If you have an iPad Pro (or an iPad for that matter) there are several great tools that can help you create graphics to use for your church social media or in services. Some of these are more powerful than others and others are simpler and easier to use, so no matter your skill level, there is probably something for you.
Let’s start with the simpler ones and move onto the more powerful.
WordSwag
WordSwag is, without doubt, one of the simplest tools to use and yet it still looks pretty good. Simply pick an image, type your text and then choose the right layout. You can drag and pinch the text to change the position and size of the text on the image. Then you can adjust the font color as well as the blur and filter of the background image (to help your text stand out).
Simple but effective.
Get WordSwag.
Over
Over originally started off as a very simple application but has added more features over time. This obviously includes adding various different fonts but it also includes different graphic elements like banners and even dingbats.
Unlike WordSwag, there are no preset layouts or designs so you have to work out fonts which work together, but the advantage is you can completely customize your look.
Get Over.
Adobe Spark Post
Adobe Spark Post is one of the Adobe Creative apps from the powerhouse design company Adobe. Spark Post is targeted towards creating graphics for your social media posts. However, you can also use it to create leaflets and other designs.
Spark Post is free but has a premium subscription with pre-built designs.
Get Adobe Spark Post.
Canva
Canva is similar to adobe spark post but is a company exclusively focused on graphic design. This means that there is a web app, iPad app and iPhone app. All of which are ever so slightly different to focus on the benefits of each platform (though I do wish the iPad had magic resize).
Like spark post, there are templates which you can use as well as a variety of free design elements. However, the pricing model is slightly different. First, there are premium elements and designs which you can by on a one-off basis. Secondly, there is “Canva for work” which adds some collaboration, branding and extra power tools (hi there magic resize). This makes it great for groups to use with multiple people.
Get Canva.
Pixelmator
Pixelmator was originally set out as a simpler and cheaper alternative to photoshop. The iPad app then added many of the core features to the iPad (without some of the more powerful features). This makes it easy to edit photos (removing blemishes and so on) and adding text and shapes over the top. You could also add more images and elements that you download on top.
Get Pixelmator.
Affinity Photo
Like Pixelmator, Affinity Photo is a Photoshop alternative with a one time purchase. However, the iPad version is much more powerful with the ability to bend and manipulate element in images as well as adding text and different graphics on top. It has a more traditional upfront layers interface than Pixelmator (which hides its layers on the iPad more).
Get Affinity Photo.
Which should you choose?
Hopefully, you can see that these apps move from very simple to use with pre-built designs, to completely custom designs. Which you should choose depends on your abilities and needs. You can always start easier and then move more complex.
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