News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

January 24, 2007

software

Image Tricks works some Core Image magic

Posted Jan. 24, ’07, 9:45 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Software

imagetricks.jpgDon’t you find it interesting how the word “Core” has permeated Apple’s existence? Not only do we have Core 2 Duo chips, but we have Core Audio, Core Animation, Core Image. No? Not interesting? Okay, moving right along.

Core Image is a pretty nifty technology that was introduced with 10.4; it makes it easy for apps to do crazy non-destructive image manipulation, like Photoshop filters, and to layer these filters one atop the other, in an ever-increasing spiral of insanity. You can get the merest taste of this functionality in apps like Photo Booth, but there’s more—so much more.

Image Tricks exposes quite a bit of Core Image in a handy little package that lets you mangle images until your heart is content. There are dozens of filters available, as well as masking, cropping, and resizing features. If that’s not enough for you, Image Tricks also lets you generate all sorts of shapes and patterns as well. Some of the features require the $14.95 Pro version, but most are available in the free-as-beer downloadable copy. Since it uses Core Image, you’ll need at least 10.4 to get going, but excepting that, the sky’s the limit.

[via Lifehacker]


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