The quality of the cameras that current smartphone models come equipped with is simply impressive. However, to get the best out of our catches we need editing tools that go beyond the apps that are installed by default. What we really need is Snapseed. In this post we explain What is this powerful photo editing app and what is it for?
There are many and very weighty arguments in favor of using this tool. To begin with, it should be noted that it is free. And what is available for both Android and iOS (you will find the download links below). But the best of all is that it incorporates numerous and versatile editing tools to get the best out of our photos or transform them into anything else.
What is Snapseed?
Snapseed is an editing application that allows us to improve photos and apply digital filters. It was created by Nik Software in 2011 and is currently owned by Google. Due to its spectacular functionalities, that same year it received the “best App of the year” award from Apple.
One of the most striking aspects of Snapseed is that its users can edit images using simple sliding movements, through which it is possible to access different effects and actions. In addition to this, the app allows us to save editing history, create and save filter combinations, and share the results of our images on social networks.
These are the download links for this magnificent application:
How to use Snapseed
What makes this tool different from the many other editing applications out there? To know what these virtues are, it is best to take a look at its general operation and the enormous possibilities it offers to the user. Here we go:
Getting to know the home interface
Once the app has been downloaded and installed, the first step is to view the interface, which is divided into three tabs:
- Appearances (rainbow icon).
- Tools (pencil icon).
- Export (arrow icon).
In addition to the tabs, several botones. To open a new image you have to click on "Open". To its right, there is a button with an arrow that we can use to undo/redo, as well as access our edit history. Just below we find the image details button (i) and the three vertical dots menu (⋮) for tutorials, help and settings.
Snapseed interface is context sensitive and it changes depending on the tool we select. The cancel and mark edits buttons are maintained at all times. On the other hand, tools with presets are always displayed above the bottom toolbar.
Main functions
Everything that can be done with a standard image editor can also be done (and even improved) through this application. These are the basic functions of this tool:
- Cut out, to skip parts of an image that we do not want to see with the help of the grid.
- Turn, a function designed by default to automatically straighten the photo, although it is possible to adjust them to our needs and preferences.
- Flip and rotate using the buttons on the toolbar.
- Transform, to add perspective shifts.
- Details, an option that multiplies the sharpness of the photo.
- Brush, Corrective Adjustment and Stain Remover. Tools for manual touch-ups. Its use requires a minimum of skill on the part of the user.
- Add text. Several separate and individually styled text fragments can be added, adjusting the size, font, color, etc.
- Expand and explore. With the classic two-finger gesture we can open the image and review even the smallest detail.
- remove blemishes. The "healing" tool is responsible for erasing gray clouds in the sky or scars on the skin. To obtain more accurate results, it is convenient to combine this function with the previous one.
- Looks. A carousel of preview images are displayed at the bottom of the screen. You just have to click on them to see the applied effects and their final appearance: portrait, bright, soft, artistic...
- Covers. The mask button (pencil icon) allows us to selectively mask layers.
- Export to send our saved image to another location. The options here are aligned with the features of the operating system, so only on Android can they be exported to specific folders. On the other hand, in iOS it is possible to save an image with changes that can later be undone.
Conclusions
What does Snapseed have that other similar applications don't? Why should we choose it over the others? Well, this is above all a question of taste and preferences, but what is beyond doubt is that the list of virtues of this app It is very long:
The first thing to say is that it is a intuitive app. Its menus are perfectly organized so that any user can navigate without problems. Also noteworthy is the possibility of view the changes applied with respect to the original photograph, something that all applications of this type have, but that no one presents like this one does. Do you dare to try it?
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.