Adobe Photoshop Touch Review
iPad App
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Adobe Photoshop Touch Review

Our Review by David Rabinowitz on March 6th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar :: SIMPLE AND POWERFUL
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Adobe Photoshop Touch is the best photo editing app for iOS. By only including a subset of features, the interface is uncluttered and easy to use.

Developer: Adobe
Price: $9.99
Version Reviewed: 1.1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2
iPad Integration Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Re-use Value Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar

Adobe has finally ported its much beloved and industry-standard photo editing software to the iPad 2. Although it doesn't offer as much as its full-featured older brother on the desktop, it's the best photo editing experience available for iOS.


Anyone who has used Adobe Photoshop on a desktop computer will find that some of the more advanced features are missing. An advantage of not having as many tools and options is that the interface is simple and not cluttered. The touch controls really suit the app well, perhaps even better than a mouse and keyboard.


Beginners who have never used Photoshop before won't feel overwhelmed by the app. The desktop version is known for being extremely powerful and full featured, with an at times cluttered and confusing interface, but the tablet version really only includes the essentials. For users who are unsure where to get started, the app includes 13 tutorials that range from replacing colors to making antique photos.


The app integrates with the Adobe Creative Cloud software. Creative Cloud is a place to store and access files online from any computer, tablet, smartphone, or web browser. For users who have Photoshop on multiple platforms, Creative Cloud can make keeping files in sync a breeze.

Users can choose to begin a new project with a blank canvas, or conveniently choose a photo from Adobe Creative Cloud, a Google account, or a Facebook account. There is also the option to take a photo using the built-in camera or to choose a photo already saved on the iPad 2.


One of the best aspects of Photoshop is the filters, and the iOS app has a subset of the filters available in the desktop version. The app also allows users to easily adjust the color levels or make other common tweaks. There are a total of 12 different adjustment options to choose from, including brightness/contrasts, curves, and an auto-fix option.


There are a few limitations to the app. First, professionals might be upset with the maximum photo size of 1600x1600. Also, the app can only run on the iPad 2 with iOS 5.

Adobe Photoshop Touch is a great app. It's the most powerful and featured photo editing app for iOS and is intuitive to use. Sadly, the need for an iPad 2 running iOS 5 will keep it out of the hands of many who would really love it.

iPad Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Adobe Photoshop Touch screenshot 1 Adobe Photoshop Touch screenshot 2 Adobe Photoshop Touch screenshot 3 Adobe Photoshop Touch screenshot 4 Adobe Photoshop Touch screenshot 5
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