Mono Lab is a black and white image playground. 140 concept-based filters that alter structure and texture into bold, unexpected transformations.
Experiment with images in black and white.
Mono Lab is designed to explore the unexpected. Each filter begins as a concept.
Not a preset, not a style - but a way of thinking about the image.
// What if the image fractured across time? What if it was compressed by invisible force? What if parts of it were gradually overtaken?
From subtle relief to structural collapse, topology drift, mesh warps, fracture effects, misregistration, and controlled instability... every tool is built for experimentation without distraction. It's responsive and fun.
## Interactive Filters (X): distortion that responds to you.
Shift the image through movement and contact. Tilt to bend structure. Rotate to redirect tension. Touch to anchor, drag to stretch, hold to resist. Each gesture leaves a trace. Each motion reshapes the outcome.
## 3D Surface Mode: a dimensional approach to distortion.
Map images across 12 surfaces and interpret them through 13 distinct lenses. Adjust depth manually. Refine spatial tension. Each surface behaves differently. Each lens reshapes the result.
Monochromatic.
Just structure, tone, dimension, and possibility.
## What You Can Do
• Access 140 concept-based filters for Black & White distortions
• New sensor based filters - your movement controls the effect
• Explore 12 dimensional surfaces and 13 lenses
• Refine light and structure
• Warp topology and form
• Collapse, fracture, and distort
• Create raster and vector outputs
• Build layered misregistrations
• Adjust pressure, grain, and tone
• Stack transformations
• Save directly to Files
Mono Lab is built for designers, artists, photographers, illustrators, and visual experimenters working in black and white.
Mono Lab is honestly perfect for making zines. It’s super easy to mess around with, and you can get really weird, raw results fast without overthinking it. The filters don’t feel basic, they actually change the vibe of an image in a real way. I’ve been using it to build pages and textures, and everything just comes out feeling more intentional. It’s one of those apps you open and lose time in.
Rich and comprehensive collection of FX for mono junkies
effixx
Very impressive library of effects: you’ve got all the staples for image definition and basic processing, including dithering patterns and grunge. But also, a seemingly endless library of unexpected and unique ways to glitch, distort, and even create algorithmic vectorization. Even lets you save vector effects as PDF for further manipulation on the desktop. For the price, it’s a great value.
Developer Response
Thank you! And thanks for spending time with the app.
amazing application
calmperil
If I could only add one more thing it’d be to maybe save drafts to come back to and work later. Completely Worth the price!
11/10 recommended
TheMeatMan64
Best photo editing app hands down with no pesky re-accruing payments.
Optimized distortion filters:
// Temporal Shatter - Time fractures across the image. Moments split, repeat, and misalign, as if multiple exposures are trying to exist at once.
// Pressure Veil - Invisible forces reshape the image. Structure compresses, swells, and bends as if pressed through shifting fields.
// Consumption - Dark mass overtakes the image. Structure is gradually absorbed, leaving behind only fragments of what was there.
# Filter Info Overlay fix - Tap the "?" button next to any filter name to see an explanation of the filter concept, how it behaves, and tips for getting the most out of it. Tap anywhere to dismiss.
Optimization:
Persistent Menu Fix
Auto-select first filter when switching tabs
Version 3.6
The developer, Inner Circle, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
David Allen
Size
41 MB
Category
Graphics & Design
Compatibility
Requires iOS 15.1 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 15.1 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 15.1 or later.
iPod touch Requires iOS 15.1 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 12.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.