Snapseed is NOT dead

[Robert Watcher]

So nice to know that development of my FAVOURITE mobile editing app Snapseed, is not dead. I opened it this morning to a big surprise. A search to find out when this update happened, revealed this:

Snapseed got a major glow-up recently! Google released Snapseed 3.0 for iOS on June 12, 2025, marking its first big redesign in years A. The update introduced a fresh interface, a new “Faves” tab for quick access to favorite tools, and a sleeker editing workflow.

It appears that the iOS version is first to be available.

 

[Robert Watcher]

I did find the update easier for selecting images as well as far easier to find and create custom LOOKS.

One feature that I am missing is the Export that allowed resizing. Hopefully Google adds this back in with future updates.

The workaround was to use the free Image Resize app once the edits were saved back to the iOS Photos app. One thing that I came to realize is that when using Save in Snapseed, all edits are non-destructive and I was able to Revert to the original from within the iOS Photos app

 

[Jerome Marot]

Does Snapseed require a google account to be used? Does it keep the images locally?

 

[Robert Watcher]

Does Snapseed require a google account to be used? Does it keep the images locally?

There is not a sign in to use it. There are no ads. It opens and stores photos locally on my devices

 

[Asher Kelman]

Fobert,

I find the new format clumsy as it broken into sections where I’ve had to beaky learn to find the icons for tools which see the Dane.

I have not been hooked to discover WHST net Beatles in all the unexplained arrays of pictures tgst you have show here!

Did you notice or discover how to use whatever benefits are aligned with the numerous small icons of nice photos?

Ashefmr

 

[Jerome Marot]

There is not a sign in to use it. There are no ads. It opens and stores photos locally on my devices

That is surprisingly good, coming from Google. I will look into it.

I have been looking for a photo selecting and processing application since Apple's Aperture was discontinued, but the obvious one (Lightroom) demands monthly fees and wants me to store my pictures on their servers. Times have changed.

Maybe Snapseed will fit the bill. At present, I use "Raw Power" on the iPad, but it is limited as it is basically a kludge building on Apple's built-in "Photos" app.

On a computer, I could use Darktable. Or maybe I should use Darktable as it is free software. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find commands to the functions I need to use. I could also use Capture One, which is reported to be free for Sony cameras. But I have doubts about the future of that application. Same goes for Phocus (free from Hasselblad), which can do quite a bit on a mac.

 

[Robert Watcher]

Fobert,

I find the new format clumsy as it broken into sections where I’ve had to beaky learn to find the icons for tools which see the Dane.

I have not been hooked to discover WHST net Beatles in all the unexplained arrays of pictures tgst you have show here!

Did you notice or discover how to use whatever benefits are aligned with the numerous small icons of nice photos?

Ashefmr

I appreciate that relearning the software can be challenging Asher. The main thing Inwas excited about wasn’t so much the changes as the fact that Google hasn’t abandoned this wonderful app.

Now as for updates that I personally appreciate, they have more to do with my workflow and ease of opening photos and finding the tools that I use. I also like that I no longer get confused with the buttons at the bottom switching orientation when I rotate my device.

 

[Robert Watcher]

I prefer the updated version for accessing photos from my iPad or iPhone.

Here is a screenshot from the previous interface where everything was small and not as easy to access without several steps.

As I showed in the pics at the start of this post, the Recents grid is displayed instantly and only requires clicking a photo to open for editing. And if I want a deeper dive into specific folders, clicking the + button opens an interface exactly like I am used to with the iOS Photos app.

 

[Robert Watcher]

LOOKS. I save many different Looks that apply settings in different scenarios with a simple click. Often they are starting points that I can go in and edit and tweak or add adjustments with masking.

It was always a nuisance to have the standard selection of Looks that are part of Snapseed, available at the start of the scrolling list. Now they are at the end and all of my custom Looks are easily accessible when I click on the Looks button —— along with the + button being right there to add a Look. As well on the far right side is a button that opens an interface to rename or delete my custom looks for organizing purposes.

 

[Robert Watcher]

I do like having the additional FAVES tab for easy access of the tools that I use most, and so don’t have to hunt around for them as I had to in the old interface.

At the top of the Tools page there is a button that allows editing the 4 slots to my most used, which I have done

Adjust, Details, Perspective & Crop - sit beside the locked Auto option.

 

[Robert Watcher]

As for the TOOLS. They are all the same ones that were available in the unorganized list of options. I have used different colours on a screenshot of the old interface, to compare to the different sections now available - which are very logical for me.

The one section that took a minute to figure out, was the STYLES. Initially I thought it may be a new feature, but it’s not. It just happens that they have used a thumbnail to identify each, such as HDR, Glow, Grunge, etc.

One wording change is Tune Image —- it is now called Adjust

 

[Robert Watcher]

ADJUSTING EDITS. I have always been able to edit the long list of adjustments one at a time, after clicking the drop-down and selecting edit. But the new interface makes this so much quicker with the Undo / Edit / Redo clicks at the top center of app. A full screen tab opens for working on, and saving those changes to new Look can be done right there as well if desired.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks! When is your video coming out!

 

[Robert Watcher]

 

[Asher Kelman]

It will have a lot of fans!

Asher