What it does
Photoshop Express is a comprehensive mobile photo and video editing suite. It combines classic adjustment tools like exposure and color mixing with advanced features like object removal, face retouching, and collage creation. A key feature is its integration of generative AI, allowing users to create entirely new images from text prompts and then refine them within the same workflow.
Where it shines
The app excels by blending powerful, professional-grade tools with user-friendly interfaces. The generative AI feature is a standout, not just for creating images (02:43), but for providing an iterative canvas with refinement tools for style, lighting, and composition (03:01). This turns a simple prompt into a creative session. Another strength is the 'My Looks' feature (07:08), which allows users to save complex sets of adjustments as custom, one-tap filters, encouraging deep personalization and building a valuable personal style library.
UX highlights
- The initial onboarding uses interactive 'before and after' sliders (00:04), a highly effective way to demonstrate the app's power immediately.
- Tooltips and guided tours appear contextually for complex features, such as Color Mix (04:56) and Patch (07:48), helping users learn on the fly.
- The AI object removal tool provides multiple options like 'Brush' and 'Smart Brush' (07:35), catering to both quick fixes and precise edits.
- When creating collages, the app offers not just static layouts but also dynamic animation effects (14:13), turning simple photo groups into shareable videos.
- The app clearly separates editing layers into 'Subject', 'Background', and 'Object' (04:14), making complex selective adjustments intuitive.
- Long-pressing on the image (09:23) temporarily shows the original version, providing a quick and easy way to compare edits without leaving the workflow.
Monetization & growth
The app presents its premium subscription offer after a mandatory login but before the user enters the main editor. The paywall at 01:29 clearly lists feature highlights and offers a 14-day free trial for the annual plan, framing it as the best value with a 'Save 57%' tag. After a successful subscription, the app immediately shows a full-screen prompt (01:52) to download Adobe Express, an aggressive but clear strategy to drive growth across its product ecosystem.
Who it’s for
Photoshop Express targets a broad audience, from casual users looking to make quick touch-ups and create social media content to more advanced hobbyists who want granular control over their edits. The inclusion of generative AI and collage tools makes it particularly useful for content creators, while the deep adjustment options appeal to amateur photographers who want a powerful editor on the go.
Notes & opportunities
The mandatory sign-up at 00:36 creates a significant friction point right at the start. Allowing users to enter the editor and experience the tools before requiring an account could improve initial retention. Additionally, some AI features, like generative fill, occasionally fail to produce results (11:28), which could frustrate users. Providing more specific error feedback or suggestions for refining the selection could improve this experience.