# Motion and Zoom Blur

> Motion blur blurs a layer in one direction to imply movement. Zoom blur radiates outward from a point to create a zoom or focus effect.

**URL:** https://www.sketch.com/docs/symbols-and-styles/styling/effects/motion-and-zoom/ | **Last updated:** 2026-04-07

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Motion blur and Zoom blur share a single panel with a toggle to switch between both — Motion blur streaks in one direction, and Zoom blur radiates outward from a point.

## Motion blur

Motion blur streaks a layer in one direction to imply movement — useful for conveying speed, a swiping gesture, or an animation frame.

To apply it, click next to **Effects** in the Inspector and choose **Motion & Zoom Blur**. Then click the icon next to its name to open the panel and select **Motion**.

The effect has two controls:

- **Blur:** sets the intensity. Use the slider or input field to adjust it.
- **Angle:** sets the direction in degrees. An angle of 0° blurs horizontally to the left. Increasing the value rotates the direction clockwise. Double-click the slider to reset it to its default.

## Zoom blur

Zoom blur spreads a layer outward from a single point, creating the impression of zooming into or out of it — useful for focus effects or drawing attention to a specific area.

To apply it, click next to **Effects** in the Inspector and choose **Motion & Zoom Blur**. Then click the icon next to its name to open the panel and select **Zoom**.

The effect has two controls:

- **Blur:** sets the intensity. Use the slider or input field to adjust it.
- Drag the center point on the canvas to reposition where the blur radiates from.