'50s-inspired iPad app Retromatic (opens in new tab) enables you to import your photos, cut them out using an instant alpha tool, and then apply vintage effects to them.
It’s quick and easy to use, and looks great, but expect frustration if you want to do anything more than the basics. The instant alpha tool works well, but you have to hold down on the screen to make it switch between a brush and pinching to zoom - not ideal for quick editing.
An erase mode and an auto complete help you finesse your selections, but masking out intricate shapes isn’t easy enough.
Filters and backgrounds
Once imported, you can apply one of 18 (similar) filters and add one of 14 backgrounds. You can also add text (limited to iOS fonts only) and also a variety of eclectic clip art.
The colour palette is limited - great for matching, but limits your options. Layers are supported, but images must be imported singularly.
Despite creating interesting pictures at first, Retromatic only offers superficial changes to your images, with a limited set of options. Halftone (opens in new tab), Jazz! (opens in new tab) or even Photoshop Express (opens in new tab) offer more.
You'll find this review, and many more, in Tap! Magazine issue 25.
Key info
- Price: $4.99 (£2.99)
- Universal: No
- Version: 1.0
- App size: 49.1MB
- Developer: Peta Vision (opens in new tab)
- Age rating: 4+
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