Before sharing ID card photos, chat screenshots, or shipping labels, the most important step is blurring. Numbers, faces, addresses — once leaked, the damage can be serious. An image blur tool hides exactly what you don't want seen.
This guide covers how to use online blur tools, and when to pick mosaic vs. solid overlay.
Two ways to blur
Online tools generally offer two methods:
- Mosaic/pixelate: covers the area with pixel blocks — good for faces and backgrounds
- Solid overlay: fully covers with a black/white bar or color block — best for numbers and text
The difference: mosaic keeps a rough outline, solid overlay hides completely. For ID and phone numbers, choose solid overlay.
Blur quickly online
Use the PixelForge Mosaic & Privacy Tool:
- Upload the image
- Choose mosaic or solid overlay
- Brush over the areas to hide (intensity is adjustable)
- Export
It covers faces, ID cards, phone numbers, addresses and more — all processed locally in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Blur by scenario
ID cards
Cover the ID number, name, address and photo. Numbers get solid overlay, the face can be mosaiced — don't forget the issue date and authority.
Chat screenshots
Blur the other party's avatar, nickname and phone number. Keep only the conversation — privacy preserved, point still made.
Screenshots & shipping labels
Cover the delivery address, phone and order number. Use screenshot mosaic — far faster than photo-editing software.
Common mistakes
- Blurring only one spot: one image may hold several sensitive items — covering one isn't enough
- Mosaic intensity too low: tiny pixel blocks can be partially reconstructed; use solid overlay for key data
- Small text in the background: corner watermarks and barcodes get missed