ON1 Effects

ON1 Effects is photo editing software that offers tools for applying filters, adjustments, and creative effects to images. It works as a plugin for programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, or as a standalone application. It includes a collection of presets, adjustment layers, and advanced control options for customizing the look of photographs.

★★★★★

4.0(2 ratings)

• Presets and predefined effects. ON1 Effects includes a library of presets designed to apply specific styles to images. These presets simulate classic film effects, vintage textures, dramatic lighting, and other creative adjustments. Each preset can be modified to suit the needs of the project.
• Non-destructive adjustment layers. Allows you to work with multiple layers that do not alter the original image. Each layer can contain filters, masks, or color adjustments, which makes selective editing and combining effects easier without losing quality.
• Precise masks and selections. Offers masking tools based on brushes, gradients, and edge detection. These masks allow you to apply effects to specific areas of the image with high precision.
• Luminosity and color filters. Includes advanced controls for modifying exposure, contrast, shadows, and highlights. It also allows you to adjust hues, saturation, and white balance using curves and levels.
• Film and grain simulation. Contains options for emulating the look of classic photographic films, including adding grain and vignetting. The grain intensity and size parameters are configurable.
• Sharpening and blur effects. Provides filters for improving sharpness or creating artistic blurs, such as the tilt-shift effect or lens blurs. These adjustments help direct attention to specific areas of the photo.
• Textures and overlays. Allows you to add textures such as dust, scratches, or patterns over the image. Each texture can be adjusted in opacity, blend mode, and orientation.
• Retouching tools. Includes functions for removing blemishes, smoothing skin, and correcting imperfections. These tools work with adaptive brushes that preserve the original details.
• Integration with other programs. ON1 Effects can be used as a plugin in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, or as a standalone application. Supports formats such as PSD, TIFF, JPEG, and RAW.
• Batch processing. Allows you to apply effects and adjustments to multiple images simultaneously. This function streamlines the workflow by automating repetitive tasks.
• Perspective and distortion control. Offers tools for correcting converging lines and optical distortions caused by the lens. Includes manual and automatic adjustments for straightening buildings and horizons.

ON1 Effects was developed by ON1, Inc., a company specializing in photo software. The first version of the program was released in 2015 as part of the ON1 Photo suite. It is written in C++ and uses proprietary image processing engines. The company has released annual updates with new features and performance improvements. ON1, Inc. is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and its team includes engineers and professional photographers who collaborate on the software's development.

Alternatives to ON1 Effects:

For ON1 Effects there are 3 alternative programs. Free: 3, paid: 0.

Filmulator

Filmulator is a raw photo editing application with library management that simulates the film development process as if the digital sensor had exposed the same light as a photographic negative.

Price: Free   Size: 26.3 MB   Version: 0.12.0   OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS

ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one application that integrates RAW file processing, non-destructive photo editing, catalog management, and plug-in functionality.

Price: Free   Size: 471 MB   Version: 2026.2   OS: Windows, MacOS

AliveColors

Image editor with advanced photo editing and graphic design capabilities.

Price: Free   Size: 169 MB   Version: 10.1.4937.29554   OS: Windows, MacOS