Google is rolling out Snapseed 4.2 for Android and iOS, bringing a fresh batch of photo-editing features to the popular mobile app. The update adds Motion Blur, better Lens Blur, preset and LUT imports, and a way to discover other photographers’ editing styles, according to this Reddit post.
The biggest addition might be preset and LUT support, especially for users already entrenched in editing workflows using apps like Lightroom. Instead of having to start from scratch with their favorite color treatments, they can now import those looks straight into Snapseed. This rollout is staged, so it may take a while before the update appears on all devices.
Snapseed 4.2 makes it easier to bring your own editing style in
The headline feature in Snapseed 4.2 is the ability to import presets and LUTs via the Manage Looks option in the gallery menu. The app supports .cube, .xmp, .3dl, .png, and .snapseed files, so you can bring editing styles from other tools into your mobile workflow. Users can also share their own custom Looks, including the LUTs that created them.
Another interesting addition is Motion Blur. The new tool can blur the whole scene, create a panning effect by keeping the subject in focus and streaking the background, or apply motion directly to the subject. This gives users more options to add a sense of motion to otherwise static photos without using separate editing apps.
Google has also enhanced Lens Blur with a new Depth option. Snapseed can use scene depth info to blur backgrounds more naturally, and the Bokeh Boost setting makes highlights look more pronounced.
Community Looks and color grading for more creative choices
Snapseed 4.2 also features Community Looks, a rotating collection of edits created by photographers. They can browse the looks on the original photos, try them on their own images, and see the full editing recipe used to create each effect. #SnapseedLook is the hashtag for photographers who want to get their work featured.
Meanwhile, full multi-wheel Color Grading is being rolled out to all Android users along with LUT integration. The update also brings landscape mode support in Snapseed on iPhones and iPads.
The changes give users more control over what photos look like and less friction moving between editing tools. The capability to import existing presets is especially helpful for photographers who have spent time creating a consistent visual style elsewhere.
Snapseed version 4.2 is beginning to show up on Android and iOS. You won’t need to reinstall the app or immediately change your editing workflow, but you may have to wait a little for the update to reach your device.
