- Hard blocks can survive compression better in some cases.
Best fit use cases
- Blur for faces and people in scenes.
- Pixelate or redact for text, plates, and IDs.
- Test the final export for each platform.
60-second workflow
- Drop a photo into BlurFaces and let face detection finish.
- Toggle any faces you want to keep visible and add manual masks if needed.
- Adjust blur strength and padding, then export and verify.
Related guides
See blur vs pixelate vs redact, privacy for parents, and what face blurring is.