http://www.digitalcameraworld.com APRIL 2020 DIGITAL CAMERA^129Mini Test
Photoshop for iPad
Free with Creative Cloud plans
that include Photoshop
http://www.adobe.com
Platform: iPad | Presets library: No |
Layers: Ye s | Editing tools: Coming |
Desktop software synchronisation: Ye s
P
hotoshop for iPad is a mobile version
of the desktop application. It enables
you to work on your Photoshop files
on your regular computer and your iPad, and
have changes seamlessly synchronised across
both via Adobe’s cloud storage system.
It’s a free part of the Adobe Creative Cloud
software subscription ecosystem: if you have
a plan that includes Photoshop, you can use
Photoshop for iPad as part of your subscription.
Adobe has concentrated on retouching and
compositing tools in this early version, which does
not yet have the full feature set of the desktop
version. Features like curves adjustments, Refine
Edge selection enhancements, canvas rotation
and Lightroom integration are still to come,
although an update is imminent. Even as it
stands, this is still an effective tool for Photoshop
artists and photographers on the move.
Photoshop for iPad does not work directly with
Adobe’s Creative Cloud File system, but instead
uses a new Cloud document format stored in a
different location in your Creative Cloud account.
This offers a seamless editing experience
with Photoshop but not (yet) Lightroom.
PROS Effective editing tools in a very usable
interface; free for Photoshop subscribers
CONS iPad only; relies on Adobe’s cloud-based
storage and synchronisation services
Verdict
Photoshop Express
Free
http://www.adobe.comPlatform: iPad, iPhone, Android | Presets
library: Ye s | Layers: Ye s | Editing tools: Ye s
| Desktop software synchronisation: NoP
hotoshop Express is a free app that
shares the Photoshop brand name, but
is not really connected to it, or other
Adobe Creative Cloud plans. It’s free to download,
but has features marked as ‘premium’ and ‘free
for a limited time’. The App Store lists premium
subscription prices, but there is no upgrade
option in the app, so the situation is confusing.
There is no desktop version of Photoshop
Express, and it does not interface directly with
Photoshop or Lightroom. If you have a Lightroom
subscription, however, you can access your
Lightroom photos from within the app.
The interface displays a strip of preset effects
categories across the bottom of the screen. When
you tap a category, the button expands to the right
to show the preset effects available. Below this
is a row of icons for applying more image effects;
cropping your image (with common presets for
social sharing); selective adjustments with auto
object selection, object and blemish removal tools,
text and sticker overlays; and advanced Photoshop
effects (you’ll need to connect to Photoshop).
This is not a tool for power users, but it is
a rich source of inspiration for smartphone
photographers and social media sharers.PROS Huge range of effects, filters,
adjustments and ideas; freeCONS A bit of an outlier in the Creative Cloud
ecosystem, with hints of future subscription feesVerdict
Snapseed
Free
Apple App Store / Google PlayPlatform: iPad, iPhone, Android | Presets library:
Ye s | Layers: Yes | Editing tools: Ye s | Desktop
software synchronisation: NoS
napseed is a photo effects and editing
tool that you can download and use for
free. There is no subscription charge and
there are no in-app purchases. It can synchronise
with Google Photos, but will also work with Apple
Photos on iOS devices. Snapseed has an unusual
interface based on filters, which can be used
individually or combined, and has powerful
image enhancement tools, too.
There are no fewer than 29 different tools and
filters that offer everything from curves, white
balance and perspective correction to selective
enhancements, healing, grainy film and vintage
effects. You can use these filters individually
or combine them to create your own custom
‘looks’, which you can save for re-use.
The deeper you dig into Snapseed’s filters
and options, the more potential you discover.
You can use it to add instant impact for
your Instagram feed, or to create carefully
crafted black-and-white fine art.
Snapseed originally came from Nik Software.
Google’s history with Nik software has not been
good – it discontinued the excellent Snapseed
desktop app and shuffled off the Nik Collection.
Let’s hope the Snapseed app has a happier future.PROS Innovative and powerful with some great
effects; free, without fees or subscriptionsCONS Mobile only, with no equivalent desktop
app; development has gone quietVerdict
Five things to
look out for1
Some apps partner
with desktop versions;
others are solely for
mobile use, although
you can share images.2
Few decent apps are
free. Some need an
in-app purchase to
unlock tools; some
have a one-off price.3
Looking for inspiration?
Many mobile apps come
with a range of preset
effects that can be
extremely good.4
Do you need in-depth
curves, layers and
more? Many mobile
apps can do this, but it
may not be as fluent.5
Most apps will work
directly with your
device’s camera roll;
Adobe’s apps may also
work with Lightroom.