ImageTricks is built around Tiger’s Core Image functionality, a little utility for developers to do some cool stuff with images. It’s a bit complicated to get into, (especially since I’m not a developer) but if you want more info, head over to Apple’s website for a brief explanation.
Anyway, on with the app. Image Tricks allows you to apply Core Image filters to any image with ease. You simply drag a picture into the window and use the sidebar to apply a huge number of effects (48 in total, 54 in the pro version). You can adjust the colours, make it artsy (stylize it), distort the image, blur the picture, or simply crop it.
These effects do everything. Most of them are just for fun (aka making people’s faces look silly), however, some will find the colour management and focusing tools very useful. It is rather easy to use, while still appealing to a fairly wide audience. The image below was made using the Parallelogram Kaelidescope filter.
It won’t replace your image editor of choice; ImageTricks is mainly for playing with, having a laugh, or touching up a single photo when you’re in a hurry. You can also generate images using the ‘Generate’ tab at the top, which is great for making funky backgrounds. Don’t underestimate the power of geometric shapes, because I managed to create the pattern below.
Image Tricks is a really fun app, possibly the next best after Apple’s PhotoBooth. Even if you’ll only use it once or twice, it’s really worth it, mainly due to the fact that it’s freeware is rather fully featured. You can upgrade to a pro version, if you find you use it a lot.
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