Tilt Shift Effect Tutorial in Paint.NET

Here is the easy way to create a tilt-shift effect in Paint.NET using the Gaussian Blur, the Gradient tool, and the Hue/Saturation adjustments. We'll begin by duplicating the image layer, apply the Gaussian Blur to the duplicate layer, draw a gradient and then adjust saturation using the Hue/Saturation adjustments. Let's get started!

Final result.

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Step 1: Open Image

Go to File>Open... command in the top menu or else just press Ctrl+O to open your image. The Open dialog appears, allowing you to navigate to the file and click on its name. Use the Navigation pane on the left to navigate to a location on your computer where you have your images. Click the image you want to open, then click the Open button. 

The opened image displayed in the Editing Window. For this Paint.NET tutorial, I'll use this image, 354609, downloaded from Pixabay.

Step 2: Duplicate Layer

Choose Layers>Duplicate Layer or else just press Ctrl+Shift+D. In the Layers window, a duplicate layer with the default name of Background appears above the original Background layer.

Step 3: Apply Gaussian Blur

Apply Gaussian Blur effect to the duplicate layer. Select the duplicate layer in the Layers Window. Choose Effects>Blur>Gaussian blur. The Gaussian Blur dialog appears. Drag the Radius slider to alter how wide and strong the effect you want to apply.

Step 4: Draw a Gradient

Now fade out part of the image using the Gradient tool. Grab the Gradient tool in the Tools Window. 

In the Options Bar, choose Linear (Reflected) and Transparency Mode. 

Draw a transparent gradient, right-click and drag on the canvas from bottom to top.

Step 5: Apply Hue/Saturation

Change the saturation of the colors in the image using the Hue/Saturation adjustments. Choose Adjustments>Hue/Saturation or else just press Ctrl+Shift+U. The Hue/Saturation dialog appears. Drag the Saturation slider slightly to the right until you are satisfied with the miniature effect.

There you have it! Tilt-Shift Effect in Paint.NET.

Step 6: Save Your Document

Choose File>Save command in the top menu or else just press Ctrl+S to save your project file. The Save As window appears. Navigate to the folder where you want to store your project file. Type a name in the File name text box and leave the default Paint.NET (*.pdn) format. Pdn is Paint.NET's native format and is useful because it stores everything about your image and will allow you to later edit your image in Paint.NET, in case you notice a problem. Click Save to store the project file.

Once you have finished, you will probably also want to export the image in a more widely used format, such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.

More on Paint.NET Tutorials:

• Add a Graphic Watermark to Images in Paint.NET
• Add a Text Watermark to Images in Paint NET
• Put An Image Inside Text in Paint.NET
• How to make graffiti with Paint.NET