Mattebox

Mattebox is a photo and video editing application designed specifically for iPhone and iPad. It provides a set of manual editing tools inspired by traditional film processing, allowing users to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance to achieve a specific look. The app emphasizes a hands-on approach to editing, giving users direct control over the final image without relying on automated or AI-driven enhancements. Its interface is built for speed, putting the most commonly used adjustments front and center.

The tool distinguishes itself with a custom imaging core that mimics how analog film reacts to light, aiming for rich tones and smooth transitions from highlights to shadows. For users who want more advanced control, Mattebox Pro offers a suite of professional features. This includes RAW conversion, HDR-range RGB curves, parametric tonal controls, and a feature called Pro Diffusion, which simulates optical diffusion filters. A key differentiator is the ability to export any filter created in the app as a 3D LUT file or an Adobe Lightroom preset, making the edits portable across different professional workflows.

Mattebox is ideal for photographers and content creators who use their iOS devices as a primary editing tool and prefer a more intentional, manual editing process over AI-powered auto-correction. It is particularly useful for anyone wanting to apply a consistent, film-inspired aesthetic to their photos or videos or for creators interested in building and selling their own custom preset packs. The core app is free, with a Pro subscription unlocking the advanced toolset for serious editors.