# Moon Shadow > Generative photo effects app with unique, non-deterministic visual transformations. (iPhone/iPad app by Connor Bell.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-shadow/id989673095 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Connor Bell](https://appshunter.io/developer/422809558) - Category: Photo & Video, Entertainment - Price: Free - Rating: 3.80/5 from 186 App Store ratings · 142 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 7.1 · 8 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2015-06-04 - Data updated: 2026-06-08 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-shadow/id989673095/reviews.md ## What is Moon Shadow? Moon Shadow distorts reality into a wormhole of colourful, glitchy adventure. Map 15 unique generative effects on different portions of the image selected by colour matching. The concatenation of unique, non-deterministic effects creates a unique representation of the users perspective. The collection of stunning effects in Moon Shadow are a result of a community effort. Graphic programmers were invited to write shaders to be included in the app. These artists include Cale Bradbury (@netgrind), Devin Horsman (@horsman), Yancy Way (@echophons), and Rob Butler (@BoTreats). There are no in app purchases. Instead, there is a cheat menu that unlocks new features and effects. Cheat codes can be found throughout the app and get hints by following @moonshadowapp on Twitter. Good luck! ## Key features - Generative visual effects - Color-based effect mapping - 15 unique effects - Community-contributed shaders - Unlockable cheat menu ## What do users think of Moon Shadow? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - ✨ Unique and creative trippy visual effects - 🎨 Intuitive and hands-on creation process - 💰 Completely free with no mandatory purchases - 🎮 Fun cheat codes to unlock hidden features - 🖼️ Excellent chroma keying for effect separation - ⚡ Quick and easy to create visuals - 🎯 Simple, focused app that does one thing well - 🌈 Stunning color and visual quality for still images **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent crashes when saving/exporting - 🐛 App crashes when opening settings menu - 🐛 Crashes when importing videos from library - 🐛 Crashes when trying to record with imported videos - 🔇 Audio missing from exported videos - 📉 Low video quality and compression issues - ❌ Cannot import existing photos from camera roll - 💾 Difficulty saving files to camera roll - ⚠️ App not recognized in iOS settings - 🔄 Long time without updates (since 2015) - 📱 Blurry output on newer iPhone models - 🎬 Limited video length when importing **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes when accessing settings menu - Crashes when saving imported videos - Crashes when exporting videos - Crashes when recording with imported media - Upload from library feature causes app to shut down - Audio not included in exported videos - Video compression and pixelation after updates - Imported videos display sideways - Only 1-3 seconds of imported video saved - App not appearing in iOS settings despite permission requests - Lag and random crashes during use - Crashes when using specific effect combinations **Most requested features** - Save moving images as GIFs or videos - Import and edit existing photos from camera roll - Landscape mode recording option - Magnifying glass tool to apply filters to specific areas - Eraser feature to remove effects from certain areas - Paint feature to add effects to specific areas - Audio support in exported videos - VR compatibility for mobile VR viewers - Higher resolution video export options - Ability to save still images with moving effects as video ## Recent user reviews (10 of 142) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-shadow/id989673095/reviews.md ### 5/5 — My favorite App!! *2026-03-26, version 1.04* I have so much fun with this app. I make so many cool pictures from my pictures and videos with this app. Coolest filters I ever seen and played with. Thank you so much for making this app!!! ### 5/5 — Hidden Gem *2025-09-17, version 1.04* I’ve had this app for a very long time. Even went searching for this app again because not only is it simple but there’s always a new creation to be made here. Some of the filters let you get intuitive and hands on with the creation process. Super cool effects and original ### 5/5 — Amazing back in the day *2024-07-14, version 1.04* I have used this app for 5+ years! I have recommended to several people. others might’ve mentioned dire needs of a stability update to fix crashes more than anything, now to attempt to tap on the settings menu, I don’t even get a chance to view before the app immediately crashes, and personally I don’t own ever the newest hardware even. So I cannot adjust resolution of media made, or options like cheat code milkshake to shake clear filters. Please fix, I would pay for bug fixes within reason because this app has a major custom aspect to the visuals compared to others methods of stylistic rendered moving media’s (especially because a single [] filter can be set to follow a sample of a color to make its affect being more honed in and uniquely specific. Shrugs* :\ I just like fun inventive visual apps to subvert the desire for the expected or absolute madness in perfectionism… this app takes the mundane to the Dank, at least back in the day! Cheers. ### 4/5 — Super fun but... *2024-01-18, version 1.04* The options are super cool and fun but the app crashes every time I try to open settings. Very frustrating. Suggestions? ### 5/5 — Love The App, Would Even Pay For It If… *2023-06-23, version 1.04* many of the bugs were fixed when using upload from library feature, it almost never works and just shuts the app off. also should have a little magnifying glass to attach filters to certain parts of the vid/pic ### 5/5 — Thank you for making this app! *2022-07-13, version 1.04* Fantastic for making the trippiest visuals very quickly. The chroma keying works really well to separate effects and result in whacked out combinations of effects. Never had it crash on me during video or when effecting pre-existing video. Stills work well though video is where it shines. Can take a dull moment and turn it into “duuuuuude 🤯” If you use this on something that changes colors you will be pleasantly zonked for a couple minutes. Have not tried it on those stickers that change colors depending on how you view it, would probably be most 👌 ### 5/5 — Twon art page was here and this app is underrated *2022-06-28, version 1.04* Underrated fr app I s super useful from a creative view point also I would like to know th codes for the hidden fr tho? ### 3/5 — please fix the crashing! *2022-04-04, version 1.04* great app but so many bugs / lags / crashes. shame for real i wanna utilize it so bad ### 2/5 — FIX CRASHES AND BUGS *2021-10-18, version 1.04* i used to use this app all the time for my editing, it’s lowkey and unique I love it!!! The only thing that needs to be fixed is the import option it doesn’t even let you save the vid/pic. It automatically exits out the app and glitchesss. Other than that I love it.. needs to be fixed ASAP… ### 3/5 — Needs update please.. *2021-04-09, version 1.04* Love this edit tool, but the constant crashing means it’s useless and that bums me out. I do recommend but it tries my patience trying to get a video to actually save.. ## Frequently asked questions about Moon Shadow ### What does Moon Shadow do? Moon Shadow transforms your photos into a unique visual experience by applying colorful, glitchy, and generative effects. It allows you to map 15 different effects onto specific portions of your image based on color matching, creating a one-of-a-kind representation. ### How do I unlock new features and effects? Instead of in-app purchases, new features and effects are unlocked through a cheat menu. You can find cheat codes scattered throughout the app. For hints, you can follow the app's Twitter account, @moonshadowapp. ### Are there any in-app purchases or ads? No, there are no in-app purchases or advertisements within Moon Shadow. The app is completely free to use, with all features and effects accessible through discovery and cheat codes. ### Who created the effects in the app? The stunning effects in Moon Shadow are a result of a community effort. Graphic programmers were invited to write shaders, and notable artists who contributed include Cale Bradbury, Devin Horsman, Yancy Way, and Rob Butler. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.04 — 2015-10-22 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Improved stability Added Buffer effect Made default blend mode replace ### 1.03 — 2015-08-25 Added ability to process imported images New control for selecting captured image frame Fixed video import bugs ### 1.02 — 2015-06-30 Improved stability 2 new filters - TOON and TRACERS "random" mode produces more consistently good results. ### 1.01 — 2015-06-16 Frame rate optimizations Toggle colour sampling from original image or resulting image ### 1.0 — 2015-06-04 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Moon Shadow | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Crystaliq – Prism Kaleidoscope](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crystaliq-prism-kaleidoscope/id1487921214) | 4.7 (592) | Free | Photo & Video | | [Jam Cam – Video FX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jam-cam-video-fx/id1585575958) | 4.6 (93) | Free | Photo & Video | | [HYPERSPEKTIV: Photo, Video, AR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hyperspektiv-photo-video-ar/id1058051662) | 3.1 (804) | Free | Photo & Video | | [Glitchshop - Glitch Aesthetic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glitchshop-glitch-aesthetic/id1327150481) | 4.2 (307) | Free | Photo & Video | | [Glitch Video Effect - Live VHS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glitch-video-effect-live-vhs/id1466027150) | 4.3 (1,160) | Free | Photo & Video | | [Glitch X - Psychedelic Filters](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glitch-x-psychedelic-filters/id6467765815) | 5.0 (4) | Free | Photo & Video | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-08.*