All the photo books, calendars, and cards you love to make with Motif are now available to ship to almost every continent on the globe (Sorry, Antarctica)! 

After hearing from our users and friends all around the world, the Motif app is finally available for download in 163 countries. It is now easier than ever to share your memories with the people you love, no matter where they live. 

Plus, we now support 14 different currencies to make payment simple for everyone.

Send photo memories to your friends and family in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Brazil, and more directly from the Motif app you know and love. Let them know they can start making photo products now, too! 

Share this link to download Motif and start creating your next photo memories.

Here is the full list of countries where Motif is now available for download on the macOS and iOS app stores.

The post 130 More Countries Can Now Design and Ship Photo Products With Motif appeared first on The Motif Blog.

If you’ve recently updated your macOS to version 3.7, you’ll notice a couple differences when you use the Motif app. 

As you may be aware, Motif was recently acquired by Mimeo Photos. That means Motif and Mimeo are working together to integrate our systems, and in doing so we’ve made some enhancements we think you’ll enjoy.

The first is that our checkout process is now even more streamlined than it previously was. Now, it takes far fewer clicks to go from project completion to order confirmation. 

The next improvement is that you can ship to many more countries than you could with the previous version of the Motif macOS app! It’s time to send that far-flung cousin the gorgeous family photo project you put so much love into.

That’s it for now, but if you have questions or comments, we welcome your feedback. Drop us a note by clicking here.

The post What’s New for Motif on macOS Version 3.7 appeared first on The Motif Blog.

Apple’s iCloud lets you access and view your photos – wherever you are, and whatever device you’re using. If you’re looking to discover how to access iCloud photos, then look no further than Motif’s handy tips. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to store and access photos on iCloud on iPhones, iPods, iPod Touches, Windows PCs, and more. We’ll also address common issues , such as Android compatibility, blurry photos, and more.

How to turn on iCloud Photos

To start saving your photos in iCloud, simply turn on this quick and easy feature.

1. Go to Settings
This is the cog icon on your home screen.

2. Select your name

3. Tap iCloud

4. Tap Photos

5. Turn on iCloud Photos
If it’s green next to iCloud Photos, it’s already on – you don’t need to do anything. If it’s grey, just tap it to change its color and activate it.

How can I see my iCloud photos? How to access iCloud Photos

Once you have turned on iCloud Photos, you’re automatically saving photos and videos to a single library that you can access remotely.

It’s easy to access your iCloud Photos, but it varies for the device you use.

Our step-by-guides explain how to quickly access your iCloud Photos on any device.

How to access iCloud Photos on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

Your iCloud Photos can be found in the same places that your Photos have always been on your iPhone, iPad, or iPad Touch. It’s as simple as that.

1. Open the Photos app.
Tap the icon to launch

2. Tap the Photos tab or tap the Albums tab

Alternatively, you can browse by albums. Here, you’ll find photos sorted into My Albums, Shared Albums, People & Places, Media Types, and Other Albums.

How to access iCloud Photos on your Mac

It’s straightforward to access your iCloud Photos on your Mac too. Just like the iPhone, iPad, iPad Touch, you’ll find them in your standard Photos app.

How to access iCloud Photos on a Windows PC

As iCloud is an Apple product and Windows is Microsoft, iCloud is not automatically installed on a Windows PC. However, it’s easy to download supporting software and then access your iCloud Photos.

1. Download iCloud for Windows
Visit Apple Support and download iCloud for Windows.

2. Open iCloud for Windows
Once installed, simply launch the iCloud for Windows program.

3. Get browsing
From here, you can see all your iCloud photos on your Windows PC.

How to access iCloud Photos online

If you’re unable to install software on your device, you can easily access your iCloud Photos online from any web browser (apart from Android devices, which will be explained  a little later).

1. Sign in
Visit www.icloud.com and sign in to your account.

2. Click on the Photos icon
The iCloud website is similar to an iPhone or iPad. Just click on the Photos icon and you’ll launch a web-based app.

3. View your images and videos
From here, you can view your entire iCloud Photo Library.

How to access iCloud Photos on Android

To access iCloud Photos on Android devices, you’ll need to follow this alternative workaround.

1. Open up Chrome and go  to www.icloud.com

Chrome is likely your default browser. Use this to visit www.icloud.com. If you see an error message –  this is normal.

2. Tap the More option
Click on the three-dot icon at the top right corner and select Desktop site from the list.

3. Sign in
Once you can see the home page, enter your Apple ID and password.

4. Tap the Photos icon
You can access your photos here but you may struggle to see them all. This is because the scrolling is limited on Android. How many you can see depends on the device you’re using.

5. Make a new album if you need to
If you want to access specific files on your Android device, simply create a new album on your Apple device and move the photos here. You should then be able to see the new folder easily on your Android without any scrolling.

How to see your recently deleted photos

If you’ve deleted a photo and want to recover it, follow these simple steps.

1. Open your Photos App (on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or online)
Launch this and go into your Albums.

2. Select Recently Deleted
You may need to scroll to the bottom to find this folder. It contains everything you’ve removed in the last 30 days.

3. Browse images, choose any you want to save
Simply tap the photo you want to get back and press Recover. It will now go back into your main Photos album.

Why are my  iPhone photos  blurry?

Blurry iCloud photos don’t showcase those beautiful moments you want to remember for years to come. And if you’re asking yourself, why are my iPhone photos blurry?it’s probably because of iPhone Storage Optimization. This is a space-saving tool used on iPhones.

The entire iCloud Photo Library is normally too large for people to keep on their device. Because of this, your iPhone may download a lower resolution version of the photo. This makes the photos appear blurry. When you’re connected to the internet, your phone will download a full-resolution image from iCloud when you view that photo – that full quality version will stay on your device for a few days.

The high resolution version of your image still exists safely in iCloud – you just need an internet connection to access it.

If you only want higher resolution images on your device, you can turn off iPhone Storage Optimization.

To do this, first follow the instructions above for How to turn on iCloud Photos. On this page, you will see the option to Optimize iPhone Storage – here, you can choose to turn this off. Just keep in mind that you’ll need enough phone storage space to do so.

How do I see what’s in my iCloud storage?

iCloud storage is used for more than just photos and videos. You can store and back-up many different file types there. To see everything that’s saved in your iCloud, use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to follow this step-by-guide guide:

To see everything that’s saved in your iCloud, use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to follow this step-by-guide guide:

1. Open Settings
Tap the cog logo to get started.

2. Select iCloud 

3. Tap Storage and Backup
You’ll then be able to see how much storage you have remaining.

4. Tap Manage Storage
You’ll find this just below your available storage.

5. View Documents & Data
This list will show you all of the Apps that are storing documents in your iCloud. You can click on these individually and press Edit to start the process of removing them.

Share your photo memories

Keeping your iCloud photos organised and up to date means that you can access and find your beautiful photos quickly and easily. And once you’ve mastered how to view iCloud photos and have found the perfect image, why not turn it into something even more special? Motif has a wide range of photo gifts including photo books, cards and calendars for you to choose from. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or simply something for you to enjoy, you’re guaranteed to find a customizable photo product that is truly one of a kind.

The post iCloud Photos | How to Access iCloud Photos appeared first on The Motif Blog.

Apple’s release of iOS 14 has iPhone users excited about the improvements Apple has in store. The improvements we’ll be focusing on here are found in the Photos and Camera apps. 

Understanding the basics will definitely help with your picture taking abilities as well as your device performance. 

iOS 14 New Features

The majority of this article will talk about improvements to the photo library. However, it would be criminal to not point out several improvements to the Camera app. Here’s a few of the top changes with the update.

1. Quicker Photos – The app is 90% faster when it launches and it’s now possible to take 4 shots per second. 
2. Preserve Settings – If you prefer certain settings when you take photos, you can preserve them with a simple toggle in the camera settings.   
3. Night Mode – a new stabilization feature helps you keep a steady camera at night. A handy guide points out movement before taking pictures.
4. Exposure Compensation – This new option allows you to adjust exposure before you take a shot. An interactive monitor in the upper left adjusts in real time. 
5. Quick Shots – While in the camera app, pressing and holding the volume up button activates burst mode. Pressing and holding the volume down button activates video mode. One press of the volume down button captures a single picture. 

Photo library updates with iOS 14

Another area Apple made improvements to is the Photos app. One of the more noticeable, is the ease in scaling the library view. Simply pinch to view more of your photo library. Spread to zoom in on a select image. A new widget system makes it that much easier to access your photo library. The revamped photos picker lets you tag images for easier inclusion in notes, emails, or other media posts. This also controls what 3rd party apps have access to.     

How to allow limited photo access for apps

With a call for increased privacy and security, the iOS 14 update to Photos answered. Users can now limit 3rd party apps access to specific images and videos, instead of their entire library. After updating to iOS 14, your existing photo permissions remain intact. The new privacy controls will appear when an app seeks permission for access to your library.  

For example, let’s say you install the app Darkroom. They’re going to ask for access to your Photos library. Instead of the blanket Grant Photo Access option, you now can choose from Select Photos, Allow Access to All Photos, and Don’t Allow. 

Tapping Select Photos activates the image picker to manually select images this particular app can access. To see what will be shared with Darkroom, tap View Selected at the bottom. 

Access to photos can also be controlled via Settings. To adjust access for your camera go to Settings → Privacy → Photos, choose Camera+ from the list. Change permissions to the new Selected Photos option to manually pick Photos items Camera+ will see.

To change those selections, tap Edit Selected Photos. Adjust what you’re sharing by adding new or removing existing items from the section. Tap View Selected to review what will be shared.

Are you already sharing some of your Photos library with an app?

If so, you may see a permission prompt with two options — Select More Photos and Keep Current Selection. It’s another way to control which apps can access specific items from your Photos library.

How do I update the photo access for my current apps?

To update the content your current apps have access to, follow these simple steps. In Settings, go to Privacy and then select Photos. Select the WWDC Photos Editor and then choose Edit Selected Photos. From there you can adjust the imagery available to the app. 

Another way to update photo access is via a prompt when you open an app that has access to your photos. Choose either Select More Photos or Keep Current Selection.

How will iOS 14 impact my current photo permissions?

In short, not much. After updating to iOS 14, your existing photo permissions remain intact. You can either leave them as is, or select what is or isn’t shared. The update gives users more control and added security/privacy.  

What is the limited library photo picker?

This is the new system provided photo picker that enables app access to your photos and videos. “Limited” being the key difference. Instead of access to the hundreds or more likely thousands of photos and videos on your device, your apps see only what you want them to. 

The new picker also features fluid zooming on the photo grid with a simple pinch or spread. It’s searchable and offers multi-image selection. 

How has privacy changed for photos with iOS 14?

Privacy is the buzzword on everyone’s mind when it comes to sharing photos. iOS 14 has taken a big step towards addressing this issue. In past versions, users were asked to grant access to their full photo library. The door, figuratively, wide open. With the update, users are able to decide which photos and videos apps have access to. It’s a move that’s putting users’ privacy needs first.   

Other updates to the camera and photo apps

Additional updates to your Camera app:

• A new chevron at the top of the screen reveals/hides settings from within the app
• In the Settings app, Grid has moved to “composition” and capturing outside the frame has been simplified
• A new toggle exists in Settings mirrors photos taken with front-facing camera
• It’s faster. Time to first shot is 25% faster and Portrait shot-to-shot is 15% faster.

Additional updates to your Photos app:

• Ellipsis on the top right adds new actions for zooming in and out, adjusting the aspect ratio grid, and filtering
• Photos can be filtered by favorites, edited, photos, and videos. Combinations are allowed
• Zooming in on photos has greatly improved 
• Captions can be added to shots. They sync across devices and are searchable

What devices is iOS 14 compatible with?

According to Apple, iOS 14 will run on the iPhone 6s and later. The exact same compatibility as iOS 13. Here’s the complete list:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPod touch (7th generation)

How the Motif app has adapted 

So what do these changes mean to the performance of your Motif app? Well, for one, improvements to your Camera app will certainly create more stunning photo projects. A faster camera with better features lets you capture better photos and more of them. 

Your privacy is important to Motif. Apple’s iOS 14 access update gives you control of what you’d like to share. When the prompts covered earlier in this story are displayed, make your selections. Create photo projects with a better sense of security. Motif is working in concert with Apple to ensure a seamless transition to the new iOS 14. Motif has been a trusted Apple partner for over a decade.  

The post Photo Library Access Permission with iOS 14 appeared first on The Motif Blog.

When it comes to creating a beautiful photo book it may surprise that an iPad is a great device to use. So when asking yourself the question ‘Can I make a photo book on my iPad?’ the answer is a resounding yes.  In fact the iPad is a must-have for photographers – casual picture-takers and professionals, alike.  And if you haven’t used it to create and share photo projects, we’ve compiled a guide to show you exactly how easy it is to make a photo book on an iPad.

Why Should I Make a Photo Book on iPad?

Most people will head to their desktop or laptop when they want to  make a photo book. But if you crave convenience, the iPad has a slight edge. Weighing no more than 1-1/2 pounds, it  is light enough to carry around with you while you’re on the go. .  That means you can create a beautiful photobook whenever inspiration strikes you.

5 Easy Steps to Create a Photo Book on Your iPad

1.   Choose a theme.

A good photo book tells a story. It should draw you in and lead you from one page to the next. To achieve a compelling story, it helps to narrow the focus. Celebrate your  Mom with a selection of special memories where she is the focus or you can even use events to help define your theme a little more. For example, why not celebrate a recent graduate with an array of beautiful graduation shots? The theme can be anything you like, but just remember consistency is key.

2.   Gather and organize your photos

Open the Apple Photos app on your iPad. If you don’t see everything, you may need to transfer photos from your iPhone to iPad. Activating iCloud is the simplest way to do this. Keep in mind, using iCloud means all your photos and videos will cross over to the iPad. To transfer specific photos or files, use AirDrop or a USB-C cable. And to make things even easier it’s worth, taking the time to organize your photos. Place the images for the photo book in one dedicated album (you can even name it so you’ll be able to search and find it quicker).

3.   Download the Motif Photos app

Motif is the best photo book maker for iPad because it pulls directly from your iOS collection. Motif is a native extension to Apple Photos. Once your photos are in the app, it’s quick-and-easy to make a photo book.. No uploading or exporting required. Also, Motif has an intuitive workflow. But don’t take our word for it. Visit the App Store and search “Motif.” Our Ratings and Reviews of firsthand experiences with the iOS photo book show how easy it is. When you’re done, tap the “Get” button to download Motif to your iPad.  

4.   Select your photo book style

The style of your photo book is determined by the type of cover, the size, and the orientation. Hardcover books are often put on display, like a wedding album or a coffee table book. Whereas, a softcover is ideal for smaller photo projects. From there, pick the perfect photo book size. This decision largely depends on how many photos you have and where you want to display your photo book. The final factor is orientation. If your collection includes mostly landscape photos, pick a photo book that accommodates that. Otherwise, consider a portrait-style or square book to ensure you make the best photo book for iPad.

5.   Customize your design.

Customizations are what make this your project. And thanks to Motif, adding personal touches to your photo book on an iPad is easy. Motif offers a variety of elegant design themes to get you started. Add text easily to identify

Customizations are what make this your project. And thanks to Motif, adding personal touches to your photo book on an iPad is easy. We offer a variety of elegant design themes to get you started. Add text easily to identify dates, locations, and/or people. Make note of where you were and who you were with during those special moments.

So if you’re asking yourself ‘Can I make a photo book on my iPad? The answer is yes and with Motif it’s never been easier. Make the best photo book for iPad that showcases your precious memories, all with a few simple clicks.

The post How to Make a Photo Book on Your iPad appeared first on The Motif Blog.

• How Apple Treats All Third-Pary App Security
• How Motif Handles App Privacy
• How We Store Your Information
• The Apple/iOS App Privacy Approach
• Working Together to Improve App Privacy
• We Value Your Privacy

As app creators and web service providers, we take privacy seriously. We are committed to your privacy, as well as the privacy and integrity of your data, information, and photos. Now in our second year, it’s time to revisit how Motif and iOS work together to keep you and your photos safe. 

How Apple Treats All Third-party App Security

As an app provider, we are considered a “third-party” to your connection with Apple. There are basic privacy rules, as well as some Apple-specific privacy rules, for all apps that access your photos.

According to Apple’s privacy policy, apps are able to ask for a single photo rather than all your photos at once. Third-party apps must ask for access to your photos. You still have the option of granting (or denying) an app, including Motif, access to your photos if you so desire. 

How Motif Handles App Privacy

Privacy through the Motif app has an extra layer of security. This is detailed in our privacy policy. It explains what data is collected by the app. It documents how we protect the data, who has access to it, and how we share or sell the data collected. 

Our parent company, RR Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), may collect or record basics like your name, email address, phone number, and/or mailing address as a part of using the app. On occasion, there will be personal data collected that is necessary for conducting business. That might include credit card information, account numbers, and/or audio/video recordings. This information may also be used to aggregate statistical data, and to improve your overall experience. 

As indicated, we only collect this personal data where it is appropriate or necessary for conducting business. RRD will only collect and sell additional sensitive information (e.g. Demographic Information) that you voluntarily provide explicit consent through participation in our Opinion Center. This data will be collected, stored, accessed, and processed in a secure manner. RRD may also collect general, non-personal data pertaining to users of our sites. This can include IP addresses, source domain names, specific web pages, length of time spent, and pages accessed. This data is collected to aggregate statistical data, facilitate system administration, and improve our website.

How We Store Your Information

Your information is stored using generally accepted industry standards. We follow all applicable laws regarding keeping data, including your photos, safe. Additionally, we often use encryption technology to both prevent loss and enhance data policy. 

More specifically, our company adheres to the U.S. and other international regulations for privacy and security, which include:

• The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act (PIPEDA),
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – Regulation (EU), 
• The Privacy Directive (ePD),
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive (2002/58/EC) Directives (as amended), and
• California Consumer Protection Act – AB-375 (CCPA).

The Apple/iOS App Privacy Approach

Apple prides itself on its privacy standards. The iCloud system that stores the majority of your photos on your Apple device has a number of app privacy policies and systems in place to protect your information. Apple’s privacy is leading the industry with technologies like end-to-end data encryption. This includes coverage for images used by apps like Motif. 

With iCloud, your information is encrypted no matter where it is. Whether it’s in transit, being stored in iCloud, or being authenticated, your data is safe. For certain important pieces of information, Apple will use end-to-end encryption. It only allows access to your information on devices that you have personally signed into. The information in these systems is not even available to Apple itself.

According to Apple’s privacy policy, there may be some cases in which iCloud data is being stored on third-party partners’ servers. Examples would include Amazon Web Services or the Google Cloud Platform. However, these third parties will not be able to decrypt the data. In order to access end-to-end encryption features, you must have two-factor authentication set up for your Apple ID. You’re also required to keep your software, and photo book apps for Mac like Motif, updated. 

iCloud also uses machine learning to organize photos on your device. This prevents the need to upload photos to a third-party device for this purpose. Your iPhone data helps with image safety and app privacy as well. While some services insist that you process in the cloud, iCloud photos are designed to allow image processing within the iOS system.

Working Together to Improve App Privacy

With the industry-leading iOS system as its foundation, Motif uses industry-standard app privacy systems with end-to-end encryption options. We value your safety and your privacy. We’ve set up safeguards to protect both. 

We Value Your Privacy

The post Privacy Matters: Find Out What Motif Is Doing To Keep Your Photos Safe appeared first on The Motif Blog.

We’ve rolled out an update to Motif’s macOS app that focuses largely on text box improvements:

Here’s what’s new:

Styled Placeholder Text

All text boxes now include placeholder text, using the fonts belonging to the selected design theme. When adding larger text boxes, via the new text layouts feature, the placeholder text includes both header and body styles. To edit the placeholder text, you can simply select and type over it, keeping the styles already applied.

Easy to Resize Text Boxes

You can now easily change the size and position of selected text boxes simply by dragging the new handles shown on the four sides of all text boxes.

A Variety of New Text Layouts 

We’ve added a large variety of page layouts that now include text boxes. You can browse these new text layouts by clicking the Change Layout icon under the page (as you currently do) and scrolling down to see and select the new text layouts.

Front Covers that Pop

We’ve also freshened up our front cover designs to make the images bigger and the layouts more varied.

The post Announcing Motif’s New + Improved Text Box Features appeared first on The Motif Blog.

Years ago, holidays were easy. We knew exactly what to get each sibling and parent. Then came along a spouse and with them, extended family, and soon after that, nieces and nephews and a multitude of new people to shop for. Eventually, we decided gifts for the family were the way to go, as we could dedicate a gift that everyone in the family could enjoy, while also maximizing each dollar’s potential and result. One of our favorite gift ideas is to turn photos into something the family can enjoy and relive for years to come.

We love Motif for this because there are options, but also because the gifts we give are beautiful quality. Papers are thick stock and created to bring longevity, without fading or yellowing. Motif uses the best inks to make colors vivid and last. Bindings are carefully crafted. Quite simply, they’re the best.

If you’re looking for the perfect family photo gifts, you’re in the right place. Get started with your own photo gifts for the whole family.

Step 1: Download the Motif app

Motif has a long history in supporting Apple Photo’s printing, and has carried on that tradition as a native app. Originally developed for desktop use, the Motif app recently became available for iPhones and iPads as well, making it even easier and more convenient to create custom photo projects on the go. Get started by downloading the app from the app store.

Step 2: Get your photos ready

To get started, you’ll need to have your photos stored together. That may mean bringing photos from camera SD cards into the digital world or simply shifting images from your computer to your phone or vice versa. iCloud makes it easy for Apple users to consolidate, but there are many apps and storage options out there. If you need some help moving photos between Apple devices, check out our handy blog.

Step 3: Decide how to put those photos to use

Once you have your photos ready, decide how you want to use them. Motif has multiple family photo gift options, including custom cards, calendars and photo books. Gifts come in various sizes, and what’s right for one family may not be the right fit for another.

For example, you may send a customized, beautiful photo book to your grandmother but find that a personalized calendar better fits the bill for your sibling. That photo book could include a two-page spread dedicated to each member of the family. You can also craft a few pages focused on each of the children and their families, finishing the photo book with a spread filled with whole-family photos, unifying her story.

On your sibling’s personalized calendar, showcase a photo with meaning on each month’s photo page or feature several using Motif’s professionally designed layouts. You can even customize the text on specific days, denoting dates of personal significance, such as “their favorite brother’s birthday,” anniversaries, the day their eldest is set to graduate high school, and more. These personal touches are what make personalized photo gifts so special, and Motif makes adding them possible and easy.

You might also need something small, but meaningful to let other family members know you remember and value them. In these cases, custom photo cards do just the trick.

In all cases, you can customize every detail, including layouts, photo inclusions, text, and more.

Step 4: Package them beautifully

Motif takes great care and pride in its products, and this is evidenced in how they arrive to you. Like its papers and inks, Motif’s packaging uses a variety of quality materials, featuring clean design and careful packing to ensure each personalized item reaches you in perfect condition. The unboxing is exciting, as each of your items feels like opening a gift (as it should!).

Take a few moments to add to the allure by carefully wrapping your photo gift for the family in a beautiful paper and adding adornments like ribbon that matches the Motif packaging or your book theme. Take a few moments to include a personalized note that details the importance of the gift and why you chose it and its contents for the recipient. If you prefer, you can draft this note and include it directly in your photo book or calendar using Motif’s text tools.

Your family is bound to love your gift, as you put in thought and time to create something beautiful just for them!

The post How to Create Apple Photo Gifts from your iPhone appeared first on The Motif Blog.

It’s hard to beat the iPhone for so many reasons, not least of which are its photo features. Perhaps the only thing more exciting than taking great photos are the many options for iPhone photo editing tools that make those photos even better. 

If you’re like us, you’ve probably tried several apps. And, if you’re like us, you’ve probably found it’s nearly impossible to find one that does everything you need it to. Until Motif, anyway. With the Motif app, you can edit your photos and seamlessly give them purpose—outside the digital storage world—so you can enjoy them and relive those moments for the many years to come. Here are just some of the reasons Motif is sure to become your favorite iPhone photo editing tool.

It’s made specifically for iOS users

Unlike some apps that are modified from other platforms’ code to also serve the iOS community, Motif was made specifically for iPhone and iOS. You can work directly with the photos stored on your device, launch them in Motif and get to work. And, since Motif is Apple-friendly, all of the navigation, prompts, and interfaces interact exactly the way you’d expect them to.

You don’t need accessories—just your fingertips

While working on photos and photo projects on your desktop computer does come with the advantage of a larger viewing space, it also means working with a mouse and other accessories. When you use the Motif app, you can intuitively edit by using just your fingertip! 

You can still take advantage of the great editing tools, like cropping, auto flow, and getting help selecting images and layouts, to name a few—but without needing any extra gear (like a stylus).

You can put your photos to good use immediately

Maybe you’re on your way back from an amazing weekend away: You could have a trip photo book already ordered and shipped before you even make it home from the airport!

Motif is a great way to create custom photo books through seamless integration with Photos and via a multitude of professional editing and layout tools built right into the app. While the desktop app has been around for more than a year, the new phone app means you don’t need to wait until you’re home or at your computer to bring those beautiful memories back to life: you can create projects any time, from wherever you are—all you need is your phone!

You can take it on the go—or use it at home on your computer

One of the great things about using Motif as your primary iPhone editing tool is you can take your photos and photo projects wherever you go. This has several advantages. For one, you can create stunning photo projects from anywhere.

You can create your vacation photo book while you’re still inspired and on vacation. While you’re visiting family over the holidays, you could work together with them to create a photo book that celebrates your time together. 

Another great advantage is that, since the Motif app is available for your computer and iPhone, you have the flexibility to work on your photo projects in whatever way is most convenient for you. 

While one of Motif’s top features is its ability to analyze groups of photos and select those with the best photo quality before placing them in professionally designed layouts, the Motif app also gives you tools so you can customize every detail of your projects. If you prefer the latter, you may not finish your photo project in one sitting, so being able to work on it during your daily subway commute and then hop back in later while you’re home relaxing gives you the flexibility to work when and how you want to. 

There are so many reasons Motif is bound to be your new favorite iPhone editing tool. Check it out for yourself by downloading the iOS app!

The post Why Motif Will Be Your Favorite iPhone Editing Tool appeared first on The Motif Blog.

When it comes to photo editing on iOS and macOS devices – the world is your oyster. 

There are a number of different apps available for photography enthusiasts to sink their teeth into – and if you count yourself amongst that crowd, then you’ve certainly come to the right place. 

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the best free and paid photo editors available on iOS and macOS devices. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced photographer, or only just starting your journey. We’ve carefully selected a list of apps to suit a wide range of capabilities behind the lens. 

Scroll down to explore where you can find each app, along with the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. 

The best free photo editors

If you’ve only just ventured into the world of photography, but are still keen to test the potential of your iPhone or Mac from a photo editing perspective – it might be worth checking out what the free apps have to offer before splashing the cash on the more advanced programs. 

Here’s a few suggestions to get you started…

Canva

Canva is a multi-purpose design app that can be downloaded on mobile and desktop. 

Also available directly from you web browser, the vast majority of Canva’s functionality is free (although you can pay for some additional features). 

As far as actually editing photos, Canva is fairly limited compared to other apps on the market – although it’s very easy to upload images and work them into a variety of design templates ready provided. 

This includes cards, flyers, social media posts .  

Fotor

Much like Canva, Fotor is a multi-platform photo editing and graphic design tool which couldn’t be more straightforward to use. 

Again, it’s fairly limited when it comes to the more technical elements of photo editing, but if you want to get a simple introduction into the basics – Fotor is a great place to start. 

The standard photo editor feature is especially great for mobile users, as it’s a nice tool to play around with while you’re on the move. 

And, with more than 300 million using the Fotor app worldwide – you have all the social proof you need right there to convince you to give it a try! 

Snapseed

Given the fact that Snapseed isn’t available on Mac, you might be wondering why we’ve included it on our list? 

Well, for starters – Snapseed is widely regarded as the best free photo editing app exclusively for mobile devices and images captured via mobile. 

One of the main reasons why iPhone and iPad users speak so highly of Snapseed in app review forums especially, is that it takes up such little storage space in comparison to other free photo editors.

It’s also less limited in terms of functionality – with plenty of effects and creative frames beyond the basic editing tools. This makes it a great free option for beginners looking to hone their craft.  

GIMP

GIMP is seen as the go-to free alternative to Adobe Photoshop. 

This alone makes it a popular choice for people with a more advanced eye for photo editing – not least because they can access many of the equivalent tools that Photoshop users enjoy. 

Of course, it doesn’t have everything that Photoshop has to offer – but when you look at the price tag (or lack thereof!) you won’t see many people complaining. 

PhotoScape X

Photoscape X is an all-in-one photo editor, collage maker, animated GIF creator and printer. 

It supports all the usual file formats – and much like Fotor and Snapseed, it enables you to carry out basic photo enhancements very easily and quickly. 

However, unlike the apps we just mentioned, Photoscape enables you to perform batch edits for extra efficiency and also has a printing capabilities – enabling you to convert RAW image files into works of art in JPEG format, ready to come out of your printer. 

The best photo editing software (paid)

If you’re willing to part with some cash to get the best from your photos – it’s worth remembering some paid-for programs might be more suitable for what you need than others, so invest wisely!

Here’s a list of apps worth looking at before you make up your mind… 

Adobe Photoshop CC

Photoshop is one of the most widely used programs for creative professionals – let alone photographers. 

Being Photoshop-savvy is a skill in itself. And that’s before you start trying to edit photos. 

If you know your way around the program – the possibilities are endless. If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider Lightroom instead (more on that below). 

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic/CC

Lightroom is a program that’s more specifically tailored towards photography. 

While Photoshop is a designer’s dream, which enables you to completely change the elements within a photo –  many photography enthusiasts tend to prefer Lightroom as it’s a more scaled-down and simplified tool. 

Lightroom enables you to do the basics, even better. Lighting, contrast, definition – you name it. 

And, once you’ve mastered Lightroom, you can always turn your hand to Photoshop later.

Affinity Photo 1.7

Affinity gives you many Adobe features, without the hefty monthly subscription. 

You can literally buy the program outright, install it on your Mac or iPad – and benefit from the vast array of features provided. 

Of course, there are some limitations which may frustrate the more experienced photo editors out there – but we’d argue that it’s a more than worthwhile investment for beginners looking to sharpen their skills. 

PhaseOne Capture One Pro 12

As reflected in the price, Capture One Pro 12 exists on the market to directly compete with Photoshop. 

However, a more fair comparison is probably Capture One Pro 12 vs Lightroom – with Capture One arguably having the upper hand over Adobe as far as colour management and adjustment is concerned. 

That being said, files created in Photoshop and Lightroom can be seamlessly transferred across other Adobe programs – while Capture One Pro 12 is limited to PhaseOne applications which don’t have the same functionalities.  

DxO PhotoLab 2.3 (OpticsPro)

Depending on which version you decide to buy, there are a range of different tools across OpticsPro which make it worthy of a mention here. 

While you can compare Capture One Pro 12 to Lightroom, OpticsPro is comparable in many ways to Photoshop – in the sense that it’s a useful program for manipulating image elements. 

One thing to bear in mind however, is that OpticsPro only supports some RAW files – with Fujifilm being a notable exception. 

Why should you edit your photos?

The answer to this is simple. 

You take pride in your work! 

And, with all the programs we’ve just listed – the potential to improve the quality of your shots is immense. 

Sure, most digital cameras nowadays capture amazing still photographs on their own – but there is always room for improvement. 

The only thing to watch out for is ‘over-editing’ your photos. Once you become invested in the tools it’s easy to get carried away! 

What is the best photo editing software for you?

Always start basic and work your way up. 

If that means playing around with some of the more basic apps at no cost – then go for it. Then you can progress into the more advanced software features for photo editing and manipulation. 

If you have a bunch of edited photos lying around doing nothing, then we might be able to help. 

Motif enables you to make the best use of all your most treasured photographs. You can easily convert your edited photos into beautiful photo books, calendars and cards that you’ll cherish forever. 

All produced at your own fingertips. 

So, what are you waiting for? Download our free app extension for macOS or iOS and start creating today.

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