How to Fix a Blurry Picture in Photoshop

You just returned home after taking shots of your favorite places but noticed that all the clicks were blurry. Or may you have taken shots while on the go or in a hurry and eventually got low-quality blurry pictures? Nothing can be so frustrating than this!

However, the good news is you can still fix your blurry picture in Photoshop.

You have to just follow some easy steps, and tada, it will be done!

Here’s to how:

N.B: We have used sharpening and noise reduction tools to fix a blurry picture in Photoshop.

Method 1: Use the Sharpen Tool to Fix Blurry Pictures in Photoshop

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As the name implies, the sharp tool is used to sharpen up any unclear picture or images in a blurry state. They basically work by improving the picture contrast by darkening the dark pixels while brightening up the lighter ones.

This tool in Photoshop can do wonders, from redefining the edge to eventually adding more contrast.

Below are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Open the Image

Open the blurry picture in Photoshop. Select the image layer from the layers panel. Now unlock the background layer by right-clicking on the lock button.

Step 2: Image Resize

Find the option named “image” on the toolbox. Click on it and change the picture size from the “image size.”

You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+Alt+I.”

Increasing the picture size will solve the low-resolution issues, which might be the ultimate cause behind the blur problem. If the picture still looks blurry, don’t worry, as we will fix it later (Step 7).

Step 3: Adjustment of the Image

When you choose the option named “image size,” it will open the window bar like the below picture. Change the picture size and adjust the requirements according to the picture.

Step 4: Duplicate the Layer

Now you have to create a duplicate layer.

To do that: simply click “Layer > Duplicate Layer,”

You can also use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + J (Windows) or Command + J (Mac).

This layer is for safety purposes. The original file remains intact. If we accidentally mess up with the editing, there is nothing to worry about, as we can edit right from scratch.

Step 5: Adjust the Image Blur

Choose the created duplicated layer and then click on Filter > Blur > Surface Blur to open up the window of blur adjustments.

Here, you have to change the Threshold and Radius to adjust the picture blur.

Step 6: Change the Image Sharpness

Once you’re done adjusting the blur, your next task is to alter the sharpness of the picture.

Go to the option Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen.

A sliding bar will pop up on your screen. Now, adjust the picture’s sensitivity depending on the image requirements.

Step 7: Add Mask Layer

Remember, in the second step; you have increased the size of the picture, which in turn made it look more blurry. As we said, we will show you how to fix it!

In this step, we will decrease it. And to do so, you have to add a layer mask, as shown. Once the layer mask is added, use the brush tool to lessen the blurry effects.

Step 8: Balancing the Image Color

Now you have to balance the image’s color for a better outcome. Note that this step is necessary only if the picture color is imbalanced.

To solve the color issue, press the Adjustment Layer > Color Balance.

A window will show the settings to find the desired color combinations. Once you balance the color, you will have your expected result ready.

Step 9: Save the Picture

Last step!

All you have to do is save the new file. To save the image, click on file > Save As. And give it a name to save it for future use.

Method 2: Using the Noise Reduction Tool to Fix Blurry Pictures

This second technique is quite similar with the first one. However, the only difference is that instead of using the sharpen tool, we will be using the noise reduction tool here.

The first 4 steps and the last three steps (7,8,9) of the second technique are exactly the same as the sharpen tool. The change comes only on the 5th and 6th steps.

Let’s get into details: