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Etchings app for iPhone and iPad


4.4 ( 3504 ratings )
Photo & Video Entertainment
Developer: MindSea Development Inc.
2.99 USD
Current version: 1.7.1, last update: 7 years ago
First release : 30 Aug 2012
App size: 70.09 Mb

Instantly create beautiful etched illustrations from any photo! Experiment with twelve stunning styles you can tweak to fit your image perfectly — its easy and fun to turn your photo into a unique work of art.


"…Etchings outclasses them all with its ultra detailed, multi-lined sketches." — Juli Clover for App Advice

"The results are amazing.... My advice: Buy this app." — Charlie Sorrel for Cult Of Mac

"There’s nothing like Etchings in the App Store. It quickly and easily adds unique, classic looks to your images." — Marty Yawnick for Life In LoFi


Share Your Etching

Once you have created your beautiful etching, share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. Etchings also plays nicely with other apps: you can import images directly into Etchings and export them in high-resolution (up to 3300x3300) to the camera roll or your (second) favourite photo app.

Impressive Effects

Find just the right look from the dozens of combinations in Etchings. Try the "Classic" filter to create a timeless black-and-white illustration with amazing detail or, if you are looking for a little fun, try the "Spectrum" filter to create an extra-vibrant work of art. Why not immortalize your friends on some faux money or send them first-class with the "Air Mail" postage stamp filter.

For even more options, check out the Florence FX Pack! From the striking colorful "Alice" filter to the funky rainbow "Sorbet" filter, you can unlock six more hand-crafted effects for just 99 cents (or local equivalent).

Check out www.etchingsapp.com or follow @etchingsapp on Instagram and Twitter for some inspirational samples. You can search for #etchings to see the beautiful results created by artists from around the globe.

Note: High resolution output is limited to 1600x1660 on iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 4th generation, and iPad 1st generation. All other devices support resolutions up to 3300x3300.

Pros and cons of Etchings app for iPhone and iPad

Etchings app good for

This app quickly and straightforwardly transforms photos into engraving/etching-like renderings. Thats exactly what I want it for. Some complain that it isnt creative enough. Actually, I would prefer that the app not add anything beyond basic stylistic rendering. Let the user add any "creative" imagery in GIMP or Photoshop. A couple of included styles already add such flourishes, like fake currency or rubber stamp marks--I doubt Ill ever use those. Im hoping the developer provides new style packs with additional effects such as mezzotints, aquatint, and other intaglio and lithographic techniques.
Many filters to choose from and helps an a newer artist become a better drawer by being able to have sketched photos to work from!
Very well done. Works as advertised. And I love the stamp filter. Well worth the dollar.
Nice little app, the few effects it has work well, hopefully it gets updated with some new effects soon.
I really like the unique idea of this app, the only thing is the limited cropping control on the photo, but its wonderful in general
This is a nice app that has some unique filters. As with all apps, more options would be fun but this is well worth 0.99.

Some bad moments

You are forced to crop to a square, very limited filters, half add very specific borders (American $1 bill, for instance). I can only recommend it if the limitations are patched in the future.
Awful. Not worth the download. There are better etching apps out there.
I cant believe I paid over $3 for this horrible app. Please do yourself a favour and save your money. With only 13 filters that all look the same for the WHOLE app and some lame brightness and line thickness settings I feel completely ripped off, to make matters worse, there ARE more filters available, but they want MORE money for those lol pathetic!!! I have never felt so ripped off buying an app.
Great addition to my Arsenal of photo editing apps. Love the detail it provides.
I just tried this on a lark and was pleasantly surprised. The results are quite good and its easy to use.
I love this app, Im always looking for interesting things to do with my photos and this definitely fits the bill. Highly recommended.