# POLYCAM — Custom Effect Camera

> Advanced custom camera filter creation and video processing tool. (iPhone/iPad app by Narumi Inada.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polycam/id1485113666 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Narumi Inada](https://appshunter.io/developer/1347729163)
- Category: Graphics & Design, Photo & Video
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 4 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-03-29
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polycam/id1485113666/reviews.md

## What is POLYCAM?

To create a custom filter, use the built-in basic image filters and combine them.
You can also load previously recorded images/videos and record/export.

Filter
Custom filters are created by connecting filters selected from over 150 collections in series.
For instance, you can do the following:
Camera input-> [Mirror effect-> Monochrome effect-> Glitch effect]-> Display / Recorder

The items inside [] are called chains and can be selected and rearranged as you please.
This chain can be saved, and once created and saved, it can be loaded with one tap.
There are so many filters that it is hard to find immediately, but you can find them by searching or categorizing.
The filters include a built-in iOS filter called Core Image Filter (* 1) and a POLYCAM original filter created with Metal (* 2) shader.
The Loop filter has a built-in feedback circuit that allows you to re-read the output of the previous frame, making it ideal for more experimental video generation and circuit bending.
Generic filters such as StarShine, SunBeam, Lenticular Halo, and Gradient are also included, so you can create generated images.

Output
Full screen output without indicators of 4 outputs.
HDMI, AirPlay, NDI®, Aether, are possible.
Using smooth alpha transitions for almost all transitions, you can create a smooth production when projecting full-screen images using Outputs.

Export
If the source input is selected from photos or videos in the photo album, it can be asynchronously exported to the photo album.
This is different from real-time recording at the time of shooting, and is written in non-real time for each frame.
Smooth videos can be saved even at resolutions and settings that lack the power of the CPU or GPU.

Parametrics
Each filter has several parameters that you can adjust with the sliders to adjust the filter's balance and effect.
Parameters can be automated with the LFO oscillator or random generator.
You can also assign audio input peaks from microphones, accelerometers, gyro sensors, MIDI inputs, etc. for interactive control and create audio visualizers.

Settings
Camera select (internal / external, double, triple also available)
Aspect ratio (Original, 1: 1, 3: 4, 9:16, 4: 3, 16: 9)
Resolution (Original, QD, HD, FHD)
Microphone gain
NDI® on / off (*3)
Aether wireless sender bit rate (*4)
Tint color change
Rotation lock

Saving, sharing, and exporting Chains
The created chain can be saved with the save button at the lower right of the chain table view.
The saved chains are arranged in the collection view, and the chains can be loaded by tapping or dragging and dropping.
You can share the chain by dragging and dropping it on the share mark.
You can send it to macOS or save it to the File app.
Exporting the settings will share the entire collection in the current chain. You can save all the filters you have created or share them with someone. (*5)

Notes:
*1 Core Image Filter Reference - Apple Developer
https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Reference/CoreImageFilterReference/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/filter/ci/CIDiscBlur
*2 Metal - Apple Developer
https://developer.apple.com/jp/metal/
* 3 NDI® is a low-latency NewTek IP video library. It is built into various devices and applications such as macOS and Windows, and enables high-quality video communication by wireless or wired connection.
https://www.ndi.tv/
 (Currently, POLYCAM's vertical 9:16 transmission has a bug, but it works normally with other aspect ratios.)
* 4 Aether is a low-latency, lightweight original IP video communication framework. It can be sent to Mac via wireless or wired connection and connected to Siphon for use in various applications.
https://sites.google.com/view/aetherframework
* 5 Chains and chain collections saved in the File app can be opened and read from POLYCAM when selected from the File app.
Please send by AirDrop when sharing to other devices.

## Key features

- Combine over 150 built-in filters
- Create and save custom filter chains
- Real-time camera input processing
- Load and export existing images/videos
- Adjustable filter parameters
- Interactive audio visualizers
- Full-screen output with smooth transitions

## Chart rankings

- #62 in Top Paid · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polycam/id1485113666/reviews.md

### 3/5 — chains not saving

*2022-10-01*

chains will save for the time i have the app open but when i close and reopen the app they disappear

### 5/5 — Actually Amazing

*2022-01-25*

I went out on a limb and spent $5 on this app but it is well worth the price. One of the most powerful apps I’ve ever used. Layout and settings take a few minutes to get used to, but honestly they’re very intuitive. Only problem I’ve found is that I can’t use my flash while recording in the app, but I can just import videos so it’s fine.

### 5/5 — Desperately needs Manual, yes. Otherwise, AMAZING.

*2020-05-19*

This is the among the most powerful and versatile video processing apps available --- From what I've tried (most apps). Incredible variety of effects, with the ability to automate all available parameters via LFO/noise/random functions, or MIDI/OSC. 
Limited only by your hardware, at which point strange jitters, framedrops and other artifacts emerge.
One tip: use the 'player' effect to import videos as layers. Blend modes at the top right where it says 'sourceOver'.
Many things are unintuitive and confusing (without a manual/tutorial) - but I'm glad I stuck with it a bit and experimented enough to learn area things. I am now achieving some wonderful results that would be seem unique to this app.

**Developer response:** Thanx for your review & tip!
By long-pressing knob button to shortcut to midi assign mode,
I will also consider creating a manual.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work!

*2020-04-17*

When import my own video,it crashes and freezes every time, and there is no video recording switch! Do not waste your money

**Developer response:** Video recording is as dual function on the shutter button. Please do long press, or drag to right side. You can lock recording on right side and return to center to release.

For bugs on loading your own video,  I'll fix it. Please wait till update.
If you want to load own video until update, player effect can load video too, use it please.

Freezing input is released by eject. 

p.s. (May 13, 2020)
The issue fixed in version 1.0.1, 
We apologize for the inconvenience.

## Frequently asked questions about POLYCAM

### What is Polycam?

Polycam is a graphics and design app that allows users to create custom camera filters by combining over 150 built-in effects. It supports real-time processing, loading existing media, and exporting high-quality videos.

### How much does Polycam cost?

Polycam is a paid application, priced at $4.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all its features without additional in-app purchases or subscriptions.

### What devices support Polycam?

Polycam is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It is designed for iOS users looking for advanced creative tools.

### Does Polycam have ads?

No, Polycam does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an ad-free experience for its users.

### How often is Polycam updated?

Polycam was last updated on May 12, 2020, with version 1.0.1. While the update frequency is not explicitly detailed, this indicates ongoing development.

### What age rating does Polycam have?

Polycam has an age rating of 4+. This suggests that the content within the app is generally suitable for young children, focusing on creative tools rather than mature themes.

### Can I use Polycam for live visualizers?

Yes, Polycam supports interactive control using audio input peaks from microphones, accelerometers, and gyro sensors. This allows for the creation of dynamic audio visualizers.

### How can I share my custom filter chains in Polycam?

You can share your created filter chains by dragging and dropping them onto the share mark within the app. This allows you to send them to macOS or save them to the File app.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.0.1 — 2020-05-12

Fixed incapacitated video player issue.
Video Recording is available by Long-pressing shutter button or
Drag shutter button to right to lock recording, and release to center to end recording.

### 1.0 — 2020-03-29

No release notes.

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All apps by Narumi Inada: https://appshunter.io/developer/1347729163

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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 2026-08-24.*