Software to fix out of focus photos

  1. 1️⃣ Download and Install the program.
  2. 2️⃣ Open Photo in Software.
  3. 3️⃣ Apply Sharpening Tools.
  4. 4️⃣ Save Edited Image.
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Eugene - CEO at SoftOrbits, Candidate of Technical Sciences, has more than 16 years of expertise in software development and testing.. Developed by a team of specialists, including engineer Julia, PhD candidate Paul. 170+ hours of work went into this page.
📅 Last updated on:  2024-11-07

I've always been frustrated by blurry photos, especially when I've captured a perfect moment only to find it ruined by a lack of focus. However, I've discovered that with the right tools and techniques, I can often restore clarity and detail to these images. In this article, I'll explore various methods and software options for deblurring photos, aiming to produce sharper, more professional-looking results.

Advanced Deblurring Software

For professionals and enthusiasts seeking more control and customization:Easy Photo UnblurEasy Photo Unblur, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, and Topaz Infocus: These software options provide a comprehensive suite of features and advanced algorithms, catering to the needs of experienced photographers who demand precise control and customization in their deblurring efforts.

Easy Photo Unblur

It is a software that can help correct out of focus photos fix. It uses advanced deconvolution algorithms to analyze the distribution of pixels and can address blurriness caused by missed focus, camera shake, and other factors. Also offers basic editing options for brightness, saturation, and tint.

Before..
After..

The program uses an advanced blind deconvolution technique, which analyses the distribution of each pixel which can happen because of shake or motion blur.

Software to fix out of focus images..

With its advanced algorithms, Easy Photo Unblur can not only fix out of focus images but also reverse blurring effects, censored texts, and Gaussian blur often put by selfie-editing apps. Moreover, along with focus correction, this focus software has other basic editing options for brightness, saturation, tint, etc. So you can fix all your photos in one go! Here are the steps you have to follow:

How to fix out of focus pictures: Step by Step

Add file

You will have first to download software and install it on your computer.

After opening the app, you should see an Add File option. Use this to open the image to be edited, or drag and drop the photo!

Add photo..

Select a preset

You will see Reduce Blurring option on the right side of the toolbar on top. Click on this to open the options.

The most important features here are the five presets – Light, Gentle, Soft, Medium and Strong. Select the one which most closely represents the blur level of the image. If your photo is highly out of focus, you will probably have to select Medium or Strong preset.

The program always gives a real-time preview of the final and has an undo button.

Select preset..

Change the finer settings

After you’ve chosen a preset, you have the option of making final touch-ups. You will see two options in the toolbar on the right – Smoothing Radius and Detail.

The smoothing Radius changes the level of smoothness applied over the photo. Increasing this value will cause the outlines and details of the image to blend in and smudge the details.

On the other hand, increasing Detail will increase the overall sharpness and structure of the photo, giving all the outlines a distinct look and thickness. You should keep these values the same, as they may look unnatural!

Change settings..

De-noising

Increasing sharpness can also bring out some background noise. Image focus software lets you correct this easily without using any other tool!

If you see noise in your image, adjust the sliders under the Denoise option in the toolbar on the right. You can clean up your photo by increasing the levels, although a very high value can minimize the details!

De-noising..

Making other adjustments

You will see an Image Correction option in the main toolbar. This contains options to change brightness, contrast, saturation, tint, and gamma. These will help you adjust the photo and make the final touch-ups!

There is also a Normalize Histogram feature available, which automatically fixes the exposure by correcting the highlights and shadows.

Making other adjustments..

Save the image

That’s it! After you click on Run, Run will apply all the changes, and you can then save the photo to your computer.

Result..

Easy Photo Unblur Easy Photo Unblur

Image Unblur Software fixes blurred photos, sharpen misfocused images, camera shake and removes motion blur. AI algorithms analyze your image to detect misfocused objects or motion blur pattern, applying a smart fix to deblur image instead of oversharpening the entire image.

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Video Tutorials

Features:

  • Advanced blind deconvolution for analyzing pixel distribution and correcting blur.
  • Can handle various blur types, including motion blur, lens blur, and Gaussian blur.
  • Offers basic editing options for brightness, saturation, tint, and gamma.
  • Includes a batch mode for processing multiple photos simultaneously.

Pros:

Effective at correcting out-of-focus photos, even those with complex backgrounds.

Can recover details from heavily blurred images.

User-friendly interface with clear instructions.

Cons:

Can introduce noise or artifacts with aggressive sharpening settings.

Might struggle with extremely blurry images.

Strengths & Drawbacks

👍 Strengths:
  • Simple and user-friendly: These programs are often designed for ease of use, making them ideal for beginners.
  • Fast and efficient: With a few clicks, you can potentially fix minor blurriness and enhance your photo.
  • Free options available: There are several free programs with basic sharpening features.

🤔 Things to Consider:

  • Potential quality loss: Aggressive sharpening can introduce artifacts or noise to your image.
🌟 It is a suitable Choice for:
  • Quick fixes on blurry pictures: If you have a minorly out-of-focus picture, these programs can offer a quick and easy solution.
  • Beginners who want a simple solution: Their user-friendly interface makes them ideal for those new to photo editing.
However, if you:
  • Want to unblur photos with complex backgrounds: These programs might struggle with backgrounds that have intricate details.

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When evaluating software for out-of-focus photo fix, prioritize algorithms that effectively address blurriness while preserving image details. Consider the software's ability to handle various blur types (e.g., motion blur, lens blur) and its compatibility with different image formats. Additionally, assess the software's user interface and its efficiency in processing large image files.

Paul

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Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a comprehensive photo editing software that incorporates a robust deblurring tool. This tool utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze and correct blurriness within images, offering a range of adjustable parameters for precise control over the deblurring process. In addition to its deblurring capabilities, Lightroom provides a comprehensive suite of editing tools for tasks such as cropping, exposure adjustment, color correction, and more, making it a versatile solution for photographers seeking to enhance their images.

How to use Lightroom?

If you already use Lightroom for photo editing, it can be easier to fix blurry image there. You won’t have to download another program since Lightroom has a great unblurring tool built in!

Open the Develop panel

The first thing to do is to open the photo you want to correct. You should see it selected from the tiny strip of photos at the bottom.

Next, click on the Develop option from the menu on top, and open the Details section on the right side.

Lightroom..

Adjust the settings

Under the Details tab, you will have four options available; Amount, Radius, Detail, and Masking.

Amount controls the level of overall sharpness in your photo. Increasing this will give the outlines and edges some definition. Usually, a level of around fifty or sixty works well!

It would help if you zoomed in a bit to see how the changes affect your photo.

Radius refers to the thickness of the details. You can think of it as the size of the sharpness added. A very high radius will make the outlines in your image too bold. So, it is better to keep this around 1 or 2, especially for landscape shots with many small details.

Detail controls the finer texture of the image; things like grass, trees and other small details. Increasing this a lot will also increase noise!

Adjust the settings..

Use the Masking slider if needed

It is useful to ensure that adding sharpness does not add unwanted noise!

The masking tool limits the effect of fixing only to areas with strong and clear edges. For example, if you keep this at 100, the deblur effect will be applied only to the parts of the photo which are already highly detailed.

This will help you preserve out of focus backgrounds in portraits and prevent noise from being added in clear areas like the sky.

Use this control to balance adding sharpness and maintaining purposely blurred backgrounds.

Use Masking slider..

Save image

You’re done! If you compare the original with the edited version, you will see how Lightroom has brought back many details in focus and given you a sharper image.

Result in Lightroom..

Features:

  • Deblurring tool with adjustable Amount, Radius, Detail, and Masking settings.
  • Can be used for basic editing tasks like cropping, exposure adjustment, and color correction.
  • Offers a non-destructive workflow, allowing you to edit photos without permanently altering the original image.

Pros:

Integrated with other Adobe software, making it part of a comprehensive photo editing workflow.

Offers a good balance of deblurring capabilities and ease of use.

Can be used for various photo editing tasks beyond deblurring.

Cons:

Might not be as powerful as dedicated deblurring software for extremely blurry images.

Can be complex for beginners due to its extensive feature set.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop, a professional-grade photo editing software, offers a powerful arsenal of tools for manipulating and enhancing images, including advanced deblurring capabilities. Photoshop's Smart Sharpen tool utilizes sophisticated algorithms to analyze and correct blurriness, providing users with precise control over the deblurring process through adjustable parameters. Furthermore, Photoshop's extensive library of editing tools and filters enables photographers to achieve a wide range of creative effects and fine-tune their images to perfection.

While Lightroom has simple sliders for adding sharpness, Photoshop has a few more options. And since its algorithms are advanced, you can expect even better results!
We’ll learn about the Smart Sharpen option in Photoshop because it allows you to preserve the original image and blend it with the sharpened version later.

How use Photoshop?

Convert layer into a Smart object

Once your image is open in Photoshop, you have to convert it into a smart object.

Click on the Layers panel, where you will see the original file as Background layer. Click on the Menu icon in the right corner, and click Convert to Smart Object.

Convert Smart object..

Open Filter > Smart Sharpen

A window will appear with different settings which you can adjust. Make sure that you make this window bigger to get a bigger preview of how the settings affect your photo.

Open Smart Sharpen..

Set Remove to Lens Blur

The last option of the Smart Sharpen window is Remove. Click on this and select Lens Blur.

This mode helps Photoshop identify focused and unfocused pixels to edit them accordingly. You can also try the Motion Blur option if your subject is not exactly out-of-focus but moving.

Set Lens Blur..

Adding sharpness and details

Now, you can change the sliders for Amount, Radius, and Noise Reduction. By increasing the amount of sharpness and radius in small increments, you will be able to get a natural-looking result.

In most cases, Amount at 300 and a radius of 1 or 2 works well. It would help if you did not increase the radius for landscape shots to more than 1 because it will make small details like trees and grass very thick.

You can also bring in some noise reduction using the Reduce Noise slider. Try to get a balance between sharpness and low noise levels.

Adding sharpness and details..

Blend mode

Go to the Layers panel again, where you created the smart object. At the bottom of the layer, you will see an icon for blending. Click on this and select Luminosity.

By setting the blend mode to Luminosity, you tell Photoshop to deblur only the pixels without affecting the color or changing the saturation.

When the image is ready, click OK to close the tool window and save the photo!

Blend mode..

Features:

  • Smart Sharpen tool with adjustable Amount, Radius, Noise Reduction, and Remove settings.
  • Can handle various blur types and offers precise control over the deblurring process.
  • Offers a wide range of editing tools and filters for advanced photo manipulation.

Pros:

Provides the most control and flexibility for deblurring photos.

Suitable for professional photographers and those with advanced photo editing skills.

Can handle complex deblurring tasks and produce high-quality results.

Cons:

Can be complex and time-consuming for beginners.

Requires a steep learning curve to master its full capabilities.

Topaz Infocus

Topaz Infocus..

Topaz Infocus is a website with actually a bunch of different tools. The Topaz AI is one such program!
AI can differentiate between blurriness caused by motion, blurriness caused by missed focus or small depth of field, and softness of small details like eyes and hair.
Therefore, it can be adapted to suit your exact image, giving you very natural results!
Once you select the type of blur in the photo, you can select whether that blur is normal or high.
This information will prepare the program for the type of out of focus image correction it needs to apply so that when you finally adjust the Remove Blur slider, the processing is as per the photo!

Features:

  • Can differentiate between various blur types and adjust the deblurring process accordingly.
  • Offers precise control over the deblurring process with adjustable settings.
  • Can be used for both photo and video deblurring.

Pros:

Provides accurate and natural-looking results.

Can handle challenging deblurring tasks.

Offers advanced features for fine-tuning the deblurring process.

Cons:

Can be more expensive than other options.

Might require more technical knowledge to use effectively.

Beginner-Friendly Deblurring Software

For users who prioritize ease of use and quick results:

Raw.Pics and LunaPic: These online tools offer a user-friendly experience for beginners seeking to quickly fix minor blurriness in their photos. With their intuitive interfaces and straightforward deblurring features, Raw.Pics and LunaPic allow users to easily enhance their images without the need for extensive technical knowledge. These tools are ideal for those who want to quickly improve the quality of their photos without investing significant time or effort.

How good are online free tools?

If you need access to your laptop or want to correct out-of-focus images without special software, you can try these online websites. By simply uploading your photo and adjusting sharpness, you can create and download a sharper version online!

Raw.Pics

Raw.Pics is a user-friendly online focus photo editor that offers a simple yet effective deblurring tool. With its intuitive interface, users can easily upload their images and apply the deblurring tool to enhance focus and clarity. Also provides additional editing features such as converting RAW images to JPEG and adjusting exposure, contrast, and color, making it a convenient solution for those seeking quick and easy photo enhancements.

How to use Raw.Pics

Open Raw.pics.io or use the link above, and click on Start.

Online..

Upload the photo you want to edit.

Upload the photo..

Select the Edit option from the toolbar on the right side. Click on the Sharpen option under it.

Sharpen photo online..

Adjust the sharpness level and download the final photo.

Features:

  • Basic sharpness slider for adjusting focus.
  • Can convert RAW images to JPEG.
  • Offers additional editing tools for exposure, contrast, and color adjustments.

Pros:

Easy to use with a straightforward interface.

Free online tool, making it accessible without installation.

Can be a quick solution for minor blurriness.

Cons:

Limited features compared to dedicated software.

Might not be suitable for severe blurriness.

LunaPic

LunaPic is a versatile online photo editor that incorporates a focus adjustment tool for correcting blurriness. Users can easily upload their images to LunaPic and utilize the focus adjustment slider to enhance clarity and definition. Also offers a wide range of other editing features, including color correction, effects, and text, making it a comprehensive tool for those seeking to enhance and modify their photos.

How to use LunaPic

It even allows you to adjust the sharpness in negative, which means giving a bokeh look and creating an out of focus background!

Open the LunaPic website.

Open website..

Upload the photo you want to edit.

Upload..

Open the Adjust section from the list of options on top, and select Adjust Focus, the fourth option in the section.

Adjust section..

Adjust the focus slider as per your requirement and save!

Save result..

Features:

  • Adjustable focus slider for controlling blurriness.
  • Can also be used to create a bokeh effect by intentionally blurring the background.
  • Offers a variety of other editing tools for color correction, effects, and text.

Pros:

Free and easy to use online tool.

Can be used for both fixing blurriness and creating artistic effects.

Offers a wide range of editing features beyond deblurring.

Cons:

Might not be as powerful as dedicated software for advanced deblurring tasks.

Can be slower than desktop software due to online processing.

One more specialized app

Apart from special programs like Easy Photo Unblur, Lightroom, and Photoshop, there are other apps that you can try out on your computer. These programs are also specially designed for reversing blur using deconvolution algorithms instead of simply adding sharpening!

Focus Magic

Focus Magic..

Focus Magic is a specialized deblurring software that employs advanced algorithms to effectively correct blurriness in images. By analyzing the pixel distribution and identifying the blur patterns, Focus Magic can restore clarity and detail to images that have been compromised by camera shake, motion blur, or other factors. Focus Magic is particularly effective in recovering details from severely blurred images, making it a valuable tool for photographers seeking to salvage their photos.

Motion blur is the apparent streaking of moving objects in a photograph or a sequence of frames, such as a film or animation. It results when the image being recorded changes during the recording of a single exposure, due to rapid movement or long exposure.

Features:

  • Can handle various blur types, including camera shake and motion blur.
  • Can recover details from heavily blurred images, such as license plates in photos of moving cars.
  • Offers a user-friendly interface with clear instructions.

Pros:

Effective at recovering details from severely blurred images.

Can be used for challenging deblurring tasks.

Provides accurate results without introducing excessive noise or artifacts.

Cons:

Might be more expensive than other options.

Requires installation and might not be as accessible as online tools.

Choose the Right Tool for Your Needs

  • Paid vs. Free: If you're on a budget, Raw.Pics and LunaPic offer free options with basic features. However, for advanced deblurring and more features, paid software, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Topaz Infocus might be better investments.
  • Ease of Use: Raw.Pics and LunaPic are generally easier to use for beginners, while Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop require more technical knowledge.
  • Features: If you need precise control over deblurring, advanced tools like Easy Photo Unblur and Photoshop are better choices. Topaz Infocus excels at differentiating between blur types and recovering details from heavily blurred images.
  • Workflow: If you already use Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop for other photo editing tasks, integrating their deblurring tools might be more convenient.
  • Specific Needs: Consider your specific needs. If you need to recover details from severely blurred images, Focus Magic might be the best option. For those who want to create bokeh effects, LunaPic offers that functionality.
Ultimately, the best software for you depends on your budget, technical expertise, and specific requirements.
Software NamePriceKey FeaturesBest for
Easy Photo Unblur$59.95Advanced deblurring algorithms, handles various blur types, basic editing options, batch modeProfessionals and enthusiasts seeking precise control
Adobe Lightroom$9.99/monthDeblurring tool with adjustable Amount, Radius, Detail, and Masking settings, part of a comprehensive photo editing suite, non-destructive workflowPhotographers who use Lightroom for other editing tasks
Adobe Photoshop$20.99/monthSmart Sharpen tool with adjustable Amount, Radius, Noise Reduction, and Remove settings, extensive editing tools and filters, can handle complex deblurring tasksProfessional photographers and those with advanced photo editing skills
Topaz Infocus$79.99AI-powered deblurring that differentiates between motion blur, missed focus, and small detail softness, precise control over deblurring process, can be used for photo and video deblurringPhotographers who want accurate and natural-looking results
Raw.PicsFreeBasic sharpness slider, RAW image conversion, additional editing tools, supports common image formats (JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF)Beginners who want a quick and easy solution
LunaPicFreeAdjustable focus slider, can create bokeh effect, various editing tools, supports a wide range of image formats, including RAW filesBeginners seeking a free and easy online tool
Focus Magic$29.95Advanced algorithms for detail recovery, handles severe blur, can recover details from heavily blurred images like license plates in photos of moving carsPhotographers who need to recover details from heavily blurred images

Easy Photo Unblur Easy Photo Unblur
Explore various methods to enhance the focus of your out-of-focus images, from simple editing tricks to advanced software tools.
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🙋Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, allows you to process multiple photos simultaneously using its batch processing feature, saving you time and effort.

Yes, program provides a range of presets (Light, Gentle, Soft, Medium, and Strong) to suit different levels of blur. Additionally, you can fine-tune the deblurring process by adjusting parameters like smoothing radius and detail.

Yes, the Smart Sharpen tool in Adobe Photoshop offers several customizable settings, including Amount, Radius, and Noise Reduction, allowing you to fine-tune the deblurring process based on your specific image.

By converting your image into a Smart Object before applying the Smart Sharpen filter, you can non-destructively edit your image and easily adjust the deblurring settings later.

Blind deconvolution is a technique that analyzes the distribution of pixels to determine the original image, making it effective for correcting various blur types. Other techniques, like simple sharpening, may introduce artifacts or noise.