Photos for OS X Extensions: Setup & Usage Guide
Enhancing Photos for macOS with Extensions
The Photos application included with macOS is already equipped with a comprehensive set of tools. However, its capabilities can be significantly expanded through the use of extensions.
Expanding Functionality with Photos Extensions
These extensions are designed to augment the existing features of Photos, providing increased power and a wider range of functionalities. They build upon the already impressive toolkit offered by the application.
The appeal of extending Photos’ functionality is considerable. This is particularly true for users who may find professional software like Photoshop financially inaccessible.
Alternatively, some users might prefer to avoid the complexity associated with open-source alternatives such as GIMP.
Photos extensions offer a streamlined way to add specific features without requiring a steep learning curve or substantial investment.
With just a few clicks, you can integrate extensions that cater to your specific editing needs.
This allows for a customized workflow, tailored to individual preferences and requirements.
Consider exploring the available extensions to unlock the full potential of your Photos application.
Enhance Your Images with These Photos Extensions
Prior to installing any extensions for the Photos application, ensure you have at least one selected. Explore the options below to discover tools that capture your interest. It is advisable to begin with a complimentary extension before committing to a purchase.
BeFunky
BeFunky provides a comprehensive suite of features, enabling users to effortlessly create captivating selfies, refine family portraits, and revitalize landscape photography. Key features include Auto Fix for instant enhancements, Skin Smoothing to minimize blemishes, HDR for optimal illumination, and a Teeth Whitener.
The BeFunky extension is available for $4.99, with a free trial offered on their official website.
Macphun
Macphun presents a range of robust extensions. These include Filters, which introduces additional complimentary filters, and Tonality, priced at $9.99, specifically designed for editing black and white images. Snapheal, costing $4.99, allows for the removal of distracting elements and imperfections. Intensify, at $11.99, delivers amplified color and lighting effects.
Pixelmator
Beyond its memorable name, this extension offers substantial functionality. Pixelmator is priced at $29.99 and provides tools for painting, retouching, applying layer styles, and more. For those who appreciate the ease of use of Photos but desire the capabilities of a complete photo-editing application, Pixelmator is an excellent choice.
External Editors
If you already utilize a preferred photo editing software but value Photos’ organizational capabilities, consider External Editors. Available for just $.99, this extension allows you to integrate and manage external editors, as well as convert files between RAW, TIFF, and JPEG formats.
Further details can be found on the developer’s website.
Integrating Extensions with Photos
Having acquired the desired extension, the next step involves its installation within the Photos application. For demonstration, we will utilize the Filters extension, a freely available product developed by Macphun.
Initially, the extension must be downloaded from the Mac App Store.
Following installation, launch the Photos application.
Extensions within Photos can be managed in two distinct ways. The first method involves enabling or disabling them directly from within the Photos environment. Begin by selecting a photograph you intend to modify, then click the "Edit" button located in the application's top-right corner.
Subsequently, select the "Extensions" button situated in the lower-right corner of the editing window, and then choose "More".
This screen may appear familiar if you have previously worked with OS X extensions. Alternatively, this control panel can be accessed directly through System Preferences > Extensions.
To activate the extension, simply check the box adjacent to its name. Then, exit the extensions control panel.
Upon returning to Photos, click the "Extensions" button once more and select the desired extension – in this instance, Filters.
This will transition you to the extension's interface, allowing you to apply the intended modifications. Once completed, you can either cancel the changes or click "Save Changes" in the upper-right corner.
Currently, the selection of extensions available for Photos is relatively limited, although it is anticipated that this will improve over time.
Related: How to Enable or Disable Extensions to Customize Your Mac
Despite the current limitations, the available extensions offer significant added functionality to Photos. Some of these extensions may require a purchase price, potentially reaching up to $30. However, this cost remains considerably lower than a subscription to Photoshop, and is often less complex than using GIMP.