Adobe has introduced Project Indigo, an experimental camera app for iPhone designed to elevate mobile photography with DSLR-like control and enhanced computational processing. Developed by Adobe’s research team, the free app empowers users to capture higher-quality, more natural-looking images directly from their smartphones—without relying on additional editing tools or equipment.
This article explores Project Indigo’s key features, image output quality, editing capabilities, and experimental tools.
What Is Adobe Project Indigo?
Currently available for iPhone 12 Pro and newer models (or iPhone 14 and above for non-Pro variants), Project Indigo provides full manual camera controls alongside advanced computational photography. The app is tailored for photographers seeking superior results beyond standard smartphone camera limitations.
Key Features
Manual Controls & Multi-Frame Processing
Indigo offers granular adjustments for:
Focus
Shutter speed
ISO
Exposure compensation
White balance (including temperature and tint)
Upon capturing a shot, the app rapidly takes up to 32 aligned frames, merging them to:
Reduce noise
Enhance shadow and highlight detail
Improve dynamic range (particularly in low light)
File Formats: JPEG & DNG (RAW)
JPEGs are processed with Indigo’s signature natural look.
DNG files retain original sensor data while applying the same profile, offering greater flexibility in post-processing.
HDR & Night Mode
HDR Capture: Stores both SDR and HDR versions within a single JPEG using a gain map, ensuring optimal display on compatible screens.
Night Mode: Automatically extends exposure and increases frame count for cleaner low-light images—no tripod required.
Long Exposure & Super-Resolution Zoom
Long Exposure: Blends multiple frames to create motion blur or light trail effects (best used with a tripod).
Super-Resolution: Enhances digital zoom by capturing and merging slightly offset frames, minimizing sharpness loss.
Natural Image Processing
Unlike heavily processed smartphone photos, Indigo prioritizes a more authentic look with:
Minimal tone mapping
Moderate contrast and color adjustments
Reduced sharpening and smoothing
This approach preserves fine textures and lighting nuances, making images appear more realistic—especially on larger displays.
Seamless Lightroom Integration
Photos can be directly exported to Lightroom Mobile for further editing. If both JPEG and DNG are saved, Lightroom defaults to the RAW file while recognizing Indigo’s embedded profiles and HDR metadata.
Experimental Features & Future Developments
Under the Tech Preview section, users can test experimental tools such as:
AI-powered reflection removal (for eliminating glare from glass surfaces)
Adobe is also developing additional capabilities, including:
Portrait mode
Panorama
Video recording
Exposure and focus bracketing
Availability
Project Indigo is now free to download on the App Store, with no Adobe subscription required. Whether you’re a casual shooter or an enthusiast, the app offers a powerful way to enhance your mobile photography with professional-grade control.
Key Improvements in This Version:
Stronger headline for immediate impact.
More concise phrasing while retaining all key details.
Better flow between sections.
Bullet points for easier readability.
Consistent terminology (e.g., "DNG" instead of "raw").
Active voice for a more engaging tone.