Distressed FX vs Macro Mode
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Distressed FX
Transform ordinary photos into unique works of art with a vast collection of textures and overlays. This app offers exclusive access to all current and future filters and effects for a single payment, making photo editing accessible and creative.
- Access to all current and future filters
- Exclusive new effects and features
- Wide range of textured images and overlays
- Transform mundane photos into art
- Ideal for still life and landscape photography
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Distressed FX Plus is a special edition of the highly acclaimed original. For a small single payment, you will get access to all current and future filters, as well as exclusive access to all new effects and features ahead of release on the original app. This is an extraordinary opportunity to harness all the amazing effects from Distressed FX. If you are ready to take your photos to the next level, this is the ideal investment at a bargain price. Creating gorgeous artwork from your photos has never been easier. With Distressed FX, simply take a photo and choose from a wide range of textured images and overlays. Transform even the most mundane photo into a work of art. See our hashtag #distressedFX on Instagram to see 100k+ examples! ** Featured by Mac Format and Black + White Photography Magazine Join us at: www.facebook.com/DistressedFX www.instagram.com/distressedfxapp/ • Particularly suited to still life and landscape photography - this app will perfectly compliment your existing collection of photo apps. Distressed FX is powered by the textures of Cheryl Tarrant, a texture artist from Tennessee. Her popular and unique style is now available in your pocket, wherever you go. • Follow Cheryl on Instagram http://instagram.com/distressedfxapp • Be our friend on Facebook www.facebook.com/DistressedFX • Follow us on Twitter : @distressedfx See examples of the Cheryl's distinctive work here: www.flickr.com/photos/jewellofdistressed/ ** Find out more about Distressed Textures at www.distressedfx.com & www.distressedtextures.com Distressed FX (tm) is a trademark of Cheryl Tarrant in the United States of America.
Macro Mode
Capture detailed close-up photos and videos with advanced manual controls for focus and exposure. This app automatically selects the best lens for macro shots and supports high-resolution video recording with HDR.
- Macro photography and videography
- Focus peaking and manual controls
- Adjustable LED flashlight brightness
- Automatic optimal lens selection
- 4K 60fps and 1080p 240fps slow-motion video
- HDR Dolby Vision support
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Shoot stunning macro photos and videos with your iPhone or iPad using Macro Mode. Focus Peaking & Manual Controls Precisely adjust focus and exposure using a simple slider. You can even control the brightness of the LED flashlight to get just the right amount of light on your subject. Always the Right Lens Macro Mode automatically uses the optimal lens for macro shots, avoiding switching between the ultra-wide and wide lenses. Macro Videos Record videos in up to 4K at 60 fps or 1080p slow motion at 240 fps, with full HDR Dolby Vision support.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Macro Mode at $2.99 against Distressed FX's $19.99. Macro Mode also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 13) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). Distressed FX's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (1.2K vs 95). On ads, monetization model, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Distressed FX costs $19.99 and Macro Mode $2.99 up front. Distressed FX sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Macro Mode asks for nothing beyond the download.
Distressed FX holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Distressed FX has 1.2K ratings behind it against 95, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Distressed FX's written reviews are positive against 60% of Macro Mode's.
Distressed FX ships an update every 3 months, Macro Mode every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Distressed FX | Macro Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $2.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (1.2K ratings) — better | 4.4 (95 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 72.3% of reviews — better | 59.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1.2K — better | 95 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #51 — better | #123 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 51 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | We Are Here | Kenneth Kao |
Customer experience
Distressed FX
Macro Mode
Bugs and requests
Distressed FX
Reported bugs
3 issues- Inability to download or load certain textures/overlays
- App crashing when opening photos
- Saving edited photos at lower resolutions
Requested features
4 requests- Masking and selective editing tools
- Zoom and precise control for editing
- Ability to use app on Mac devices
- Improved customer support and communication
Macro Mode
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Distressed FX
- Beyond SkiesFree
- The HeavensFree
- Bokeh IllusionsFree
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- The LightsFree
- Artist BeginningsFree
- Box of colorsFree
- Old World GalleryFree
- Obscure TexturesFree
- Painterly GrungeFree
- Sky BeautyFree
- The NeutralsFree
- Vintage CollectionFree
- Atmospheric LightFree
Macro Mode
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Distressed FX free?
Is Macro Mode free?
Which has better reviews, Distressed FX or Macro Mode?
Do Distressed FX or Macro Mode have ads?
Which is updated more often, Distressed FX or Macro Mode?
Which is more popular, Distressed FX or Macro Mode?
Other comparisons
