/ How to

How to Create and Save Custom Filter Presets in the Snapseed App

Key Takeaways

  • Snapseed allows you to create and save custom filter presets called “Looks” for consistent editing across multiple photos
  • Creating custom Looks involves applying desired edits to a photo, then saving those edits as a reusable preset
  • Custom Looks can be easily applied to new photos, shared via QR codes, and tweaked to your preferences

As an avid mobile photographer and photo editing enthusiast, I’ve found Snapseed to be an incredibly powerful and user-friendly app for enhancing my smartphone photos. One of its standout features is the ability to create and save custom filter presets, known as “Looks,” which can streamline your editing workflow and ensure consistent styling across multiple images.

Understanding Snapseed Looks

Snapseed Looks are essentially saved combinations of editing adjustments that you can apply to your photos with just a few taps. These presets can include any number of edits, from basic adjustments like exposure and contrast to more advanced effects like selective coloring, vignettes, and textures.

The beauty of Looks lies in their versatility and reusability. Once you’ve crafted a Look that you love, you can apply it to any new photo, instantly transforming its appearance without having to repeat the same editing steps. This can be a huge time-saver, especially if you frequently shoot in similar lighting conditions or aim for a particular aesthetic across your photo library.

Creating Your First Custom Look

Creating a custom Look in Snapseed is a straightforward process that involves editing a photo to your desired outcome and then saving those edits as a preset. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open a Photo in Snapseed: Start by opening the photo you want to use as a base for your custom Look.
  2. Apply Desired Edits: Use Snapseed’s various tools and filters to edit the photo to your liking. You can adjust exposure, contrast, saturation, apply filters, selectively edit specific areas using the masking brush, and more.
  3. Navigate to the Looks Menu: Once you’re satisfied with your edits, tap on the “Looks” icon at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Save Your Edits as a Look: Scroll all the way to the right in the Looks menu, and you’ll see a “+” icon. Tap on it, and you’ll be prompted to name your new Look. Enter a descriptive name and tap “OK.”

Congratulations! You’ve just created your first custom Look in Snapseed. You’ll now see it listed in the Looks menu, ready to be applied to other photos with a single tap.

Applying and Tweaking Custom Looks

Now that you’ve created a custom Look, you can easily apply it to new photos by following these steps:

  1. Open a New Photo in Snapseed: Select the photo you want to edit.
  2. Navigate to the Looks Menu: Tap on the “Looks” icon at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Apply Your Custom Look: Locate your custom Look in the menu and tap on it. The edits you previously saved will be instantly applied to the new photo.
  4. Tweak the Look (Optional): If you want to make adjustments to the Look for this specific photo, tap on the “Edit” icon (pencil symbol) next to the Look’s name. This will allow you to fine-tune the individual editing adjustments without altering the original preset.

One of the great things about Snapseed Looks is that they’re non-destructive, meaning you can always go back and modify or remove the edits without permanently altering the original image file.

Sharing Custom Looks with Others

In addition to creating and applying custom Looks for your own use, Snapseed also allows you to share your presets with others. This can be particularly useful if you’re collaborating with fellow photographers or want to maintain a consistent editing style across multiple devices.

To share a custom Look, follow these steps:

  1. Open a Photo and Apply the Look: Open any photo in Snapseed and apply the Look you want to share.
  2. Generate a QR Code: Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, then select “QR Look.” This will generate a QR code representing your custom Look.
  3. Share the QR Code: Have the person you want to share the Look with scan the QR code using the “Scan QR Look” option in Snapseed’s Looks menu. Once scanned, they can save the Look to their library and apply it to their own photos.

Alternatively, you can share the QR code image via messaging apps, social media, or email, allowing others to scan and import your custom Look at their convenience.

Tips for Creating Effective Custom Looks

While creating custom Looks in Snapseed is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind for optimal results:

  • Start with a Well-Exposed Base Photo: The edits you apply will be more effective if you start with a properly exposed and well-composed photo.
  • Experiment with Different Editing Combinations: Don’t be afraid to try out various filter combinations, adjustment layers, and masking techniques to achieve unique and creative Looks.
  • Consider Your Shooting Conditions: If you frequently shoot in similar lighting or environments, create Looks tailored to those conditions for consistent editing across multiple photos.
  • Organize Your Looks: As your collection of custom Looks grows, consider organizing them into folders or using descriptive names to make them easier to find and manage.
  • Backup Your Looks: Snapseed allows you to export and import Looks as QR codes or files, which can be useful for backing up your presets or transferring them between devices.

By mastering the art of creating and saving custom filter presets in Snapseed, you’ll not only streamline your editing workflow but also develop a distinct and recognizable style that sets your photos apart. Embrace the power of Looks, and let your creativity shine through your mobile photography.

Related Posts