MZSoft Studio
How to Choose Blur Strength When Redacting Photos
PrivShot has three strengths: Light, Medium (default) and Strong. Use Strong for faces that must not be recognised and for small subjects. Set a default in Settings, and change the strength per manual mark in the editor.
The problem
You blurred a face, and it looks blurred. You post it. But “looks blurred” and “can’t be recognised” are different tests. A light blur on a clear, well-lit face can leave the outline, hair and skin tone, which is enough for a friend, a colleague or a stalker to know who it is. The risk is highest for faces you know well and for photos that will be seen by people who know the subject.
What PrivShot gives you
Three levels, deliberately kept simple:
| Strength | Mosaic (cells across a face) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | about 7 | Casual shots where recognition isn’t a concern |
| Medium (default) | about 5 | Everyday sharing |
| Strong | about 3 | Anyone who must not be identified |
Blur gets heavier in the same steps. Edges are also padded and feathered so the cover extends past the face rather than stopping at its outline.
How to do it
- For your everyday default, set Strength in Settings → Default redaction.
- In the editor, check the result. For one-offs, switch to Manual and set the strength for new marks there.
- Zoom in on the area and look as a stranger and as a friend would.
- If you recognise the person (or can read a digit), raise the strength and save a new copy.
Rules of thumb
- Faces and numbers: go strong. Over-blurring costs you a bit of aesthetics; under-blurring costs you privacy.
- Check at full size, not on the thumbnail.
- Set the strength before importing a batch so every photo matches.
- Reduce regret: keep your original; you can always make another copy.
When strength isn’t the issue
If someone can identify the person from clothing, a tattoo, the location or the context, a stronger blur on the face won’t help. Think about what else is in the frame.
FAQ
How many strength levels are there? Three: Light, Medium and Strong. Medium is the default.
Where do I set the default? In Settings under Default redaction. Manual marks in the editor have their own Style and Strength choice.
Do small faces need more? PrivShot scales mosaic cells to each face, so small faces still get real cells. Even so, use Strong for anyone who must not be identified, and check by zooming in.