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Fotor
Fotor
from Wikipedia

Fotor is an online photo editing software[3] developed by Chengdu Everimaging Science and Technology Co., Ltd., launched in 2012.[4] It offers a complete set of tools for both individuals and companies to effortlessly edit photos and design graphics.

Key Information

The software uses a drag-and-drop interface intended to simplify the photo editing process. Fotor operates on a freemium model and has expanded its services over the years to include AI photo editing tools, AI image and video generation powered by artificial intelligence. Until now, Fotor has more 800M+ users around 200+ countries and regions.

Fotor's software is available on mobile devices, desktop computers, and online as a web app.[5] It offers image editing tools and features for users to edit and enhance photos. Fotor One-Tap Photo Enhancer is a tool that is designed to improve image quality and fix common imaging problems.[6][7] Fotor GoArt is a tool to turn photos into classical painting style artwork.[8] Fotor AI Background Remover is a tool that allows users to remove backgrounds from their images.[9] Fotor AI Image Generator is a tool that lets users make art with words.[10]

History

[edit]

2012

Fotor was founded in Chengdu, China, by Tony Duan in 2012. He received his PhD from the University of Nottingham. His fields of research includes computer vision and digital image processing.

With this understanding of digital image processing, Fotor's founder set out with the intention of creating a truly accessible online tool for everyone who needs to edit photos. He launched the first Fotor website as a standalone platform, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their experience or skill level, could achieve great results. This foundation of user-friendliness has remained central as the platform's capabilities have expanded over time.

Founded in 2012,[11] Fotor Photo Editor can be used online[12] or downloaded as a mobile and computer application[13] compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.[14] It is used to adjust and alter images, both photographic and non-photographic.[15][16][17] As of 2014, the apps were supported in fourteen languages.[18]

2013–2015

In addition to basic photo editing tools such as cropping,[19] red eye removal,[20][21] the use of stickers and overlays,[22] photo unblurring,[23] and aperture addition,[21] Fotor can also be used for graphic design and collage making.[20] Though the initial app is free, some options are only available through an in-app purchase,[21] or via the Fotor Pro version.[12] Fotor also has a module dedicated to making collages and smart templates with support for image layers.[24][25]

2016–2021

In 2016, Fotor updated its HDR curves adjustment to its platform[21] and launched Goart tool for transforming images into different art styles.

In late 2017, Fotor added a custom aspect ratio option to its collage function and altered its tilt-shift algorithm.[26]

From 2017 to 2021, Fotor released a suite of graphic design tools and templates for creating posters, greeting cards, and social media content.

2022

In September 2022, Fotor launched a series of AI photo editing tools,[27] including the AI photo enhancer, AI background remover, and AI object remover, all powered by artificial intelligence.

Fotor's AI photo enhancer makes it easy to improve image quality.

Fotor's AI background remover and background generator[28] automatically remove the background from an image and generate new background.

Fotor's AI object remover for removing unwanted objects from images with great ease.

In December 2022, Fotor launched an AI image generator[29] that converts text descriptions into AI-generated images, including realistic photos, logos, 3D characters, and digital illustrations.

2023–2024

In June 2023, Fotor launched an AI headshot generator[30] that transforms selfies into realistic and professional headshots in seconds.

In February 2024, Fotor expanded its AI generation capabilities from images to videos and also enhanced its AI video editing tools.

Fotor's AI video generator[31] for generating videos from descriptions and images.

Fotor's AI video editor, such as video enhancer,[32] video background remover for enhancing video quality and removing background from video.

2025

In February 2025, Fotor launched a new API program for developers, allowing partners to implement Fotor's AI photo editing features on their platforms.

In early August 2025, Fotor released “Sisi[33]”, an AI agent that also supports text to image editing,[34] text-to-image and text-to-video generation, allowing users to describe edits rather than choose tools step by step.

Product

[edit]

Fotor develops mobile apps and web browser tools for editing photos and videos. The apps are available on iOS and Android mobile devices.

Fotor AI Art Photo Editor - a photo app with basic tools and AI tools to add filters and enhance images, even videos.

GoArt - an app for applying all kinds of AI art effects to turn images into artwork.

PortraitMe - an app for beautifying portraits.

Clipfly - an app for AI video generation.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Fotor is an all-in-one photo editing and platform founded in and headquartered in , , that provides user-friendly tools to make creativity accessible to everyone, from casual users to professionals. It evolved from a simple photo editing tool into a comprehensive creative , emphasizing ease of use and innovative features to empower visual . Key features include AI-powered tools such as photo enhancement, background removal, object erasure, image generation, avatar creation, and headshot generators, alongside traditional editing options like filters, effects, , and making. The platform also offers design assets including stickers, icons, fonts, and high-resolution stock photos to support projects. Fotor is available across multiple platforms, including web browsers, mobile apps for and Android, and desktop software for Windows and Mac, ensuring seamless cross-device compatibility. It has garnered over 600 million users in more than 200 countries as of 2024, and has received accolades such as the Excellence App award and Google Play Top Developer recognition.

History

Founding

Fotor was established in 2012 by Tony Duan in , , as a product of Chengdu Everimaging Science and Technology Co., Ltd., a originally founded in 2009 and previously known as Chengdu Hengtu Technology Co., Ltd. The platform's initial purpose was to offer a free online photo editor designed to simplify for non-professionals, providing professional-level tools with an intuitive interface and low , in contrast to more complex software like . Duan, who holds a PhD in and from the , aimed to make advanced editing accessible to everyday users through features like one-click enhancements and effects. The web-based version of Fotor launched in May 2012, quickly followed by mobile applications for in September 2012 and Android shortly thereafter, enabling cross-platform access to editing tools on desktops and smartphones. Early adoption was swift, driven by viral sharing capabilities that allowed users to easily export and distribute edited photos on social media, leading to over 100 million users worldwide by mid-2014. This growth highlighted Fotor's appeal as a lightweight alternative.

Key developments and expansions

Following its initial launch as an online photo editing platform, Fotor expanded its offerings with the introduction of a desktop application for Windows and in 2013, enabling users to perform advanced edits offline while maintaining compatibility with the web version. During this period, the company also enhanced integration, allowing seamless of edited photos directly to platforms like and , which boosted user engagement and accessibility for casual creators. In 2017, Fotor secured Series B funding that facilitated significant team expansion and the addition of new features, including batch editing capabilities to process multiple images efficiently. This investment, totaling $7.6 million and led by GF Securities, built on an earlier from and supported accelerated product development. From 2017 to , Fotor released a suite of tools and templates for creating graphics, posters, and collages, which broadened its appeal to non-professional designers. The platform's user base grew rapidly, reflecting its increasing popularity amid the rise of mobile photography. From 2021 to 2024, Fotor integrated foundational AI tools, such as one-click enhancement features that automatically adjust , color, and sharpness for quick improvements. In January 2025, Fotor launched its developer program, enabling third-party platforms to embed AI-powered photo editing capabilities directly into their applications, marking a shift toward ecosystem integration and broader adoption in enterprise and app development contexts. Later in 2025, the company introduced the AI Agent "Sisi" in August, a voice-powered assistant for image and video creation, and integrated advanced AI models like VEO 3.1 in October to enhance generative capabilities.

Products

Core photo editing features

Fotor's core photo editing capabilities include fundamental tools for image manipulation, starting with basic adjustments that allow users to refine composition and visual quality. The tool enables precise trimming to desired aspect ratios, such as those optimized for social media platforms like or , while the resize function supports pixel-based scaling to maintain proportions. Rotate options facilitate straightening horizons or reorienting images, and exposure controls provide sliders for , contrast, saturation, and hue adjustments to balance tones and colors without altering the original file destructively. Effects and filters form a key part of Fotor's manual editing suite, offering over 100 pre-set options to stylize images quickly. Examples include for a nostalgic look, HDR for enhanced , cinematic for dramatic flair, retro, black-and-white, and solar effects, among others like sepia, lomo, and tilt-shift. These can be applied with adjustable intensity levels to fine-tune the strength of the effect, enabling users to achieve customized aesthetics while preserving image details. Layering and masking features support more advanced compositions by allowing multiple overlays and non-destructive edits. Users can add layers via the photo editor's interface, rearrange them using a layer in the sidebar, and adjust opacity for blending effects, such as double exposure. Masking is integrated through tools like background removal, permitting selective edits without permanent changes, and via opacity controls facilitate combining elements seamlessly. For creative arrangements and efficiency, Fotor includes creation with built-in templates featuring over 100 layouts, customizable grids, and aspect ratios for grouping photos. tools apply uniform edits—like resizing, filters, or borders—across multiple images simultaneously, supporting up to 50 files in professional versions to streamline workflows. Export options ensure versatile output, with support for high-resolution files in , , and PDF formats; professional tiers remove watermarks and enable transparent exports for further use in design projects.

AI and design tools

Fotor integrates advanced to automate complex tasks, enabling users to achieve professional results with minimal effort. Key AI features include one-click background removal, which leverages to isolate subjects from complex scenes accurately, and for smart cutouts that identifies and erases unwanted elements like people or distractions in seconds. These tools build upon basic filters by providing automated precision for seamless compositions. AI upscaling enhances low-resolution images by intelligently reconstructing details and improving clarity without introducing artifacts, making it ideal for enlarging photos for print or digital display. For image completion, Fotor's AI replace functionality allows users to fill selected areas with generated content that matches the surrounding context, effectively repairing or extending visuals through generative techniques. In , Fotor offers an extensive template library exceeding 300,000 options tailored for graphics, posters, and invitations, allowing quick customization via drag-and-drop interfaces. Text overlays support extensive font customization, including over 100 styles with adjustable colors, sizes, effects like shadows and curves, and even AI-generated fonts for unique . Fotor's AI art generation capabilities include a text-to-image creator that produces high-quality visuals from descriptive prompts, supporting styles such as realistic, , or fantasy without watermarks. The AI headshot generator transforms selfies into professional portraits by applying enhancements like skin smoothing, attire adjustments, and background replacements, suitable for profiles or business cards. In 2025, Fotor introduced the AI Agent "SiSi" for voice and text-based editing commands across images and videos. For , Fotor provides basics like AI-enhanced clips with quality improvements such as and background removal, along with auto-captions and text-to-speech, streamlining short-form . Fotor's 2025 API enables developers to integrate AI models into custom applications, with endpoints for tasks like background removal, upscaling, generative image creation, and headshot generation. It supports with token-based usage limits according to the subscription plan, starting at $99 monthly for basic access.

Company

Leadership and operations

Fotor was founded by Tony Duan, who serves as the company's CEO and brings extensive expertise in , including over a decade of experience in image processing, , and . Duan's vision emphasizes creating accessible photo editing tools that simplify the process for users without advanced technical skills, addressing gaps in traditional software by prioritizing user-friendly online solutions. The company is headquartered in , Province, , where core operations are managed from the 11th Floor, Unit 2, Block 2, Hangli Center. Fotor employs 51-200 people (as of ) focused on key areas such as and , fostering a young, creative team environment that encourages innovation through a casual atmosphere and performance-based incentives. Fotor operates on a freemium model, offering an ad-supported free tier for basic features alongside paid Pro subscriptions starting at $8.99 per month, which unlock advanced tools, ad-free access, and premium resources. The company ensures data privacy compliance with regulations including GDPR and CCPA, allowing users to exercise rights such as data deletion by contacting support, while personal information is encrypted and stored on secure servers.

Funding and partnerships

Fotor secured $3 million in Series A funding in 2012 from Capital and Incubator Group, marking its entry into venture-backed growth for expanding its photo editing platform. The company followed with a Series B round of $7.6 million in September 2017, led by GF Securities (also known as GF Xinde Investment Management), which supported further product enhancements and international expansion. This brought Fotor's total funding to approximately $10.6 million across two rounds. Key investors in Fotor include Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group, Legend Capital, Legend Star, and GF Securities, all with a focus on consumer technology and AI-driven software. As a , Fotor does not disclose its valuation publicly. In terms of partnerships, Fotor offers affiliate and programs that enable collaborators to generate revenue through promotions and distribution of its tools, targeting bloggers, influencers, and businesses. The company has also formed a technical collaboration with (AWS), utilizing AWS services like for training generative AI models that power advanced features. Fotor launched its OpenAPI platform in early 2025, providing developers with access to AI-driven image and video processing tools for integration into third-party applications and ecosystems. This API initiative builds on prior expansions and facilitates broader embedding of Fotor's technology in developer workflows. The funding rounds have enabled significant investments in AI research and development, contributing to premium features that form the core of Fotor's subscription-based revenue model.

References

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