Features Deep Dive
PhotoCraft Core Features Explained
PhotoCraft packs a complete raster editing toolkit into a lightweight, Rust-based application. Below is a detailed look at the features that define the PhotoCraft experience, what each one does, and how it fits into a real editing workflow.
Non-Destructive Layers
Every element of your composition — photos, text, shapes, adjustments — lives on its own layer. Layers can be reordered, hidden, locked, and grouped without permanently changing the pixels beneath. This non-destructive model means you can experiment freely and revert any decision at any time.
Adjustment Layers
Adjustment layers apply color and tonal corrections without modifying the underlying image. PhotoCraft ships with Brightness/Contrast, Curves, Levels, Hue/Saturation, Vibrance, and more. Because they are layers, you can stack, mask, and blend them — the foundation of professional color grading.
Layer Masks
A layer mask controls which parts of a layer are visible. Paint black to hide, white to reveal, and gray for partial opacity. Masks let you blend multiple exposures, apply adjustments to only the sky or skin, and create seamless composites — all reversible.
Native PSD Compatibility
Unlike most free editors that flatten PSD files on import, PhotoCraft reads and writes real Photoshop documents with layers, masks, and adjustment data preserved. This makes it possible to open a .psd started in Photoshop, continue editing in PhotoCraft, and hand it back — or vice versa.
Vector & Text
PhotoCraft supports vector shapes and editable text layers. Text remains live and editable, so you can change the content, font, size, or color at any point without re-rasterizing. Shapes are resolution-independent and scale cleanly to any size.
Brush Engine
A configurable brush engine powers painting, retouching, and mask editing. Adjust size, hardness, opacity, and flow, and use pressure-sensitive input when a drawing tablet is connected. Brushes are the primary tool for cleanup work and creative painting.
Performance & Memory
Built in pure Rust, PhotoCraft starts fast and uses far less memory than Electron-based or legacy C++ editors of comparable scope. Large documents and many-layered compositions remain responsive on modest hardware.