2 features users don't like in Photoshop Express photo editing application

If these features are changed, many people are almost certain that PS Express will become their regular editing software.

1. Split Toning instead of Color Grading

If you used Lightroom Classic on desktop before 2021, you'll know about the app's Split Toning feature. It's finally been replaced by Color Grading, which was previously available in Premiere Pro. People love using Color Grading on their smartphone photos, and it's an essential part of their desktop editing workflow.

Split Toning Tool in PS Express

Unfortunately, Photoshop Express doesn't have this feature yet. Honestly, Split Toning is fine, but people just never get used to it. It's harder to learn than Color Grading and it's also more limited.

Since Photoshop Express only has Split Toning, people often have to use multiple apps to edit their photos. If we want to bundle it all into one app, we'll have to wait and see if that feature is introduced.

2. HSL layout

The hue, saturation, and lightness (HSL) sliders are a staple in almost every photo editing tool you use. You can adjust specific colors to change the look of your photo, and in some apps you can mask out different areas to change just those parts.

Photoshop Express also has HSL sliders, but there's one big problem. the layout is pretty bad.

When you go to the Color Mix panel in Photoshop Express, you'll see each color in a block on the left. Meanwhile, the Hue, Saturation , and Luminance tabs are on the right. Then, the sliders are below the image but above those panels. Whether you're using Photoshop Express Premium or the free version, the layout is the same.

Hue and Luminance Sliders in Photoshop Express

This layout is incredibly frustrating. Many people would rather use Lightroom, where you can see every color in the list and adjust them side by side. It's better for seeing how your edits affect the photo. It also speeds up the learning curve.

It's frustrating that Photoshop Express has these two drawbacks, since it's a near-perfect photo editing app. However, that goes to show that every editing tool – no matter how good – has some drawbacks. Despite these drawbacks, many people still happily use Photoshop Express because of its many other advantages.

Micah Soto

Update 10 December 2024