What are the best photo editing apps for enhancing your iPhone photos? With so many apps to choose from, how do you know which ones to use? In this article, you’ll discover the 10 best photo editor apps for iPhone. And we’ll help you choose the right photo editing apps for your needs.
1. Snapseed
Best For: Everyday photo editing
- Huge range of editing tools, yet very easy to use
- Exposure, color, and sharpening adjustments
- Crop, rotate, straighten, and perspective correction
- Selective adjustments and healing tool
- Black & white, vintage, and texture filters
- Portrait enhancement, lens blur, and vignette
- Double exposure, frames, and text
- Price: FREE
Snapseed is one of the most popular iPhone photo editing apps.
Why?
Because it’s easy to use, even though it offers a powerful collection of editing tools. It’s also completely free to download and use!
This photo editor app is suitable for both beginners and experienced iPhone photographers.
With Snapseed, you can easily improve exposure, color, and sharpness. And you can crop, rotate and straighten images.
Selective tools and brushes allow you to edit just certain parts of your image. And the healing tool is great for removing objects from your photos.
The Portrait tool is perfect for creating flawless portrait photos with smooth skin and sparkling eyes.
Snapseed also has preset filters for creating different moods in your photos.
Filters make it easy to convert your photos to black and white or create a vintage look with textures.
If you’re new to iPhone photography, Snapseed should be the first photo editor app you download. With this app, you’ll be able to create stunning edits that will dramatically improve your images.
Snapseed is available for FREE from the App Store. Unlike many other photo editing apps, there are no extra in-app purchases to pay for.
Learn how to use this amazing app in our Snapseed photo editing tutorial.
2. VSCO
Best For: Creating beautiful edits with elegant filters
- Elegant one-tap presets and effects that create the look of classic film
- Adjustable filter strength
- 200+ filters to create different looks in your photos
- Editing tools for tweaking exposure, color, and sharpness
- Filters and editing tools can be used to edit videos
- Price: FREE (subscription fee for the full collection of filters and editing tools)
VSCO (pronounced visco) is another fantastic photo editing app. In fact, it’s one of the best photo filter apps for iPhone.
The vast collection of presets and effects allow you to create the look of classic film in your iPhone photos. They’re perfect for adding a vintage feel to your images.
Unlike other apps where the filters can be overpowering, VSCO filters are subtle. Many of them have a soft, faded look for beautifully understated edits.
You can adjust the strength of the filters to suit your taste. And you can fine-tune color and exposure using the editing tools.
You can also use the same filters and editing tools to edit videos on your iPhone.
VSCO is FREE to download from the App Store. It comes with 10 free filters and a set of photo editing tools.
You can access the full range of over 200 filters, as well as additional editing tools, by paying for the VSCO X membership.
Learn how to use VSCO with our in-depth tutorials:
VSCO App Tutorial: How To Shoot & Edit Beautiful iPhone Photos
How To Use VSCO Filters To Create Beautiful iPhone Photos
3. TouchRetouch
Best For: Removing unwanted objects from your photos
- Quickly remove unwanted objects for a cleaner composition
- Remove dust spots, wires, people, and other objects
- Remove blemishes and smooth out wrinkles in portrait photos
- Duplicate objects using the clone tool
- Price: $3.99
Many photoshop apps have tools for removing objects from a photo. But this is the sole purpose of TouchRetouch. And it’s still one of the easiest and most effective apps for removing unwanted elements from your photos.
Simply use your finger to highlight the object you want to remove… then watch the object disappear! The app automatically replaces the selected object with pixels from the surrounding area.
The Blemish Remover tool is perfect for creating flawless portrait photos.
And the Line Removal tool makes it easy to remove electricity cables from your image.
It might take a few attempts to remove complex elements. But TouchRetouch makes it easy to start over if you’re not happy with the results.
TouchRetouch is available for $3.99 on the App Store.
Click here for the ultimate guide to removing objects from your photos with TouchRetouch.
Or click here to discover more of the best photo retouch apps!
4. Carbon
Best For: Creating stunning black & white photos
- 58 one-tap black & white filters
- Adjustable filter strength
- Textures for creating vintage-style photos
- Light leaks and bokeh effects
- Subtle and artistic color effects
- Editing tools for adjusting light and color
- Price: FREE (in-app purchases for additional filters and tools)
Do you want to create beautiful black and white iPhone photos? Then Carbon is the perfect app for you.
With a single tap, you can turn a color photo into a stunning black and white image.
Carbon has 58 preset filters with different black and white effects. So you can always find a style to suit your photo.
The app has filters for creating unique vintage effects, such as grungy textures, grain, light leaks, and bokeh. You can also add different colors to your image – from subtle sepia tones to vibrant color effects.
In addition to the one-tap presets, Carbon has a set of editing tools for fine-tuning color and exposure. You can even create a painterly effect with the “Kuwahara” tool.
If you want to create gorgeous black and white photos, you can’t go wrong with Carbon. The tools are easy to use, and the results always look great.
Carbon is FREE to download from the App Store. But you’ll need to pay to access the full range of filters and effects.
5. Adobe Lightroom
Best For: Precise fine-tuning of color and exposure
- Powerful set of editing tools within a simple user interface
- One-tap presets for quick edits
- Selective adjustment tools for advanced editing
- Healing tool for removing unwanted objects
- Price: FREE (subscription fee for premium features)
Adobe Lightroom gives you a powerful, yet simple solution for editing your photos. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
The one-tap filter presets offer a quick and easy way to enhance your images. And the simple adjustment sliders let you tweak exposure, color, and detail.
But Lightroom offers much more than this. The advanced editing tools, including selective adjustments, give you ultimate control over your edits.
If you’re familiar with editing your photos on a computer using Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, you’ll feel right at home with this app.
Adobe Lightroom is FREE to download from the App Store. But you’ll need to pay to access the premium features, such as selective adjustments, perspective correction, and the healing tool.
6. Afterlight
Best For: All-purpose photo editing with additional creative options
- Exposure, color, and sharpening adjustments
- Advanced tools such as curves, selective color, gradients, and blend modes
- Dust and light leak overlays
- Preset filters by well-known mobile photographers
- Double-exposure tool for blending images
- Layers tool for adding text and artwork
- Price: FREE (subscription fee for premium features)
Afterlight is easy to use despite its comprehensive set of editing tools.
The app offers typical editing tools such as color, exposure, sharpness, and crop tools.
But it also has advanced tools, such as curves and selective color. These allow you to fine-tune the colors and tones in your photos to get the very best out of your images.
The filters and overlays in Afterlight are great for enhancing or changing the mood in your photos. The app has over 130 filters created by well-known mobile photographers.
The customizable text and artwork offer a fun way to add graphics to your images. And the double-exposure tool lets you create unique combinations of blended images.
If you want to get more creative with photo editing, Afterlight is an excellent place to start.
Afterlight is FREE to download from the App Store. But you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to access the full range of editing tools and filters.
Click here to learn how to create unique iPhone photo edits with Afterlight.
7. Mextures
Best For: Adding vintage textures and light leaks to photos
- Grit, grain, grunge, and vintage film textures
- Analog light leaks and beautiful gradients
- Stack and blend effects using layers
- Fine-tune images with editing tools and filters
- Use and create preset “formulas”
- Price: $1.99 (in-app purchases for additional effects)
Mextures is a fantastic app for applying textures to your iPhone photos. It also has a range of other effects including grain, light leaks, and gradients.
You can add wonderful mood and visual interest to your iPhone photos in Mextures. It’s easy to create unique edits by combining and blending different effects.
The app also has filters and editing tools for fine-tuning your image.
If you’re new to Mextures, you can start by using the wide range of preset “formulas” created by other photographers. You can even create and share your own formulas.
Mextures is available for $1.99 on the App Store. It comes with a wide range of effects, but you can purchase even more for a small fee.
Learn how to use Mextures to add wonderful textures to your iPhone photos.
8. Lens Distortions
Best For: Adding sunlight, lens flares, rain, snow, and fog effects
- Add beauty and drama to your shots with natural sunlight and lens flares
- Create atmosphere and drama with rain, snow, or fog
- Frame your subject or blur the edges with elegant glass textures
- Layer several different overlays for unique effects
- Adjust opacity, brightness, and color of each overlay
- Price: FREE (in-app purchases for additional effects)
There are many apps that add light and weather effects to your photos. But Lens Distortions is one of the best.
Its high-quality overlays include sunlight, lens flares, rain, snow, and fog. There are also shimmer effects and glass elements to add sparkle or blur to your image.
For a unique look, you can layer up different effects on your image.
Sliders let you adjust the opacity, brightness, contrast, and color of each overlay. You can make the elements stand out for a bold look, or tone them down so they blend in.
Lens Distortions is available for FREE from the App Store. The app comes with a basic collection of overlays. More effects are available as in-app purchases… and they’re definitely worth it!
9. Superimpose X
Best For: Creating unique digital art by combining and blending images
- Combine two or more photos to create a composite image
- Replace the background of a photo
- Create stunning double-exposure and fantasy-style images
- Blend textures onto an image for an arty look
- Add filters, blur, shadows, and other creative effects
- Variety of masking tools for selecting parts of an image
- Price: $4.99
Superimpose X is the perfect app for combining several photos into a single composite image.
It has a good choice of masking tools for selecting different kinds of subject. You just use your finger to select the area you want to remove.
You can adjust the blend mode and opacity of each layer to control how the images blend together.
Superimpose X has a wide range of tools for editing each layer. You can use filters, shadows, gradients, light effects, and more.
With Superimpose X, the creative possibilities are endless. Your imagination is the only limit!
Superimpose X is available for $4.99 on the App Store.
Click here to discover how to use Superimpose X to blend multiple iPhone photos.
10. Instagram
Best For: Enhancing your images right before you share them
- Good selection of color and black & white filters
- Exposure, color, and sharpening adjustments
- Crop, rotate, straighten, and perspective correction
- Vignette and tilt-shift effects
- Give your photos a final polish before sharing them on Instagram
- Price: FREE
Do you share your photos on Instagram? If so, you definitely shouldn’t overlook the editing tools in this app.
Instagram doesn’t have the same range of editing tools as apps like Snapseed. But if you only want to make basic adjustments, it may be all you need.
It has a good range of color and black and white filters for changing the look and feel of your image.
There’s also a handy set of editing tools. You can adjust exposure, color, and sharpness. There are options to crop, rotate, straighten, and correct perspective. And you can add a vignette or tilt-shift effect.
If you prefer to edit your photos in a different app, you can still apply an Instagram filter just before sharing.
Instagram is available for FREE from the App Store.
Check out our in-depth tutorial on Instagram Photo Editing.
Best Photo Editing Apps: How To Choose The Right Apps For You
You’ve discovered the 10 best photo editing apps… but how do you choose the right apps for you?
Read on and let us help you decide…
If you’re new to photo editing, the best photo editor app is Snapseed. That said, it has a wide range of editing tools, so it’s suitable for more advanced users too.
If you like the idea of using one-tap filters to create classic, understated edits, VSCO is a great choice.
And Carbon is perfect for creating beautiful black and white photos.
For more advanced editing tools, such as selective color and exposure adjustments, try Adobe Lightroom or Afterlight.
TouchRetouch is a great app to have in your collection. Use it whenever you want to remove unwanted objects from your iPhone photos.
Lens Distortions is fantastic for adding realistic sunlight, lens flares, rain, snow, and fog. These effects are great for adding beauty and drama to your landscape photos.
Do you enjoy getting creative with your edits? If so, Afterlight has a good selection of creative tools.
And Mextures is the best photo editing app for adding textures and light leaks.
If you want to create truly unique artwork, including fantasy-style images and double-exposures, try Superimpose X.
Do you share your photos on Instagram? Then why not use its filters and editing tools to give your images a final polish before sharing.
Mat says
Awesome post, Kate! I love using Snapseed and VSCO (thanks to your list last year). I think I’m going to try AfterFocus next. These lists are awesome!
Kate Wesson says
Glad to hear you find these lists helpful Mat! Have fun with AfterFocus, and do let us know how you get on with it 🙂
coran says
Hello Kate, this is Fotor, another photo editor. You can try it. We want to cooperate with you. Could you please send me email: coran@fotor.com
jamie oliver instagram says
I agree.
carlos9a says
Am I the only one who pronounces SKRWT as “screw it” or is that the actual way it’s meant to be said? 🙂 I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lens Distortions before. I’m going to certainly try it out. Thanks for this list!
Kate Wesson says
I do believe that is how you pronounce SKRWT! Lens Distortions is a really great app. We’d love to hear how you get on with it. Happy editing 🙂
Cyndi says
Is there an app that would let me take a image, copy it and place it side by side?
On my PC, I use Photoshop or Fireworks to do this.
David Rondeau says
You could use Leonardo, which has good layer functionality. Once you have the image as a layer, you can just duplicate it, move it, and repeat. In fact, I think Leonardo is the one app that I think should be on this list, but isn’t.
Paul Brown says
If you mean put a copy of an entire image next to itself (rather than overlaying an element within the same image) then something like Diptic should do the trick.
Cyndi says
Each of the old ladies is one image. I put an image on a canvas, in Adobe Fireworks on my computer, and then copy and paste it until I get five.
Katherine Laris says
Looking for an app that allows two images side by side, but juxtaposed. Like this:
eu says
photogrid!
maxiheat says
“pixilmaker ” is favorite if mine(I use an iPad mini though) as well as “you doodle pro”(which is more of an drawing app and the simplicity of it is what draws me to it) there is an app called toolwiz photos for android is there a similar app for iOS?
Mario says
I like this list, thank you.
I am looking for an app to handle noise in pictures, i hate take pictures at night or even with out enough ligth becose the noise. I m pretty sure that there is some app that can help me.
Kate Wesson says
Hi Mario. Cortex Cam is a great camera app for shooting in low light: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cortex-camera/id517488939?mt=8
Mario says
I will give it a try. Thanks Kate.
Bret Leduc says
Touchretouch was incredibly easy and took only 30 seconds of effort to remove the elements I wanted to remove. I highly recommend it!
Kate Wesson says
TouchRetouch is great isn’t it! Such a useful app 🙂
Steve Duffey says
Is TouchRetouch the same technology that is in HandyPhoto?
Kate Wesson says
Yes, I believe it does the same thing – although Handy Photo also offers other photo editing tools.
alegna says
Do any of these allow you to add text to the pic?
Austin says
Yes, Enlight offers a function to be able to add text with multiple font options. It also has a collection of preset “artistically done” phrases that you can throw into your photo for an additional effect.
Laine Rudolfa says
This would require applying textures using, for example, iColorama app. Also you’d have to remove the background and Superimpose app is the best for that. 🙂
malekjamal1998 says
What do you think of Polarr? I’ve tried it and found it very efficient…
Laine Rudolfa says
This app is pretty good. If you’re used to its interface and find its features suitable for your editing style, I’d suggest to stick with it. 🙂
Steven Zhong says
Does anyone know the name of this app? Thanks!!
Laine Rudolfa says
It seems that the photo was created using Jittergram app.
deefaat says
does anyone know what app or filter is this? thanks.
Laine Rudolfa says
This could be created using Mextures or VSCO cam app.
digitalesleben says
Thank you for this list. I find most of my own favorite mobile photo tools included. Mostly, I am using Snapseed, SKRWT, Enlight, Camera+ and sometimes Pixelmator. I’ve tried VSCOcam and Mextures and really liked them, but found it a bit hard to retrieve filters I was looking for. I’ll give them another try now after having read your article.
Laine Rudolfa says
Glad you enjoyed the article! VSCO cam has a lot of extra filters that you can buy within the app. Maybe you can find some good ones there! 🙂
kjsdjjj says
Does anyone know the name of this two app’s? =)
Laine Rudolfa says
Duplication effect can be achieved with Enlight app. As for the second photo, it seems that there is a filter applied. This can be achieved in apps like VSCO cam or Mextures. Hope this helps! 🙂
Georgia Barlow says
Hi there! Will there be an in depth tutorial or review of Filterstorm Neue made at some point? Rob DePaolo often mentions this app as his favourite for editing but I’d like to know more about it before purchasing and it will be helpful for when I do. Thanks heaps!!
Laine Rudolfa says
Thanks for your suggestion, Georgia! We’ll definitely keep it in mind. 🙂
For now we don’t have any in depth tutorials, but you can check out this article which covers creating depth of field using Filterstorm Neue and other apps – http://iphonephotographyschool.com/depth-of-field/
Jaqueline Saucedo says
Anybody know what app this is ?
Laine Rudolfa says
This looks like very strong HDR effect. Similar look can be created using Drama Filter in Snapseed app. Hope this helps! 🙂
Lyrikal says
zSnapseed
Matthew says
Surprised that Facetune didn’t make the list.
Laine Rudolfa says
Facetune is great for portrait editing, but we find these 10 apps the most powerful on the market. 🙂
Paul says
Pixelmator and Lightroom Mobile are the best ones I’ve found and I’ve used pretty much all of these so you might want to consider taking a look at those two –
1) Adobe Lightroom Mobile – free on the App Store
2)Pixelmator – 5.99 (I think?) on the App Store
Hope this helps!?
Laine Rudolfa says
Thanks for suggesting your favorite apps, Paul! 🙂
Caitlyn Bosley says
I’m new to photography and was wondering, which app out of these, lets me stack photos and still do photoshop techniques? So far the best I can do with the regular camera app are these two.
Laine Rudolfa says
I’d suggest to go for Enlight app. It has a lot of powerful features and you can combine several photos as well. 🙂
Caitlyn Bosley says
Great, thanks 🙂
Laine Rudolfa says
Thanks for sharing, Michal. 🙂 This one is for Android though.
Albaner 18 says
hello I really like your tips, it would help me if you tell me which app are these photos made of
Laine Rudolfa says
The B&W conversion can be done in almost any kind of app, for example, Snapseed. Also, you can add fade in multiple apps, even in the iPhone’s native editing tool by adjusting the “Black point” under the “Light” section. Hope this helps! 🙂
Tiffany ~ PolishandPaws says
I’m looking for a photo editing app that doesn’t down sample the original image. I have been using PicsArt and really like it, although now that I’m using a DSLR it’s down sampling my photos to about the size my iphone photos are.
Laine Rudolfa says
To avoid resizing or resolution loss, I’d suggest to use apps like Snapseed that allows you to save full resolution photos. 🙂
BBB1984 says
hey guys can someone please tell me which app can be used to create a similar photo with these geometric shapes? Thank you!
Laine Rudolfa says
It seems that this image was created using 2 different photos. You can mix images together using apps like Superimpose or Enlight. Hope this helps! 🙂
BBB1984 says
thanks Laine! I found out that they used Pixlr. Just thought the second photo on the parliament building was like a geometric filter on something!
Laine Rudolfa says
Thanks for the note! Yes, it could be that the other photo is a filter. Hope you’ll achieve a similar effect with the Pixlr app. 🙂
Juanita Manis says
You can also create this effect using Image Blender, which is a great app for superimposing 2 photos.
Sade Anna Greta says
Budapest ♥
jamie oliver instagram says
great
Ella Obraske says
Pixlr would work. That app is not on the list, but it is very good.
XIN Xy says
I agree with this! Pixlr and the Picsay
jennifer bracewell says
That looks like it was made with Tangent app by Pixite. It’s a great app.( I created the image below with the app and the developer used it in the App Store) https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/982833e0d682f77d88527c943900c2b124472d13f28bf15962059b6e5b8d6525.jpg
Archie Stephenson says
Hi. Starting to experiment with iphone photos. Is there an app that will allow me to edit a portion of a photo while keeping the rest of the photo unedited? For example, increasing exposure makes parts of a photo look better and other parts worse, so I want to edit certain areas of pictures.
Laine Rudolfa says
Sure, you can apply selective edits using apps like Snapseed, which is a free app on the app store! 🙂
Bilz says
Any idea where i can find a filter like these two!? thanks
Je-ann says
You may create your own filter that can look like this using Filterstorm Neue. Enlight may also have some presets that looks similar to that.
ExplorerMax says
In vsco, you could choose a black and white filter and then change the highlights color to pink, purple, or any other color option.
Adventurous Andrea says
Does anyone know how to make images like these? 🙂 (the background of the second one, not the technology images added in.)
Laine Rudolfa says
It seems that these could be created with vector drawing apps like Inkpad or iDesign. 🙂
juanm55 says
Should be easy with a CAD drawing program like AutoCAD… but maybe an overkill ..
Mariah says
Can someone tell me what app I can use to make my photos look like these? Thank you!
Laine Rudolfa says
Looks like filters from VSCO app. 🙂
Mariah says
thank you!
ExplorerMax says
If using VSCO, “E” class will get you closest to this look. May add some cream highlights.
ExplorerMax says
looks like Retica’s “680 Cool” filter
Pankaj Joshi says
Found an interesting new app ‘Picazzy’ on App Store. Its effects are quite new and different. A bit slow, but I found the outcome worth it
João Pedro Santos says
Hey guys can someone please tell me which app is this filter from?
Thanks a lot!
Laine Rudolfa says
This could be VSCO app or Mextures app. 🙂
Shivitee says
From which app can we get this kind of effect plz?
Thnk u !! 🙂
YoGoerz says
Is Pixelmator not THE app to have any more?
Juanita Manis says
You can do the same thing TouchRetouch does using Snapseed, which is FREE. Just go to TOOLS > Healing. It’s easy to use.
Firefighterswife928 says
TouchRetouch is very intuitive and usually does a better job.
Juanita Manis says
I would add Hipstamatic and Mextures to this list, if you are into adding filters to your images. Also, I find Squareready the best app for keeping my photos’ original proportions for Instagram.
Firefighterswife928 says
Mextures IS in the list.
Perrypelican says
What about Leonardo. How can Leonardo be excluded from a list like this?
Lisa Jo Rudy says
it’s always tough to select the “top ten,” and Leonardo is a lot of fun!
Rieanna says
Can anyone tell me an app that’ll allow me to make my photos like this? ?
Lisa Jo Rudy says
This looks like double exposure – which can be done using an app like Superimpose. You’d take one image and then superimpose it over the other — you can also adjust the amount of opacity, so the effect can be subtle or intense.
Stacey Limone says
This also appears to be shot through one of those light crystal baubles people hang in windows (I play around with this often).
emasttt says
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4b646be68e388f4b306ab581f00dcf94aa87c707ef5c0f05746b340cba617c88.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a91db62009799dd773638cbaa96715f35741446b2e309870211efba4363bd10.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cb420b733de335c81faac79b6b2508563cad9b70080fddd9841698a90f5f29fd.jpg
which app is used please?
ashley says
I just love this girls photos. Can anyone tell me what filter makes it appear like this. Always has a pinkish tint to it…
Daniel says
Not all effects can be achieved via mobile editing apps…If this was edit on smartphone it can be VSCOcam…
Yusef says
How do you create this effect?
Je-ann says
You can get this using Painterly apps. You can learn more about it here: http://iphonephotographyschool.com/painterly-apps/
Vito says
you have to take about 200 μg and you are good to go
Abdullah says
Great article but I’m asking you guys why don’t you use procam3? It’s one of the best ?
Kate Wesson says
It is definitely a great app – but while it does contain some photo editing features, we would consider this to be more of a camera app rather than an editing app – which is one reason we didn’t include it in the list of best editing apps. Glad you enjoy using it though 🙂
Bob J says
Hope it will be useful for those who are looking for iOS app that can crop/resize photos to specific dimensions with accuracy of 1 pixel. It also works in batch mode.
Crop-Size – 4.99 on the App Store
Cheers!
Norma Jean says
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8e8498a4cc5c55d991be827bf0cf8b4704e77caa231a7f8508b0e8e39debf548.png
Does anyone know with which app this was added on to a photo? (I cencured the text with a white part)
Erick Boileau says
and Pixelmator ? how can you forget it in a serious review ?
ieva raida says
Hi, can someone tell me what app(s) can I use for below effects? Can’t find it anywhere……. Thank you!
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/991a1a04699e3ead3f8c7a2183407cff0af0f211eca6066a053ff43d8fb46bf3.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f84d3e0d016dd217ec5ac7b8b4138e8ebad71a7405c0fce518d4b123bcf797e6.jpg
Christopher Howard says
VSCO cam is now subscription based to use any of the filters, which for the entire subscription, are free.
Jeni says
So SnapSeed has retained it’s position in 2017 as well. And the truth is, its really a great app for editing the photos, very basic and easy to operate.
Kate Wesson says
It certainly is a great app! Perfect for both beginners and advanced iPhone photographers 🙂
Lauren Moretti-Roesler says
I like Handy Photo
Justin Johnson says
You have shared great resource here i am using VSCO its working great to me.
Kate Wesson says
Thank you Justin – glad you found this article useful.
namsu em says
There is no info on the output resolution of all the apps in this article – which is a key aspect in photography publishing may it be print or web. The best app for me would be the one which provides essential tools with hi res filters and most importantly a hi-res output file. As per my knowledge, snapseed gives the max resolution output on the market. I print many photographs taken/made on my iPhone (4×6, 6×8). I would recommend every smartphone photographer to start printing your photos and your photos will have a completely different meaning.
Cj Mander 46 says
Hii i wanted to edit the chest hair covering pecs and abs what is the best app?? Thsnkss
Strawberry Mommy says
Razor or Wax are pretty good lol
Fadi Afram says
Hi.
Why ProCamera isn’t on the list?
Kate Wesson says
Hi Fadi. This article concentrates on photo editing apps, and while you can edit photos in ProCamera it’s better known for it’s camera/shooting features. You’ll find ProCamera listed in this article comparing the 5 best camera apps: http://iphonephotographyschool.com/best-camera-app-for-iphone/
Fadi Afram says
Yes I understand just want to know your opinion about editing in ProCamera.
Thank you!!
Melissa says
Amazing article it really help me to improve the use of the app, I was pretty basic with it. I used it a lot VSCO and Snapseed for my Ig pictures, I’m more fan of Snapseed to be honest but you made me discover how freaking nice is VSCO camera Omg I won’t use my iPhone camera anymore cause it sucks LoL. Amazing, thank you for your dedication on helping not so expert camera, app, phone, name it, users. Awesome
PhotoChriz says
Deep Art Effects is missing, too! Great app for giving your photos a nice artistic touch.
vanessa soares says
Hyy guys, can someone please tell me which apps I can use for these pictrs?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5a4968b94d885013c99806e691e14c6919f046a8dc4cbffb533e4c7f5f725a0c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/168eddc97c882d6e3b7d826e615b504c03bdf6a6f0acb2aaf8506560e4e481de.jpg
Sludge Guzzlers says
I see the App Store price for Superimpose is $1.99, and not $.99 as shown here. Is there a way to get it for $.99?
Robert Hudnall says
Is a buck a deal breaker for an app?
Je-ann says
Sorry about that Sludge, the price of the app has changed since we wrote this article. I’ve now updated the article to reflect the correct price.
Je-ann says
Sorry about that Sludge, the price of the app has changed since we wrote this article. I’ve now updated the article to reflect the correct price.
Hank Hirschfeld says
I think Photogene⁴ is by far the best serious photo editor on the market!
Anne Genova says
I really like Photogene⁴ but they haven’t updated it in years and it won’t work in iOS 11 ;-(
Hank Hirschfeld says
I feel your pain, I love this program. After I upgraded to IOS 11, I saw it no longer worked on my ipad pro. Went out and bought an Ipad Mini with the IOS 10 so I could still use Photogene. Can’t find any other program that even cmes close!
Anne Genova says
It really is a great app. Looks like I will have to try out Snapseed…
Lizzie Ambré La-Mahrz says
Hello
Could anyone please tell me which app has this effect… and what the effect is called??
Thanks 🙂
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/536de4cf7e37463e6cbc83b253d8dc5d82ac27cbfce1cf6d7420af8ed4fe836f.jpg
Clipping Creations India says
Great to see that I used most of them. Thanks for sharing the helpful review. It will be beneficially for the newbies.
Acton Balder says
VSCO offers few fantastic features for photo editing. I will definitely try this one for editing photos.
April Gougeon says
Can someone tell me app would allow you to photo to be black & white but one focus point be colored? I saw a pic of a guys cowboy boots. The photo was a bit out of focus but what was cool was the cowboy boots were colored in a teal. Help?
Nick says
I really think this article should be updated to include Plotagraph… its new but a definite must if you want to make your photos pop https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2c786f2ed050b68fd706410c093d1a152be524c92418c90e4861fdb6121cabcd.gif
justin789 says
I found this application, PhotoViewerPro. Its super easy to use, great for editing videos and photos. It’s user-friendly and very powerful.
Sheri Roushdy says
Anyone knows what app I can use to create similar edits? (Paint effect, etc) https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/073e0528084a1cafffcdcb0d59e20969fdd9cd81c9f09de4cabc7ea6d11188d6.jpg
Mike Criswell says
I have been searching for posts that can help me decide what photo editing app should I have for my iPhone and your post got the answers I’ve been looking for! Since I want only the best photo editing app, you have enlighten my confusion because of the great number of apps to choose from. You are quite a life-saver (well an iPhone saver too, I guess – haha) Thanks again!
DEVART says
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/48b5cb0a83a8d63a41c7df69738fc116206924de2408b1dfea6cd64e1f8011ff.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cbb684fac1bbabc979d708ce22c0214d8c0a249da6ec6b49725c201c3699933a.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3f349296db292e02e560bdb772808d03c0656ce50647e77ba47ec5b3899cfef7.png
DEVART says
With Snaptric you can create the perfect group photo or selfie within seconds by choosing the best face from each photo.
DEVART says
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/48b5cb0a83a8d63a41c7df69738fc116206924de2408b1dfea6cd64e1f8011ff.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cbb684fac1bbabc979d708ce22c0214d8c0a249da6ec6b49725c201c3699933a.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3f349296db292e02e560bdb772808d03c0656ce50647e77ba47ec5b3899cfef7.png
With Snaptric you can create the perfect group photo or selfie within seconds by choosing the best face from each photo.
carol hughes says
Thank you so much for this information. I do over edit most of the time.
I will pin this to my Pintrest board for photography.
Right now, I am trying to do better with the sun. Cannot get the exposure right. Frankly, the cloudy, gray days are my best chances for a good shot.
April Ann says
Hi, I’m trying to find the app that does this to a regular photo.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/11c0886db235a747d2e4797c848ec2d1ff6928317c784e9a5a1ae31bb48364aa.jpg
Phillip Burdine says
Artisto
Ella Obraske says
Mextures is actually $1.99 on the app store. Just a heads up for all of you wanting to buy this app.
Ella Obraske says
Another great app is Pixlr. I very highly suggest that app. It has a wide variety of different tools, its FREE, and you can over lap it with other pictures. WARNING this is not the best app to use if you are trying to edit something out of a picture.
Mary J. Briseno says
Just loved it, with to knew it before leaving my iphone 7.
Anabel lee says
which app?
disqus_qjzOD8ic34 says
What editing app is that? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eb3b543e4b3bb62aba00c847baf9de184f2cda30f3c71df5aba88e107db71992.png
disqus_qjzOD8ic34 says
What app is that? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eb3b543e4b3bb62aba00c847baf9de184f2cda30f3c71df5aba88e107db71992.png
Aadam Gibson says
I’ve tried 2 from this list but I would love to explore other left app and thanks for such good list
Sarah Jennings says
What’s the best app to remove a simple background such as the black background in this pic.? Thanks! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/85e1de14c3ab4fb464021a776e4d4f2c6eaa13cfeec9b8cf552ce0af0d99d366.jpg
Andrew Jonson says
I have been looking for a long time like as this idea. thanks for this great idea
Destiny Cox says
Does anyone know the best app to make German Expressionism photos?
Carole Noel says
Very good article. Thank you. The nice thing about this article is that it provides links to tutorials for many apps. That is valuable for beginners.
Mark Spurgeon says
Good article. I notice that PhotoshopExpress does not get a mention, is it considered too old school?
William Guinane says
Polarr is the best!
Tahseen Saifullah says
Snabseed
abir zabed says
Amazing post, Kate! I adore utilizing Snap seed and VS CO (on account of your rundown a year ago). I believe I will attempt After Focus next. These rundowns are magnificent!
disqus_qjzOD8ic34 says
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4a3e543a3c224bbad86de32262d444675aeeef25f79bf343664cb26f81fd6695.jpg
SOMEONE KNOW WHAT APP IS THAT?????????????????
Max Anderson says
snapseed is all time best app for photo editing..
Jayden Scarano says
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f405d5f0e663d841ef69574d5a15822dc2200faabaaff8b5b8a9117aa279ff1d.jpg
does anyone know this type of filter? I’ve been looking for it everywhere but i couldn’t find it
Mhd Afq says
Huji Cam
Developer: Jus like the year 1998
Laura says
Was wondering will these programs work on pics shot with a real camera that Bluetooths into my phone. Just curious
Sapon says
I think Mextures is a good apps for photo editing
David Henry says
Hi kate, I think you have researched very well on this topic. I have tried some apps from your list. All were beautiful. But Superimpose X, Mextures,
Touch Retouch are new to me. Hope these will work also fine.
annie says
These are some nice recommended app for iPhone. Thanks a lot for it. This will be a great help for iPhone users. I loved your article very much. Your article is really nice and elaborate. Thanks for suggesting both paid and free apps. You have also described each and every app broadly. Thanks for the effort you have put behind it.
Sebastian Antony says
THANK YOU so much Kate! I am delighted to see my “go to” app, SuperimposeX on the list finally! now if only you could do a full blog post on it, thousands of iphone editing fans and prospective IPA members can also become more familiar with it.
Lıza says
which filter is it?? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/346cf6e485146ec6ba686177744cd77db530bb512b9af73d192c3a51958f84c8.png
poll bork says
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fb355451e710fafa18289282afe7f6580be618381866a05639965547aa7de1ac.jpg
Does anyone know which photo editor is it?
Hildegerd Haugen says
Photo editor the 2018 edition: Carbon, Filmborn and Darkr. I still use the “old horses” Pixlr and Hipstamatic as well.
jubayerhossain says
I discovered that they utilized Pixlr. Just idea the second photograph on the parliament building resembled a geometric channel on something!