Blurring an image in Google Slides isn’t a feature directly provided by Google Slides, but you can achieve this effect by using a few workarounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to blur an image in Google Slides:
1. Using an External Image Editor
The most straightforward way to blur an image is by using an image-editing tool before uploading it to Google Slides. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Blur the Image with an Image Editor
Choose your preferred image editor (such as Photoshop, GIMP, or an online editor like Pixlr). Upload or open your image in the editor and apply a blur effect. Save the edited image to your computer.
Step 2: Insert the Blurred Image into Google Slides
Open your Google Slides presentation, click on the slide where you want to add the blurred image, then select Insert > Image > Upload from computer, and choose the blurred image file you saved.
2. Using Google Drawings
Google Drawings is another tool by Google which allows you to blur images that can then be added to Google Slides.
Step 1: Open Google Drawings
Go to Google Drawings by typing “drawings.google.com” in your web browser. Create a new drawing.
Step 2: Insert and Blur Your Image
Insert an image into Google Drawings by clicking on Insert > Image and selecting the image from your device. Once inserted, click on the image and under the Format options, you’ll see adjustments for transparency, brightness, and contrast. Play with these settings to achieve a sort of ‘blur’ effect.
Step 3: Save and Download the Edited Image
Once you’re satisfied with how the image looks, go to File > Download, and select the image format you prefer (such as PNG or JPEG).
Step 4: Insert the New Image into Google Slides
Now, go back to your Google Slides presentation, click on the slide where you want the image, and follow the same steps mentioned before to insert an image into your slide.
3. Using a Shape Over the Image
If the above options aren’t suitable, you can simulate a blur effect by overlaying a semi-transparent shape over your image in Google Slides.
Step 1: Insert Your Image
Insert the desired image into your Google Slides presentation as mentioned in the previous steps.
Step 2: Create a Semi-Transparent Shape
Click on Insert > Shape, select a shape (like a rectangle to cover the whole image), and draw it over the image. Now, click on the shape to select it and then click the Fill color tool in the menu bar. Choose a color and adjust the transparency slider to make the shape semi-transparent.
Step 3: Adjust the Shape
While this method won’t provide a true blur effect, adjusting the color and transparency of the shape can help you achieve a semblance of a blur, especially if you want to draw attention away from the background to focus on text or another element in your slide.
Conclusion
Until Google Slides includes a direct feature for blurring images, these workarounds are the best ways to create a blurred image effect in your presentations.