Blur vs Pixelate vs Redact
Privacy-first · Faces blurred on-device · No originals stored
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.
Quick 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.