What it does
TouchRetouch is a mobile photo editor focused on removing unwanted elements from images. It provides a suite of specialized tools for object removal, line cleanup, blemish correction, and cloning. The app is designed to help users create clean, distraction-free photos with just a few taps.
Where it shines
The app excels at its core task of cleaning up photos. The object removal tool, demonstrated at 00:55, is fast and impressively effective, making background people disappear seamlessly. For more precise edits, the Clone Stamp tool (01:51) offers granular control, cleverly supported by a magnifying glass that prevents the user's finger from obscuring the view. The simple Blur tool (03:14) adds another layer of professional-looking edits with minimal effort, allowing users to create depth of field effects easily.
UX highlights
- Contextual tooltips (00:49) replace a traditional onboarding, teaching users as they actively explore features.
- A persistent before/after button in the top right allows for quick, satisfying comparisons during the editing process (00:58).
- The magnifying glass UI for brush tools is a smart solution to the common 'fat finger' problem on touchscreens (01:07).
- The export screen provides pro-level options like format (JPG, PNG) and quality control, which is rare for a mobile editor (05:21).
- Tool settings are straightforward, using simple sliders for adjustments like blur strength or brush hardness (03:12).
- The app supports both automatic and manual retouching modes, catering to both quick fixes and detailed, controlled work (01:15).
Monetization & growth
The app presents its paywall immediately upon first launch (00:12), indicating a focus on converting high-intent users. It features a single yearly plan with a 3-day free trial, which simplifies the user's choice and reduces decision friction. After a user successfully saves an edited photo, the app strategically prompts for a rating (03:40). This timing is smart, as it asks for feedback when user satisfaction is likely at its peak.
Who it’s for
This app is for anyone from casual social media users to serious mobile photographers who want to clean up their photos. Its primary use cases include removing tourists from travel shots, cleaning up product photos for a small business, or perfecting portraits by removing minor blemishes or stray hairs. The power and simplicity of the tools make it accessible to a wide audience.
Notes & opportunities
While most tools work well, the Mesh Removal feature failed to find meshes in the example image (01:34), which could be a point of user frustration if expectations aren't managed. The UI is very tool-dense, and while contextual tutorials help, a first-time user might feel slightly overwhelmed by the number of icons without text labels. However, the app smartly includes an option to show tool names in the settings, addressing this for users who prefer more explicit navigation.