*** From the Archives ***

This article is from November 6, 2012, and is no longer current.

Ormr, the Image Editor That May Make Undo/Redo a Thing of the Past

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One of the best things about modern versions of Photoshop is the number of features that operate in a non-destructive manner. Tools like masks, smart objects, smart filters, and adjustment layers allow users to experiment with different looks and respond quickly to requests for changes. Now, a Kickstarter project undertaken by video game company Sad Cat Software aims to extend non-destructive image editing to every aspect of your workflow, with a new application called Ormr. The interface of Ormr will allow you to access and change any attribute of an object, so you never have to undo your work or re-create it.

Here’s the description of how Ormr works:

On the surface, Ormr looks and feels mostly very similar to existing image editors – anyone familiar with them would be immediately able to use it.

However, if you look closer, you’ll notice that each layer can be expanded to show several rows of blocks below it. These rows are every action you have ever done on this particular layer, arranged chronologically, and they are further organized by their intended target – one row each for layer mask actions, layer effects actions, and main layer image.

Any one block represents a single operation, such as creating a new rectangle or rotating the layer, and any one may be selected and its controls manipulated to change the effect of the action. As you adjust a block’s settings, Ormr will update the image in real time to reflect all changes currently applied to it.

When not in use, these blocks can be hidden to maximize the space available for layers.

Other notable projected features of Ormr:

  • Fast and fluid UI
  • Will run on Mac, Windows, and possibly iPad
  • Support several key file formats including PSD, JPG, TIFF, PNG, CR2 and CRW, NEF, and more
  • Ormr is projected to cost between $15 and $30.

Here’s the video explaining the potential benefits of Ormr.


Editor in Chief of CreativePro. Instructor at LinkedIn Learning with courses on InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, GIMP, Inkscape, and Affinity Publisher.
  • Anonymous says:

    It’s got my vote.

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