Frametastic Review

There's an argument that digital photography doesn't feel as special as the traditional means of taking photographs. Making it so quick and easy to take photos wherever we go runs the risk of devaluing the idea and making them feel more disposible. Previously solely an iPhone app, Frametastic did a great job of making such images feel more personal through the ability to send photos as postcards through the app. Now that concept comes to the iPad with a new and Universal release.

Frametastic offers the ability to frame photos, turning them into more attractive scenes, with the option to send them via social networks or as real, physical postcards.

On the iPad, it feels pretty appealing and it looks pretty stunning on my iPad 2, even without the retina display of a newer device. Frametastic is also simple enough for pretty much any user to master. Everything is clearly laid out.

The app opens to a stock image creation. Users can then tap one of the icons underneath to interact with it or they can double tap an image and change it from there. With the free version, there are options for two different photo formats which affect size and shape: Simple and Postcard. It's a good starting point with the option to unlock more for $0.99.

Further options come with the choice of 9 different frame types, each affecting the layout of the postcard. It's possible to use up to four different images within the photo or, for the creative type, elements of the same photo. Creative results really don't take long at all to conjure up. The frame itself can be changed to one of eight different colors and can also be curved to various degrees.

20 different effects, reminiscent of those offered through Instagram, add to the variety. It's a little slow to filter images which can frustrate when running through different filters to find the right one, but the results do look significant.

Once settled on a creation, a share button means it takes seconds to send via e-mail, Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr. Most appealing is the option to send a Frametastic as a real postcard. A message or profile photo can be added to the back of the postcard before entering an address and sending it off. Priced at only $0.99 a card, it's a great and inexpensive idea.

Frametastic has the right idea about pricing. For free, users get a great and quite comprehensive way of making their photos look more glamorous, and with the bonus of ideal sharing options. For a small price, they get more frames or the ability to send a real postcard to loved ones. It's an appropriate way to share memories and the kind of solution that's always handy to have available.