http://www.splashup.com/

Splashup is an online photo editing application. As far as free and online go, it’s quite impressive featuring several editing options that range from basic filters, selection tools, layers (surprisingly), among others.

User Interface

Starting with the user interface, it uses a flash system which loads quite fast (on Fios). The setup is similar to Adobe Photoshop (tool bar, windows, etc) so it’s quite easy to use and isn’t as overwhelming even if you don’t use Adobe products. You have the option/ability to open several canvases/files at once; however, this creates lag. Many of the other applications I tested didn’t allow this.

When opening a file, it gives you a variety of choices whether it’s from your computer or a social network like Flickr, Facebook, etc.

Tools

The variety of editing options was basic but still surprising. I played around with all the filters which worked quite well in comparison to Adobe but again they were basic (emboss, render clouds, etc). I really liked the option of layers. Not only can you apply opacity but also blending options and blending modes.

Access

It doesn’t cost anything and can be accessed online without any installation or sign up. It’s pretty useful for a quick fix.

Cons

I don’t suggest using it in FireFox because I felt like there was more of a lag time than when I used it in Chrome. Also, you can’t open .PSD files which isn’t a big deal but something that would’ve made it more superior. At times there were lags when applying filters but again it depended on my browser.

Here’s some pictures of the interface: