Blur a Face, Object, or Text With a Duplicate Clip
To blur part of a video in CapCut PC, place a copied version of your clip above the original, apply a blur effect to the top clip, then use a mask to limit the blur to one area. If the subject moves, add keyframes to move the mask along with it.
This method works for a face, license plate, item, or text you need to hide. The original clip stays visible underneath, while only the masked area of the blurred top clip appears in your video.
Video Tutorial
Copy and Stack the Video Clip
You need two copies of the same clip aligned on top of each other. The lower clip remains normal. The upper clip receives the blur effect and mask.
- Select the video clip you want to edit in the timeline.
- Right-click the clip and select Copy.
- Right-click a blank area of the timeline and select Paste.
- Drag the pasted clip so it sits directly above the original clip.
- Line up both clips so they start and end at the same points.
Check that the copied clip is on the upper track before continuing. If the clips are not aligned, the blurred area may not match the footage underneath.
Add the Blur Effect to the Top Clip
Select the upper clip, since this is the copy that will be blurred. You can then apply CapCut’s blur effect to that clip.
- Select the copied clip on the top track.
- Open Effects.
- Search for Blur.
- Select the Blur effect.
- Drag the effect down onto the top clip.
At this point, the whole upper clip will look blurred. That is expected. The mask in the next section restricts the blur so only the selected part of the video is covered.
If the person or object only appears during part of the clip, shorten the blur effect in the timeline. Drag its beginning to where the subject enters the frame and drag its end to where the subject leaves. You can leave it across the full clip if the area needs to stay blurred for the entire video.
Use a Mask to Blur Only One Area
Now create a mask on the blurred top clip. The mask determines which portion of that top clip is visible, so the area inside the mask becomes blurred while the rest of the video remains clear.
- Keep the upper video clip selected.
- Open Video.
- Select Mask.
- Select Add mask.
- Choose a mask shape that fits the subject. A Circle can work for a face, while a Rectangle can work for text, an object, or a license plate.
- Drag and resize the mask in the preview until it covers the area you want to hide.
For example, if you are blurring a face, place the mask over the face and make it large enough to cover it fully. Avoid making the mask much larger than needed, since that can hide nearby details you want viewers to see.
Track a Moving Subject With Keyframes
A mask does not automatically stay on a moving subject. If the face, object, or text moves through the frame, use keyframes to update the mask position as the clip plays.
- Place the playhead at the first point where the mask is correctly positioned over the subject.
- In the mask settings, scroll down to Position.
- Add a keyframe to save the current mask position.
- Move the playhead forward until the subject has changed position.
- Drag the mask over the subject again.
- Confirm that CapCut added a new keyframe for the changed position.
- Continue moving forward and repositioning the mask whenever the subject moves away from it.
Each keyframe tells CapCut where the mask should be at that point in time. Between those points, the mask moves with the subject. Use more keyframes when the subject changes direction or moves quickly. Use fewer keyframes when it stays relatively still.
Preview the Blur Before Exporting
Play the edited section from the beginning and watch the blurred area closely. Make sure the mask stays over the face, license plate, object, or text for the full duration. If it slips off the subject, stop at that point, move the mask back into place, and continue adding position keyframes as needed.
Also check the start and end of the blur effect if you shortened it earlier. The blur should begin when the sensitive detail enters the frame and end after it is gone. Once the preview looks right, you can export the video from CapCut PC.
More CapCut Tips & Tutorials:
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