Nodality is a Complex Node Based Image Processor for iPad

I use my iPad on a regular basis, and most of the time I’m either using it for writing or photo editing. The iPad’s crisp retina screen makes the photo editing process a breeze. However, sometimes simple photo editors won’t do the trick and you need to go above basic edits like filters and layers. That’s where a visual editor like Nodality comes in handy.

When I’m editing photos, I usually prefer the quick and easy method of touching up images automatically and applying filters as needed. This can be considered the “casual” method of photo editing, and Nodality is an app for serious photographers and graphic designers who are looking for a completely different way to visually manipulate images.

Nodality can best be described as a node based image processor. What this means is that the layout looks very similar to that of mind mapping apps and other visual organizers. The concept is essentially the same in that you create different elements and interlink them with each other to create complex relationships.

Personally I’ve never encountered a photo editing app that functioned like Nodality, so there was a bit of a learning curve when I started reviewing it. According to the developer, Nodality is inspired by popular desktop software like Nuke and Houdini, which also use the node based editing process.

In order to effectively use Nodality, you have to import an image from your camera roll. This is accomplished by tapping on the project board to create a new node. Select “Image Source” and then “Image Loader”. Once the node is created, double-tap on the default image to bring up your iPad’s camera roll. Once you have the image you want, you can begin adding additional nodes to adjust it, such as filters, distortions, and other effects.

When you want to link two nodes together, all you have to do is tap and hold on a node and tap on another note that shows a yellow screen. The two nodes will become linked, and any effects or alterations will take place immediately.

As I mentioned before, Nodality is a pretty complex image processing app that will take users quite a bit of time to figure out. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though, because the app is very powerful and is packed with features that are worth taking the time to learn. Plus, it’s great for visual people like myself.

Lastly, Nodality is free to download from the App Store, meaning you can try your hand at the app without spending a penny. There are no in-app purchases to worry about, either, and all features are available from the get-go.

Overall, Nodality is an incredibly unique image manipulation app that allows users to have complete control over the editing process. It’ll take a little while to figure out exactly how it works, but it’s worth every minute. I definitely recommend it if you are serious about editing photos, images, and textures.

Nodality requires iOS 8.0 or later and is compatible with iPad.

A small fee was paid by the developer for publication of this review