Aperty: A Promising Tool That Feels Like It's Still in Beta

It all started with a handful of frames from a shoot in February. I’m not the best retoucher in the world—I know what I’m doing here and there—but I also don’t enjoy retouching, as it often feels like a rather menial task. Still, I decided to give Aperty, an AI-powered photo retouching application, a try using its free trial. I started my edits in Aperty, impressed by its AI-driven capabilities, and then took the images into Photoshop for the finishing touches. This experience set the stage for my exploration of Aperty’s potential, revealing both its strengths and areas where it still seems to be a work in progress.

Key Features of Aperty

Aperty brings a range of features designed to streamline the photo retouching process. Here are some of the notable functionalities:

• AI-Powered Skin Retouching:
  The app excels in cleaning up skin while preserving natural texture. It effectively removes blemishes and unwanted skin reflections without losing the highlights, making it a strong contender for portrait editing.

• Plug-In-Like Integration:
  Although Aperty operates as a standalone application, it’s designed to work seamlessly with Photoshop. This integration allows you to start retouching in Aperty and then transfer your work to Photoshop for fine-tuning, creating a flexible workflow.

• Basic Correction Tools:
  Aperty includes basic adjustment tools like exposure and saturation control. However, these tools are currently less refined compared to specialized apps like Darkroom, which may affect the overall editing precision.

• Cloning and Removal Tools:
  The app offers cloning and removal functionalities for removing distractions or unwanted elements. These features, though useful, sometimes suffer from slower performance, which could be due to reliance on internet processing.

• RAW and 16-bit TIF Support:
  For advanced users, Aperty supports RAW file processing. While handling RAW files can be slow, 16-bit TIFs seem to work more smoothly, providing an alternative for faster workflows.

• User-Friendly Interface:
  Aperty’s interface is designed for simplicity, making it easy for users to navigate its features. However, its standalone nature can sometimes make it feel more like an iOS app than a fully integrated desktop solution.

The Bright Side

Skin Retouching and Texture Preservation
One of the most impressive aspects of Aperty is how it handles skin. The app does a commendable job cleaning up imperfections while maintaining natural texture. It also effectively removes unwanted skin reflections without over-darkening the highlights—a delicate balance that can be hard to achieve with automated tools.

A Plug-In-Like Experience
Aperty integrates reasonably well with Photoshop, allowing me to begin the retouching process in Aperty and then move into Photoshop for the finishing touches. This hybrid workflow can be very efficient, especially if you prefer the AI to handle the initial clean-up work.

Areas That Need Improvement

Not Quite ‘Smart’ Enough
While Aperty is built on advanced AI technology, it sometimes falls short of the intelligent feel I was expecting. The app still feels like it's in beta—lacking some of the nuance needed for advanced photo editing. Further development, perhaps by integrating it as a fully fledged plugin within Photoshop, could greatly enhance its usability and smart functionality.

Basic Correction Tools Are Subpar
When it comes to basic adjustments like exposure, saturation, and similar corrections, Aperty doesn’t quite measure up. In comparison, free alternatives like Darkroom deliver a better experience for these fundamental tasks, making the current pricing hard to justify.

Workflow and Performance Issues

• Cloning/Removal: The cloning or removal features are noticeably slow. They may be processed via the internet, which isn’t ideal when you expect speedy local performance.

• RAW Processing: Handling RAW files is slower than expected, though 16-bit TIFs seem to work more efficiently.

• Standalone Feel: Although Aperty functions like a plugin, it currently feels more like an iOS app than a fully integrated desktop solution. This affects the overall workflow for professionals who depend on efficiency.

User Experience Enhancements Needed

• Accidental Deletion: A delete confirmation is necessary. Accidentally pressing backspace can clear an entire clone stamp operation, which is incredibly frustrating.

• Advanced Detection and Masking: The current distraction and mask detection features are underwhelming. Enhanced algorithms in these areas would significantly improve the retouching process.

• Spot and Hair Features: Adding features for spot detection and dedicated hair sharpening would round out the toolset, offering more comprehensive editing capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Aperty is a promising product that, for most retouching needs, gets the job done—especially in the realm of skin correction. However, its shortcomings in basic correction tools and overall performance make it a less attractive option at its current price point. With a few strategic improvements, particularly around integration and user experience, Aperty could evolve into a powerful asset in the photo retouching market.

For now, if you’re weighing your options, you might find better value in other tools until Aperty refines these areas and delivers the full potential its technology promises.

Overall, Aperty shows a lot of promise, but it currently feels like it's still in beta. With some enhancements, it could soon become an indispensable tool for photo retouchers.