As a blogger and a tech enthusiast, I have always been interested in trying various tools. I recently tried using Fotor, an AI-based online photo editor app, and I must say, I was mighty impressed with the wide selection of tools. I was a Canva user before I tried using Fotor. Though I was initially reticent about how the outputs would be, I was thrown off. For this review, I am using the Fotor Pro subscription, and some of the features I mentioned here are available only in the Pro version.
But fret not!
Fotor Free is equally awesome as its pro version, and as a new member, you can always try the Free version before making your purchase.
(Pro tip: Psst…the Pro version is totally worth your money, though!)
Overview
Fotor offers a wide range of features for editing, designing, and generating photos. What sets it apart is its accessibility—you can use it on your desktop, mobile (Fotor has both official iOS and Android apps), or even through a web browser, making it incredibly convenient for on-the-go editing. Fotor started as web-based software for Flash Player and has since evolved into a suite of programs available on web browsers, iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
Key Features that I was impressed with
Fotor’s AI tools are truly impressive. Though there are multiple AI-based photo editing options available, I was particularly impressed with three features.
AI Image Generator
When I first tried Fotor’s AI image generator, I was impressed by its capabilities. As someone who used to work with Canva, I found this tool refreshingly intuitive. Here’s what stood out to me:
- The text-to-image conversion is remarkably accurate. This was the prompt I gave: “Create a vibrant and futuristic cityscape at sunset” and set the style to Photography 4
I must say the output was brilliant. I was amazed by the detailed, vibrant image it produced.
Here are my results and the output that I received
This wasn’t the only perk I observed.
I also could customize the aspect ratios and generate multiple images at once, which I think would save a lot of time for professional photo editors and social media influencers. Plus, the added benefit was that one could download images without watermarks, even using free credits.
I must say that Fotor has done a great job (in this aspect!)
AI Hairstyle Changer
As someone who’s always hesitated about drastic hair changes, I found the AI hairstyle changer to be a game-changer. As a girl with long hair, when I first saw this option, I was so excited to try it.
Here’s why I think it’s fantastic:
- The virtual haircut simulator is incredibly realistic. I uploaded a selfie and tried on at least a dozen different styles in minutes.
Here are my results
Since I have long, straight hair, I wanted to go for a short, cropped hair version of my pic. So, I selected the bob cut (with bangs) option and this is the result I got.
(On a serious note, I started laughing when I saw the images)
The hair color changer is fun and accurate. I even dared to see myself with bright blue hair! (Won’t post the results though 😉).
AI Baby Filter
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about this feature at first, but it quickly won me over. The idea of being able to visualize what my future child might look like was both exciting and a little surreal. I couldn’t wait to try it out.
The process was surprisingly straightforward. I started by uploading a clear, front-facing photo of myself and another of my partner. The interface was user-friendly, guiding me through each step. Once our photos were uploaded, I was presented with the option to choose the gender of our hypothetical baby. I decided to generate both a boy and a girl to see the differences.
These were the results I got
As I watched the AI analyze our facial features, I was impressed by the level of detail it seemed to be considering, from eye color and skin tone to subtle features like nose shape and jawline.
When the results appeared, I was genuinely amazed. The AI had created incredibly lifelike images of potential children, blending our features in ways I never could have imagined. It was fascinating to see how certain traits from each of us were combined in the generated images.
Other manual features
These are not the only set of features Fotor has. You can also edit your photos manually by uploading them.
There are a wide variety of options available
- Basic Adjustments:
- Crop (by size, shape, distort)
- White Balance (temperature & tint)
- Basic (exposure, brightness, contrast, vibrance, saturation)
- Advanced Adjustments:
- Levels (highlights, shadows, whites, blacks)
- Curve
- HSL (color range, hue, saturation, brightness) *
- RGB (hue, midtones, shadow) *
- Detail Enhancement:
- Detail (clarity, sharpen)
- Structure (detail, gradation) *
- Dehaze *
- Noise Reduction and Effects:
- Denoise (luminance noise, color noise, detail) *
- Film grain (intensity, roughness) *
- Artistic Effects:
- Vignette (intensity, scale, feather, roundness)
- Focus
Note: Features marked with an asterisk (*) are available in the paid version of Fotor.
Effects and Filters
With over 200 effects across 29 categories, Fotor provides endless possibilities for creative editing. From classic looks to more dramatic transformations, there’s something for every style.
Frames and Backgrounds
Fotor offers a vast selection of frames and backgrounds to enhance your photos. With over 100 frame options and numerous background choices, you can add a personal touch to any image.
User Experience
The interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Fotor allows you to save a series of edits for quick application to future photos – similar to actions in Photoshop.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accessible across multiple platforms
- Powerful AI-driven tools
- Extensive range of effects and filters
- User-friendly interface
- Ability to create and save editing processes
Cons:
- Some AI tools could be tricky for some people
- Advanced features are limited to the Pro version
- AI Magic Remove struggles with complex backgrounds
Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of the pricing structure Fotor offers
Fotor offers three main pricing tiers, catering to different user needs and budgets:
- Fotor Basic (Free)
• Provides access to basic editing features
• Includes basic design features and collage layouts
• Limited access to templates and creative resources
• 500MB cloud storage
• Outputs in normal JPG/PNG/PDF formats
• Available on web, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms
• Contains ads - Fotor Pro
• Includes all Basic features plus advanced editing tools
• Access to AI-powered features like Photo Enhancer, Background Remover, and Object Remover
• AI Image Generator (AIGC) and other AI tools
• HD downloads without watermarks
• 100,000+ templates and 60,000+ creative resources
• 2GB cloud storage
• Outputs in HD JPG/PNG/PDF and transparent PNG
• Ad-free experience
• 100 credits per month for premium features - Fotor Pro+
• Includes all Pro features
• Additional AI tools like Face Swap and Video Enhancer
• Full-time, HD video editing capabilities
• 10GB cloud storage
• 300 credits per month for premium features
• Brand kit feature for consistent branding
My verdict
After thoroughly exploring Fotor across its web, desktop, and mobile platforms, I can confidently say that it’s an impressive photo editing suite with a lot to offer. Here’s my verdict:
Fotor stands out as a versatile and user-friendly photo editing tool that caters to both beginners and more experienced users. Its cross-platform availability is a significant advantage, allowing seamless editing whether you’re on your computer, smartphone, or using a web browser.
The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those new to photo editing. I was pleasantly surprised by the RAW file support in the desktop version, a feature not commonly found in free photo editors. The quality of RAW processing is impressive, with no noticeable noise or image degradation.
The collage maker is another standout feature. With a wide variety of templates and customization options, it’s easy to create attractive collages in just a few minutes.
Fotor’s mobile app goes beyond basic editing, offering unique features like photo contests (“Missions”) and a built-in social network. These additions make the app more engaging and provide motivation for improving photography skills.
While Fotor may not replace professional software like Photoshop or Lightroom for complex edits, it offers an impressive range of tools for basic to intermediate editing needs. The effects and filters are tastefully done, enhancing photos without making them look unnatural.
However, it’s worth noting that the free version comes with ads, which can be distracting. The paid version offers additional features and removes ads, providing a more streamlined experience.
Overall, Fotor has earned its place in my photo editing toolkit. It strikes an excellent balance between functionality and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for casual users, bloggers, and even more serious photographers looking for quick, effective edits. While it may not replace professional software for complex tasks, it’s an excellent choice for everyday photo enhancement and creative projects.
(This review is based on my own experience and I am not compensated or influenced by the members of Fotor team).