Photoshop’s Depth Blur Neural Filter harnesses AI to simulate professional depth-of-field effects, blurring backgrounds while keeping subjects sharp – mimicking high-end camera effect in seconds. This tool analyses scene depth intelligently, ideal for portraits or product shots needing focus isolation.
In this tutorial, we’ll apply it to a portrait for an instant, cinematic look, maintaining a non-destructive workflow.
What You’ll Need
- Adobe Photoshop (2025 version recommended for enhanced AI depth mapping)
- A suitable image (e.g., a portrait with a distinct foreground subject and detailed background)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open Your Image and Duplicate the Layer
Open your image in Photoshop (File > Open). Duplicate the Background layer (Ctrl+J / Cmd+J) to preserve the original—name it “Blurred Edit” for organisation.
Step 2: Access Neural Filters
Navigate to Filter > Neural Filters. If necessary, sign in to your Adobe account and download the Depth Blur filter (indicated by a cloud icon).
Step 3: Enable Depth Blur and Adjust Focal Point
Toggle on Depth Blur in the panel. Photoshop’s AI generates a depth map – use the Focal Point tool (eyedropper icon) to click on your subject for accurate focus. Adjust Focal Distance slider to set sharpness depth.
Optionally, tick the “Focus Subject” option and the filter will automatically detect subject in the photo to set focus on.
Step 4: Customise Blur Intensity & Other Effects
Increase Blur Strength for deeper effect (e.g., 50-70 for portraits). Experiment with other options such as Haze, Temp, Tint and Saturation in the filter:
Step 5: Refine Edges with AI Assistance
If edges appear unnatural, use the Refine Edge Tool to paint over tricky areas like hair. AI refines the depth map accordingly.
Step 6: Output as Smart Filter
Select “Smart Filter” in the Output dropdown for editability. Click OK to apply – the filter appears in the Layers panel.
Step 7: Finalise and Enhance
Double-click the Smart Filter to revisit settings. Add a Vibrance adjustment layer for pop if needed. Export via File > Export > Export As.
Here is the Before-After comparison:
Before
Pro Tips
- Subject Isolation: Combine with Select Subject first (Select > Subject) to create a layer mask, ensuring AI focuses solely on the foreground.
- Performance Optimisation: On lower-spec machines, reduce preview quality in Neural Filters preferences to speed up rendering.
- Limitations Workaround: If AI misinterprets depth (e.g., in flat scenes), manually paint a custom depth map using greyscale brushes on a separate layer before applying the filter.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Layer Blending for Subtlety: Reduce the Smart Filter’s opacity (e.g., 80%) and blend with the original layer using Overlay mode to retain some background detail – great for environmental portraits.
- Colour Harmony: Post-blur, apply a Selective Colour adjustment to desaturate background hues slightly, drawing more attention to the subject without over-editing.
- Batch Processing: For multiple images, record an Action (Window > Actions) including Depth Blur steps, then batch apply via File > Automate > Batch—efficient for event photographers.
- Creative Variations: Experiment with inverted depth by swapping focal points to blur the foreground instead, creating abstract or surreal effects.
- Integration with Other AI Tools: Follow Depth Blur with Smart Portrait relighting to add dramatic shadows that interact realistically with the blurred background, elevating the cinematic feel.
Conclusion
This AI feature democratises professional photography techniques, delivering instant professional blurred background without expensive lenses or complex setups. Perfect for enhancing focus in portraits, products, or macros.
That’s it for this tutorial! Until next time, have a great day!