Plotagraph: Making Still Images Move
Introduction It is a well-known fact that there is no shortage of apps that can help us edit our pictures. There are apps just for filters, apps to makes gifs, apps to include bokeh and now even social media apps offer various picture editing features. So while it may feel like there is nothing new that can be practically added to the array of different picture-filters and editing options, sometimes an app surfaces that proves that there may be just something which might help you take your picture editing game up a notch. Plotagraph (or Plotagraph+ Photo Animator to use its full official name) is one such app. It is a photograph editing app that lets you add animation to your picture. And, for those thinking animations has something to do with animated characters or cartoons, let’s just clear the air by telling you: No. By animation, we mean that it allows you to move or bring movement to a static part of your picture.
The app, which tips the scales at 96.6 MB, is available just on iOS devices (it is often demoed on the iPad Pro but trust us, it works just as well on the iPhone) and is priced at USD 4.99 (Rs. 400). Expensive? Well, that depends on how much you value what it delivers. Plenty of assistance around Generally, in the photo editing world, there are two kinds of apps (and they are poles apart): The ones that allow you to apply basic filters, change saturation, add stickers to your picture and are super simple and easy to use The ones that are completely high-end let you change the complete dynamics of a picture but are super complicated to understand and use.
Making movement happen When we first started using Plotagraph, it seemed a little complicated (we really should have paid more attention to the tutorial) but we got the hang of it after we used it a couple of times, and our edited pictures only got better. Once you select a picture to add motion to, a list of edit options appear on the base of your screen, the first one which says “animate� is the one that does wonders. Appy movement We used the app both on iPhone 7 Plus and iPad Pro, and it worked just fine. We think the app works better on the iPad Pro because it has a much bigger screen (duh!) which allows you to pay more attention to details and the fact that you can use the Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro, makes the process a little easier and a whole lot more precise.
When we first started using the app, it seemed a little difficult to be precise, but after a few efforts (especially with the Apple Pencil), we got the hang of it. As we used it, we understood that the app could only make things move in waves and ripples which mean it works best with things that “flow�, like clouds or water. If you think to put moving arrows on a bird’s wings will make it flap its wings, you are so going to be disappointed. The app is magic when it comes to introducing movement in clouds and water, but when we put arrows on a concrete road, it seemed like it was flowing and not moving. Similarly, when we used the app to make a table around the Lenovo K8 Note move, the result was interesting but did look a trifle odd. Conclusion: the app can only make your subject flow and not literally move. You have to use it accordingly.
While there are some apps that have explored the feature of introducing the motion or making gifs out of images, there is nothing quite like this one. Plotagraph really adds another dimension to your pictures. What’s more, it offers flexibility, ease of use and amazing results (once you get used to it). But adding motion to a static part to a picture is all that the application does. You can not really add filters, or edit the colors or temperature in the picture and have put cash on the line; we know that some users would want more from the app. Still, there is no denying that We do not think there is any other application in the segment that offers this kind of feature blended with the ease of use that the app provides. And that definitely makes Plotagraph an app to try.
We liked the app, but as we explored it more, we thought it was kind of limiting which means if a flowy movement is not your cup of tea, then we would suggest you keep it off your iOS devices. It is great for those who shoot lots of landscapes (especially of nature – the app’s urban utility is limited as buildings, cars and roads flowing seem spooky), but not really one for the selfie, food and portrait crowd – imagine seeing your face melting or rock solid in the middle of a lot of movement or your pizza flowing! You can get Plotagraph+ Photo Animator for USD 4.99 (or Rs 400) at the time of writing from the iTunes App Store