The Prisma effect: When photos look like artwork

Prisma allows you to apply filters to your images

If you’ve been in awe of the latest artwork uploaded by your friend on Instagram and Facebook, chances are it’s the handiwork of a recently launched app, Prisma (only on iOS). It was launched in June, but it skyrocketed to popularity on social media with over a million downloads reported till July 14.

A photo posted by Alia Bhatt on Twitter made using Prisma (Photo: Twitter)

For those familiar with apps such as Instagram, VSCO and Mextures, Prisma works the same way — it allows you to apply filters to your images. However, what sets this app apart is that it gives a beautiful arty feel to your pictures, transforming them completely from their original form. There are about 36 filters, some even inspired by the art styles of greats like Roy Lichtenstein and Edvard Munch. Honestly, our first impression was: why would someone use it? But after playing around with a few images, one gets hooked to the app. It will be interesting to see how its video editing feature (to be launched soon) works.

Check out the images posted by celebrities who have used Prisma: