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How-to GuidePhoto editing≈ 1 minute · no install

How to Pixelate a Face (or Plate) in a Photo

Before you publish a crowd shot, a street photo or an evidence image, the faces and plates need hiding. Pixelation is the recognised “this is redacted” signal — clearer intent than a soft blur. Here is how to apply it fast, privately.

The short version

Follow the steps below with the free Pixelate Image tool — it runs entirely in your browser, needs no upload, account or watermark, and finishes in about a minute.

Step by step

1
Load the photo

Bring in the image to redact.

2
Set the block size

Larger mosaic blocks hide more; go big enough that identity is unrecoverable.

3
Cover the right areas

This pixelates globally — for one region, mask or crop the area, or blur/pixelate just that crop.

4
Export

Baked at full resolution so the redaction cannot be undone.

Open the Pixelate Image toolFree · unlimited · runs in your browser

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Make blocks big enough — a faint pixelated face can sometimes be reconstructed.
  • Bake the redaction into a flattened JPG/PNG; do not ship a layered file.
  • For multiple small faces, crop each, pixelate, and paste back.

Related guides

How to Blur an Image BackgroundHow-to guideHow to Remove GPS Location from a PhotoHow-to guideHow to Sharpen a Blurry or Soft PhotoHow-to guide

Frequently asked questions

Is pixelating enough to protect identity?
With large blocks, yes — mild mosaic over a clear face can be reversed by tools; go strong.
Can pixelation be undone?
Heavy pixelation loses the original data and cannot truly be reversed; light pixelation can sometimes be softened.
Blur or pixelate for privacy?
Pixelate signals deliberate redaction; blur looks like depth. For consent/privacy, pixelate.