With the Adjust tool app update last year, Instagram has matured from a mere photo-filter app to an image editing software a serious photographer wants to use. And now, there is even more. Instagram has rolled out two more creative tools with its latest update launched on April 8, 2015. These are Instagram Fade and Instagram Color options.
Instagram updates on Android
For the first time, Instagram has rolled out updates for Android platform prior to iOS platform with two new features which promise more control over photo editing. Moreover, this new set of editing tools will enable you to create your own filters when preset filters do not match your photography taste. So, how to use Fade and Color tools on Instagram?
How to use Instagram Fade and Color?
Color
The Instagram Color tool presents set of colors which you can apply on shadows and highlights on your photo. There are eight color buttons viz., yellow, red, orange, purple, pink, cyan, blue, and green in the form of radio buttons. You can choose between two tabs ‘Shadows’ and ‘Highlights’ and then, select any to add colored flair to your photos. While Instagram Color option aids in brightening and sharpening your photos, the later will enable you to soften when needed.
Fade
If you want to subdue brightness, mute colors and blur lines to add retro look to your photos, then Instagram Fade slider will come handy. Move the Fade slider to an extent that adds suppresses brightness and contrast of the photo to create an old lens look to images. Like Color, Fade can also be applied to both shadows and highlights – once you drag the slider to your preferred amount (maximum is 100), tap the tick icon to save effects on the photo.
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Initially Instagram has rolled out these two editing tools on Android devices and promised to roll out the same on iOS version “within a few days”. However if Fade and Color do not match your photographic palette, then you can try these Instagram alternatives on Android –
5 Instagram Alternatives If You Don’t Like Fade and Color
Lightbox
Lightbox is another free Instagram alternative on Android which not only lets you edit your camera photos, but photos you liked on social sharing services. It lets you pull pictures from photo library as well as Flickr, photos your friends posted on Lightbox timeline and also photos you found interesting from news pieces sourced online. The app offers various filters, color correction tools, and a unique fisheye lens to add more fun to photos.
VSCO Cam
Designed by Visual Supply Company, VSCO Cam app is popular for its combination of superior quality of photo filtering presets and editing tools on Android. You can view before and after view to see photos after changes applied to them.
Picplz
Another notable Instagram alternative, Picplz offers 15 editing tools, artistic effects and numerous filters as well as sharing features including integration with Facebook and Twitter and location tagging.
Vignette
If you love the retro look but not quite impressed with what Instagram Fade can do to your photos then Vignette is the best Instagram alternative you got on Android. Install the paid version that offers many more stunning choices such as retro and vintage effects, Lomo, Holga and Diana (much like Instagram), charcoal effects, photo booth, double exposure along with camera tools such as touch to focus, full resolution, time-lapse, timer shots, optical zoom up to 21x and many more.
PicYou
PicYou is another photo editing app that you want to forget Instagram after using it. Vast range of tools includes photo capture options to photo editing options. In addition to awesome range of filters and styles, this Instagram alternative will pack in beautiful frames, photo collage features, unlimited uploads, support for full front and back camera, Facebook and Twitter integration and many more.
More alternatives: Camu App: The Best App of 2014, Now Introduced in Android
Did you try Instagram Fade and Color features or these Instagram alternatives? Let us know about your staple photo editing tool here and how it works.
