Last updated 06-30-2026
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Mattebox
Mattebox is a film-inspired photo and video editor for iPhone and iPad built around the adjustments photographers reach for most: exposure, contrast, and color balance. The interface is tuned for fast grading sessions on real camera roll media, without cloud sync, generative effects, or other extras that pull focus from the edit.
Its custom imaging core is modeled on how analog film responds to light, which shapes highlights, shadows, and overall tone in a way that feels photographic rather than over-processed. You can start from built-in filters, refine the look with sliders, and save the result as a reusable filter to share through a web link.
Ben Syverson, a solo designer and developer at Syverson Industries, has shipped Mattebox since 2011. The core app is free on the App Store, while Mattebox Pro adds advanced RAW controls, curves, Pro Diffusion, and filter exports for Lightroom and 3D LUT workflows.
Mobile photographers and videographers use Mattebox for RAW stills, HDR and 4K footage, and quick on-device grading when they want a film-like finish without moving files to a desktop suite.
Exposure, contrast, and color balance sit up front so most edits take seconds
Film-inspired processing core shaped around how analog emulsion responds to light
Save any edit as a named filter and share it as a web link others can open
Open shared filters in the Mattebox App Clip on iOS 18 without installing the app
Edit RAW photos and HDR or 4K video in the free version with no resolution cap
Mattebox Pro adds RGB and HSL curves, Pro Diffusion, and CUBE or Lightroom exports
Core editing, RAW support, and 4K or HDR video work in the free version with no resolution limits.
Saves are nondestructive in the Photos library, so originals stay recoverable through Apple Photos.
Filter sharing works through web links and App Clips, so recipients can preview looks before installing.
Mattebox Pro subscription is required for curves, Pro Diffusion, and Lightroom or LUT exports.
Mattebox is iOS only, with no Android app or desktop client listed on the site.
Reopening a saved edit fails if another app modifies the image after Mattebox exports it.
Is Mattebox free to use?
Yes. Mattebox is free to download on the App Store, and the site states that all main editing features are completely free. Mattebox Pro is a paid subscription that unlocks advanced RAW controls, curves, Pro Diffusion, and filter exports.
What devices does Mattebox support?
Mattebox is built for iPhone and iPad. You download it from the App Store, and filter links can open in the Mattebox App Clip on iOS 18 or later without a full install.
Can Mattebox edit RAW photos without a subscription?
Yes. Mattebox FAQ states the free version is a strong RAW editor on its own. Mattebox Pro adds finer RAW controls such as white balance, local tonemapping, noise reduction, and sharpening.
Does Mattebox support 4K or HDR video?
Yes. Mattebox FAQ confirms the app handles high-dynamic-range content, including HDR video and RAW photos, and the free version has no resolution limits for video formats such as 4K, ProRes, or Apple Log.
Can I export Mattebox filters to other software?
Mattebox Pro subscribers can export filters as Adobe Lightroom profiles or 3D LUTs in CUBE format for use in many pro photo and video apps. Some effects, including Pro Diffusion, are not included in exported profiles.
How does Mattebox handle privacy?
Mattebox privacy policy says the app stores almost no user data locally, does not upload user data to remote servers, and does not collect in-app analytics. The mattebox.com site also states it does not use tracking, analytics, or cookies.
Who developed Mattebox?
Mattebox is designed and developed by Ben Syverson as a Syverson Industries product. The contact page describes him as a one-person team and professional family photographer based in Chicago.