Layover Review
+ Universal App
$0.99 Buy now!

Layover Review

Our Review by Jennifer Allen on August 14th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: CREATIVE
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Layover provides a way to blend up to five images together and create new stunning imagery.

Developer: Peak Systems
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4

iPhone Integration Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
User Interface Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Re-use Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar


Layers are an immensely powerful toolset within any image editing app. With that power comes great responsibility to create good images, but also a frequently steep learning curve. While Layover isn't quite as straight forward to get stunning results as it would like to be, it's still able to produce some great images.

At its most basic, Layover allows users to blend up to five photographs together in order to share the colors, textures and imagery within. Mileage may vary in terms of how beautiful such results may look, but this is solely down to the user's artistic eye. Actually using the app is relatively intuitive, at least for those used to layering techniques.

Drag and drop plays an important role in lining up the focus of such images, with 15 blending effects available. These comprise of Multiply, Screen, Layover, Soft Light, Hard Light, Color Dodge, Color Burn, Addition, Difference, Darken, Lighten, Hue, Saturation, Color and Luminosity. Like so many other photo editing apps, experimentation is recommended here in order to create the best result.

It doesn't take long to adjust such images with a brief pause between applying the effects. A Mask feature adds to the options, allowing users to isolate specific elements and erase other parts of a picture. The potential here is quite huge although it definitely requires some practice to truly master.

Other functionality stems from being able to resize the image such as to portrait or landscape, both available at different ratios. A base layer can be changed to any color, providing more variety and the ability to filter just one image.

Sharing comes in the form of every major social network imaginable, with Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and Tumblr all making an appearance.

Only two pivotal problems emerge within Layover. There's no quick way to start a new image, such as a new or clear all button. Zooming is also quite limited, restricting the ability to make small edits. For the casual user, this won't be a problem but for those who want to implement complex changes, it'll get annoying.

$0.99 for an Universal app ensures that such oversights don't feel too overwhelming, though, and overall Layover is a fine addition to the photo filtering stable for many.

iPhone Screenshots

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iPad Screenshots

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