# Layer and Background Blur

> Apply blur to a layer’s own content or to everything behind it. Layer blur and Background blur both come in Uniform, Linear Progressive, and Radial Progressive styles.

**URL:** https://www.sketch.com/docs/symbols-and-styles/styling/effects/layer-and-background/ | **Last updated:** 2026-04-07

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Layer blur softens the layer’s own content, and Background blur, blurs what’s behind it. Both come in three styles — Uniform, Linear Progressive, and Radial Progressive — so you can control not just the intensity, but the shape and direction of the blur.

## Layer blur

Layer blur applies a blur to the layer’s content — useful for creating soft, out-of-focus effects or adding visual depth.

To apply it, click next to **Effects** in the Inspector and choose **Layer Blur**. Then click the icon next to its name to open the blur panel and use the blur slider or input field to set the intensity. [See Blur styles](#blur-styles) for details on each style options.

## Background blur

Background blur replicates the blurs behind overlays and panes in macOS and iOS. Unlike Layer blur, it doesn’t affect the layer itself — it blurs everything behind it.

To apply it, click next to **Effects** in the Inspector and choose **Background Blur**. Then click the icon next to its name to open the blur panel, where you can adjust two settings:

- **Blur:** use the slider or input field to set the blur intensity.
- **Saturation:** adjusts the vibrancy of the blurred content. Reducing it desaturates, and increasing it makes colors more vivid. Double-click the slider to reset it to its default value.

> **Note:** If you have any fill styles on this layer, they’ll need to be transparent to see the blur. A transparent color fill is also a great way to tint it.

## Blur styles

Both effects come in three styles: Uniform, Linear Progressive, and Radial Progressive.

- **Uniform Blur** : affects the entire layer. You can control the intensity of the blur using the slider, or the input field in the panel.

- **Linear Progressive Blur** : the blur increases (or decreases) gradually across the layer. Click the effect name in the Inspector to show the stops on the canvas — drag them to adjust the direction, or click along the line to add new stops.
Use to invert the blur and to rotate its direction by 90°.

![An image showing Linear Progressive blur applied to a layer](https://cdn.sketch.com/docs/styling/layer-blur-linear.jpg)
*Fade blur gradually across a layer by dragging the stops on the canvas*

- **Radial Progressive Blur** : the blur radiates outward from a central point. Click the effect name in the Inspector to show the stops on the canvas — drag them to adjust the size and position, or click along the line to add new stops.
Use to invert the blur and to rotate its direction by 90°.