# Adjust backdrop blur and dimming

Blur softens picture detail; Dim darkens the backdrop so app icons and names can stand out.

Last updated 26 October 2026

## Follow these steps

1. Open Settings › Grid › Background.

1. Select a background type with the relevant controls.

1. Adjust Blur while checking fine detail behind labels.

1. Adjust Dim and compare both bright and dark areas of the page.

## What to expect

The background changes while the icon arrangement remains in place. Blur and dimming solve different visibility problems and can be useful together.

A highly detailed image can remain distracting even when it is dark. Conversely, a smooth but bright image may need dimming more than additional softness. Test the combination on the actual display you use.

## If the result is different

If text still blends in, compare a solid color and larger labels. If a control is absent, check the selected background type. Page-edge fading and opening animation are separate effects and are not controlled by backdrop blur.

For the broader walkthrough, read [change the look of cubbypad](https://cubbypad.com/guides/customize/).

## Related answers.

[### Fix a background picture that could not be copied

Choose another readable image when CubbyPad reports that it could not copy a selected background picture.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/picture-copy-failed/)[### Change the system icon style used by CubbyPad

The Icon style row links to the macOS appearance setting for Default, Dark, Clear or Tinted app icons.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/system-icon-style/)[### Enable the Dot icon pack

Choose Dot under Grid › Icon Pack to draw apps in a lit-dot style inside CubbyPad.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/dot-icon-pack/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/help/background-blur-dim/