Premiere Pro : How to Blur Part of Video

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to blur part of a video using Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019. Blurring specific areas of a video can be useful for various reasons, such as protecting sensitive information, focusing attention, or creating artistic effects. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to achieve this effect effectively.

Step 1: Import Your Video

• Open Adobe Premiere Pro and create a new project or open an existing one.
• Import the video footage you want to edit by:
  • Clicking on "File" in the menu bar.
  • Selecting "Import" and choosing your video file from the directory.
• Drag the imported video file onto the timeline.

Step 2: Duplicate the Video Layer

• In the timeline, right-click on your video layer.
• Select "Duplicate" from the context menu. This will create a copy of your original video layer directly above it.
• You will work with the top layer to apply the blur effect.

Step 3: Apply the Gaussian Blur Effect

• Navigate to the "Effects" panel, which is usually on the right side of the screen.
• In the search bar of the "Effects" panel, type "Gaussian Blur."
• Drag the Gaussian Blur effect onto the duplicated video layer in the timeline.

Step 4: Set the Blur Amount

• With the duplicated layer selected, go to the "Effect Controls" panel.
• Locate the Gaussian Blur effect.
• Adjust the "Blurriness" slider to your desired level of blur. A higher value will result in a more pronounced blur effect.

Step 5: Create a Mask for the Blurred Area

• Still in the "Effect Controls" panel, find the "Mask" options under the Gaussian Blur settings.
• Choose a masking shape (e.g., "Ellipse" or "Rectangle") by clicking on the corresponding icon.
• Click and drag on the video to draw the mask around the area you want to blur. Adjust the mask's position and size as necessary.

Step 6: Refine the Mask

• After creating the mask, you may want to refine its edges for a smoother look.
• Adjust the "Mask Feather" setting to soften the edges of the mask.
• You can also tweak the "Mask Opacity" if needed to blend the blur effect more naturally.

Step 7: Animate the Mask (Optional)

• If the subject in the video moves, you may need to animate the mask.
• In the "Effect Controls" panel, click on the stopwatch icon next to "Mask Path" to set keyframes.
• Move through the timeline and adjust the mask position as needed to follow the moving subject.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively blur any part of your video in Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019. This technique is valuable for enhancing privacy, focusing viewer attention, or achieving creative visual effects. Experiment with different blur levels and mask shapes to find the best look for your project. Happy editing!