Close to Perfect. Close

Alright. Lets get this out of the way: Anyone who was fussed about the switch from Iris to Laminar most likely didnt spend enough time experimenting with all the new improvements the developers clearly worked very hard to realize.

Despite the confusion of naming and platform disparities, we were given a much upgraded product. The developers were even quick to listen to implement user recommended improvements. What we have now is a close to perfect image editor that has soon risen to the top of my camera bag with power in many areas like masking and lighting effects superior to the other big boys. But I do say, close.

Here are my gripes. Strangely, the iPhone version is more powerful, with a more pleasing UI. The iPhone version can resize up, whilst the cluttered iPad cannot. To the developers, identical tools across both platforms would be greatly appreciated as myself and Im certain many others perform edits on their multiple devices where consistency should be expected.

The iPad has more real estate, but it need not be cluttered with histograms and other tech that would be better served toggled on/off in settings for a cleaner UI.

One last thing. If I didnt enjoy using Laminar, I wouldnt be writing a review. However, one element must be sorted out. The Lighting Engine would be a master class if it were possible to toggle off/on the massively obtrusive crosshairs that hide the very areas youre trying to edit. At present, much work done here is pure guesswork with the results apparent only after application. If only one thing could be improved, I cross my fingers to kill the crosshairs.

The newly released Photoshop Touch for iPad has upped the game in smooth, clean photo editing. That being said, I find Laminar still bests PST in many areas that are more than worth the price. Laminar has taken a permanent seat in my go-to camera bag alongside all our favorites. I sincerely hope the developers continue to listen to our advice and make Laminar better. Not the Nearly Man of photo editing.

-¥450 about Laminar Pro - Image Editor, v1.9.7