# Polamatic — Create Instant Film Effects

> Digital instant film effects and photo editing with authentic filters and borders. (iPhone/iPad app by Dana Shakiba.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polamatic/id514596710 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dana Shakiba](https://appshunter.io/developer/452479727)
- Category: Photo & Video, Social Networking
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 3.60/5 from 54 App Store ratings · 51 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 175 MB
- Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish
- Released: 2012-05-02
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polamatic/id514596710/reviews.md

## What is Polamatic?

Polamatic brings the nostalgia of film to all of your favorite images; experience the magic of instant film in an unparalleled digital fashion. Capture or import a photo, then watch it develop just like a real film.

What makes Polamatic unique?

FILM
Ten authentic film types to choose from. 

FILTERS
Choose from over 120 filters with live previews. With the wide variety of filters you’ll find the one you love to give your photos the authentic film touch.

BORDERS
Over 100 authentic classic borders. Our borders are high-quality scans of new, used, and vintage film.

ADVANCED PHOTO EDITING
Additional control over your Polaroid picture with the following adjustments: exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation, gamma, hue, temperature, tint, shadows, highlights, and sharpness.

GALLERY
The Polamatic gallery stores all of your pictures. pictures can be viewed, shared, edited at any time, or batch exported to your photo library.

PRIVACY
We do not implement any data collection or tracking of any kind. When you use the app we aren't sending analytics events to track behaviors or for any other purpose. None of your images or creations are sent off device via the network or any other means.

## Key features

- Authentic film types
- Over 120 filters with live preview
- Over 100 classic borders
- Advanced photo editing tools
- In-app gallery for storage and sharing
- No data collection or tracking

## Recent user reviews (10 of 51)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polamatic/id514596710/reviews.md

### 4/5 — App not working

*2023-04-09*

Had this app since the beginning and just saw that it’s up and running again. However, this new version with my iPhone 13 Pro running iOS16 does not work. Screen is black (broken?). Please fix. I would love to use this app again. Thank you.

### 2/5 — Version 6 Broke App!

*2023-02-18, version 6.0*

I was initially excited to see Version 6 was released after years of neglect. 

However this new release BROKE THE APP! I am using iOS 16.3.1 on a 13 Pro. 

1) The Camera function was removed Or it is not visible in my installation. 

2) Even worse, I cannot import images from my Camera Roll. Whenever I select Import the APP LOCKS UP and requires me to swipe the app closed.  This lock up occurs 100% of the time. 

Either way new images cannot be edited, which of course is the point of the app. 

I had been using the latest Version 15 build and it was working fine on 16.3. So I find it ironic that Version 6 was released to make it work on iOS 16 only to break it. 

Hopefully the developer will quickly resolve this issue. 

In my opinion Polamatic remains the gold  standard for Polaroid-esque simulation despite years without significant updates. I like that it constrains me enough that I don’t get lost in tedious edits. I use it regularly for quick candids and enjoy the rawness of the results. 

I am eager for the developer to root cause this problem and release a fix. 

Until this issue is resolved I recommend that current users wait for the next update in the event the first Version 6 release breaks your app also.

### 5/5 — It’s back!!!

*2023-02-14, version 6.0*

One of my all-time favorite apps is back! This is so exciting. The filters provide a wonderful aesthetic that take you back to a simpler time.

### 4/5 — “v6 not available in your country or region”

*2023-02-02, version 6.0*

I’m finding here in the US the App Store is still downloading the v5.1 version. Will this be changed soon?

### 5/5 — Really fun

*2016-01-23, version 5.0.1*

I don't know if it's just bugs with other people's phones, but it doesn't crash for me when I try to save. anyways, it's good fun and I'm using this for all my intstagram pictures from now on. thanks for making it!

### 5/5 — Love it !

*2016-01-10, version 5.0.1*

It's one of my favorite top apps worth how much I paid for it too.

### 4/5 — Pretty Fun

*2015-12-16, version 5.0.1*

I've had this app for a while now but it just dawned on me that you can now choose to have no border which allows you to just filter the photo and have access to ALL filters rather than just the ones designated for the film type. - This finally makes this app a bit more useful to me.

### 3/5 — 😥

*2015-12-05, version 5.0.1*

Please please bring back the old app icon. Thats what made the app special and it really enhanced the retro-poloroid style. 
Also i can never save a picture. It saves up to 10% and crashes. Disappointed. Used to love this app. Kind of glitchy now.

### 1/5 — Error downloading the app

*2015-11-09, version 5.0.1*

Ive been waiting for the app to download for 3 hours and still getting the try later message! Where is my money?

### 4/5 — Crashing upon saving images

*2015-10-23, version 5.0.1*

The app is great. it worked perfectly when I installed it, but I think iOS 9 is messing with the app since pictures crash at 50% upon saving.

## Frequently asked questions about Polamatic

### What does Polamatic do?

Polamatic allows you to apply authentic instant film effects to your digital photos. You can capture new photos or import existing ones and then develop them with a variety of film types, filters, and classic borders to achieve a nostalgic look.

### What are the key features of Polamatic?

Key features include ten authentic film types, over 120 filters with live previews, more than 100 classic borders, and advanced photo editing tools for adjustments like exposure, brightness, and contrast. It also includes an in-app gallery for managing and sharing your creations.

### Is Polamatic free to use?

Yes, the application is free to use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, suggesting a completely free experience for users.

### What kind of photos can I create with Polamatic?

You can create photos that mimic the look and feel of traditional instant film. This includes applying various film textures, a wide selection of artistic filters, and authentic classic borders to give your images a vintage or nostalgic aesthetic.

### Does Polamatic collect my data?

No, Polamatic emphasizes privacy by not implementing any data collection or tracking. Your images and creations are not sent off-device, ensuring your privacy and security.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 6.0 — 2023-02-01

Updated the app to be compatible with iOS 16

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*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 2026-06-10.*
