All image tools
Special Effects
Special Effects has one tool for now, Dreamy Effect. It brightens the photo by about 12%, lowers saturation and contrast slightly, adds a light blur that the slider controls, and washes the edges with a pale pink glow. The result resembles a soft-focus filter on a portrait lens. The list below points to related effects in other categories.
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Dreamy Effect and similar looks
- Dreamy Effect: The soft, faded, bright look in one step. The slider sets the amount of blur; the color changes and edge glow stay the same.
- Glow: Adds a bright halo around highlights while keeping colors strong, for a punchier result than Dreamy Effect.
- Blur Frame: Softens only the border and keeps the middle of the photo sharp.
- Vignette: Darkens the corners instead of lightening them, which pulls the eye to the center.
- Lens Blur: Keeps your subject sharp inside a circle and blurs the background, which Dreamy Effect does not do.
- Film Grain: Run it after Dreamy Effect for the look of a faded film print.
- Sepia Tone: A warm brown tone for an old-photo look rather than a soft one.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Dreamy Effect slider change?
Only the amount of blur, from none to a soft haze. The brightening, softer contrast, lower saturation, and pink edge glow are applied at the same strength every time.
How do I keep a face sharp with a dreamy look?
Dreamy Effect blurs the whole frame evenly. Keep the slider low, or run Lens Blur first with the focus on the face, then apply Dreamy Effect at a low amount for the color and glow.
Does it work on black-and-white photos?
Yes. The brightening, blur, and contrast change all apply. The pink edge glow adds a faint warm tint to a gray picture, so run Grayscale afterwards if you want it fully neutral.
Something else? Write to us.