The Pixuru app, recently released by Canvas 123 Inc. allows you to send photos straight from your iDevice to their service where they can be turned into works of art and returned to you framed, on canvas, printed on metal, printed on wood, or turned into cases for iPhones, iPads and iPad minis. Pictures can be ones you have taken using your iDevice, downloaded from Facebook or Instagram, or moved to your iDevice via email or Photo Stream. The app is optimized for use with iPhone 5.
Sample screen
The Basics
- Fee for App: none.
- Developer: Canvas 123 Inc.
- Category: Photo & Video
- Version: 1.1
- Size: 38.2 MB
- Compatible with: iPhone 3GS or later, iPod touch 3rd generation or later, iPad. optimized for iPhone 5. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
- Payment Method for product: registration and payment made at time of order.
In addition to the finished surface, there are numerous size choices. These include 6 x 6-in (15.24 x 15.24-cm), 12 x 12-in (30.48 x 30.48-cm), 20 x 20-in (50.8 x 50.8-cm), 20 x 6-in (50.8 x 15.24-cm), 30 x 8-in (76.2 x 20.32-cm), 40 x 10-in (101.6 x 25.4-cm), 18 x 20-in (45.72 x 50.8-cm), 8 x 10-in (20.32 x 25.4-cm), 11 x 14-in (27.94 x 35.56-cm) and 24 x 30-in (60.96 x 76.2-cm).
There are two other size choices, the first suitable for panoramic photos and the second for photos that the photographer wants to frame in such a way as to make a particular statement. These final two are illustrated below.
Using the Product
The only way using this app could be easier would be for someone to reach through the app and push the buttons for you. You open the app, decide upon your format and size, choose your image from your iDevice library, Facebook, or Instagram, and place your order. Within two working days, the finished product is mailed out to you. Any time during the decision process, you can make changes.
I decided to try this out using a panorama shot to see how it worked. I wondered if I would have to determine where in the shot the divisions would be, or conversely, would I be allowed to make those determinations. I picked my surface, canvas, and my size preference and then was sent to the following window:
Select source
I chose “this device” which happened to be my iPhone 5. The app asked if I wanted to open my camera or my photo library. I selected library. My library opened and I selected the image I wanted. It was immediately placed in the frame and I was given the option to make any changes I thought necessary.
Edit as necessary
I was given a final look and the option to add it to my cart.
Final look
Once all my selections were made, I entered my credit card and personal information so the finished products could be paid for and mailed to me, and I was done. The total cost for this set of three 12 x 12-in canvas pieces was US$99.00. Shipping was free.
The Finished Product
I received an email acknowledging receipt of my order, then received another two working days later stating that my items were on the way to me. I received them (at no cost to me) two days later via UPS. I ended up placing two orders. One was the panorama which was to come in three 12 x 12 pieces. The other was some 6 x 6 images. All were canvas selections. Each was mounted with an edge of 1.75-in (4.45 cm) with the image continuing over the edge.
Finished product – on canvas – size 6 x 6-in – price US$20.00
The back of each was finished, including a hanger.
Finished back
The pictures were very well packaged. Each was individually wrapped and then mounted within heavy cardboard so that both the product and the hangers were protected.
The colors in the panorama were a bit darker than the original image, but I was very impressed by the fact that even though the images bled over the sides to make a finished product that does not require frames, when the three pieces were placed right next to each other the picture was continuous.
Note: There is no indication in the app or on the web site about the quality of the frame utilized when ordering a framed image, so I checked and determined that the frames that accompany a framed order are constructed from wood.
Do I Recommend It?
I do. This app is so easy to use and I find the prices to be quite reasonable for the quality products produced. All of the promises made were kept and the final product is very nice.