ImageToSVG

How to Apply SVG Blur Filter — feGaussianBlur Guide

SVG feGaussianBlur adds soft blur effects to shapes, images, and text — use for glow effects, shadows, and depth-of-field simulations.

Preset:
Colors:
VTracer vectorization + SVGO optimizationPrivacy protected

SVG feGaussianBlur Syntax

Define a `<filter>` containing `<feGaussianBlur>` in `<defs>`. Apply with `filter='url(#blurId)'` on any element. The `stdDeviation` attribute controls blur radius — higher values produce softer blur.

  • <filter id='blur'><feGaussianBlur stdDeviation='5'/></filter>
  • Apply: <rect filter='url(#blur)' .../>
  • stdDeviation='5 10' for different x and y blur amounts

SVG Glow Effect with feGaussianBlur

Create a glow by blurring a duplicate of the shape behind the original. Use `<feMerge>` to composite the blurred and original layers: blurred layer first (glow), original on top (sharp).

  • Merge: <feMerge><feMergeNode in='blur'/><feMergeNode in='SourceGraphic'/></feMerge>
  • Blur stdDeviation 3–8 for subtle to strong glow
  • Adjust blur color with feColorMatrix before merging

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a drop shadow using SVG blur filter?

Use feDropShadow shorthand: <feDropShadow dx='2' dy='4' stdDeviation='3' flood-color='rgba(0,0,0,0.5)'/>. Or combine feOffset + feGaussianBlur + feMerge for full control.

Is SVG blur filter better than CSS filter blur?

CSS filter: blur() is simpler and GPU-accelerated. SVG feGaussianBlur offers more pipeline control (composite, color adjustments). For simple blurs, use CSS.

Related guides

Ready to Convert Your Image to SVG?

Free online converter — no sign-up, no watermarks, results in under 3 seconds.

Try It Free — Convert Image to SVG