Snapseed, tablet photo editing app created by Nik Software, has crossed over to Android a year after being named iPad “App of the Year” by Apple. If you dig a little bit, it isn't hard to see why the app has migrated to Android. Google purchased Nik Software last September. The interface may not be as incredible as Apple's iPhoto for iOS, or have the same amazing content-based features of Adobe Photoshop Touch, but it is still one of the best free image editing apps on the market for tablets.

Interface

The Android version of Snapseed is strikingly similar to the iPad version: easy to use, but high-powered with amazing detail. Take a photo, or choose a photo you've already taken, and rectangles appear at the bottom (vertical orientation) or side (landscape orientation) of the screen. Swipe through these rectangles to set different photos adjustments, make edits, and create effects. If you don't want to swipe to adjust the photo (brightness, contrast, and color), let the app take care of it for you.

You can also use the app's “Selective Adjust” and “Selective Focus” features to adjust specific parts of the image. Unlike Adobe's Photoshop Touch app, you cannot work with layers, remove background objects, or use specific brushes. Comparing your original photo with the edited version is also easy to do with the help of an icon that stays anchored to the right of the screen throughout all edits.

There is also a Help function in case you encounter a difficult problem. Tap the question mark in the upper-right hand corner of the screen, and it will provide instructions on what to do to perform a certain function. Snapseed's sharpening is similar to Nik Software's Sharpener Pro 3.0, allowing you to use sliders to adjust sharpness – an innovative way to make textures stand out in a photo.

Features

Use the Drama tool to apply special effects. When you're happy with the image, choose from an array of frames to make the photo look mounted. One sought-after feature of Snapseed is the tilt-shift feature, a miniaturization and saturation technique. Before this feature, it was only possible to achieve the tilt/shift look by using a fancy and expensive camera lens.

It is also possible to share completed images with friends and family using the “Share” menu. Google has implemented a large Google+ button directly below the photo on the main screen, so you can easily share on Google Plus. If you're like most, though, you share on other sites. If this is the case, the app will determine which social services you have installed on your tablet, such as Facebook and Pinterest, and include them in the Share menu.

Additional Information

If you're looking for a quality photo-editing app for your tablet, look no further than Snapseed. The app offers amazing effects and enhancements in an easy-to-use format that users will love. The fact that this Android app is free is just icing on the cake! Snapseed is available now for Android users.