PhotoForge, Photoshop in your pocket

For the past few weeks I have been playing with PhotoForge from developer GhostBird Software, and had originally planned to write a review, but then due to the complexity of the app decided a video review would show off its features best.

Well in the end I have done neither, as whilst preparing to shoot my hands on video the developer GhostBird Software produced its own excellent video showing all the apps features, so here it is.

During the preparation of this post I also came across an excellent review by Andy Cook over at All About iPhone.net, which, whilst is a lengthy read, covers the app really well.

If you want to read Andy's review, then you can check it out here at All About iPhone.net.

So what do I think of PhotoForge?

Having watched the video, read the review and played with app, I have to say this app really is Photoshop in your pocket, but do you really want Photoshop in your pocket?

For me the answer to this question is no.

Trying to do Photoshop style editing like cloning on a 3.5" screen really is not practical and saving edited photos is slow due to the fact that this app is pushing the boundaries of what the iPhone's processor is capable of.

A lot of the apps features and filter options are really good, and matches any of the other photo apps available for the iPhone, but I did find the colour picker and cloning tools were poor, as my sample photo shows, when trying to remove the balloon by cloning the sky, the results were very blotchy.

All-in-all this is a well designed, well thought out app that is let down by the fact it is trying to do to much, on a handheld device, and for me I have to say "if you want Photoshop type features, then stick to Photoshop."

Despite my negative comments this app is well worth a look, and I have to commend the developer for their attempts to produce a Photoshop app that fits in your pocket, which they have come very close to achieving.

AppStore Link: PhotoForge - Price £2.99 ($4.99)