X

Get to know Instagram's new editing features (pictures)

Instagram 6.0 brings some much-needed new photo-editing features to the picture-sharing service.

Jason Cipriani
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani
filters.jpg
1 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Apply filters

With the recent update to Instagram, you can edit photos beyond what was possible in the post. But with that said, you can still add the standard filters to your photos with just a tap.

The first icon just below the photo is for filters, the middle is for Lux, and lastly the tools icon.

amaroframe.jpg
2 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

However, should you decide you want more control over how much a filter is applied to your photo, you can double-tap on the the filter's icon. A slider will be displayed, allowing you to adjust the filter strength or apply the filter's frame to your photo.

Here you can see the Amaro filter applied with accompanying frame.

amaro-without-frame.jpg
3 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Here you can see the same filter applied, although a bit stronger, and the frame is now turned off.

1977frame.jpg
4 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

1977

As another example, here's the 1977 filter with companion frame.

You can save your edits by tapping on the checkmark, or undo all recent changes by tapping on the X.

lux.jpg
5 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Lux

Editing the Lux of a photo is also still possible. By selecting the Lux icon, you can adjust the level of the Lux effect on your photo.

tools.jpg
6 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Tools

Lastly, the Tools button allows you to take more control over your photo.

Tapping in the tool icon will reveal a total of 10 different tools. By selecting an icon along the bottom (similar to that of the filter selection process) you can adjust contrast, saturation, brightness, warmth, tilt shift, vignette, sharpen, shadows, highlights, and angle.

contrast.jpg
7 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Contrast

As previously noted, adjusting contrast is possible using the Tools section and the familiar slider. If you want to cancel your changes, tap on the X. Save any changes by tapping on the checkmark.

vignette.jpg
8 of 8 Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Vignette

You can even add a vignette to any photo (the black edges seen here) by using the new tools section.

At any point, you can press and hold on your photo to see what it originally looked like before you started making changes.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos