Filter Flow: Experimental FX

Node-Based Video Filters

Create custom video effects, live camera filters, and layered visual experiments with Filter Flow. Chain filters, blend multiple video sources, and build real-time effects from a visual node editor on your iPhone or iPad.

Filter Flow lets you combine videos from your Photos library with your live camera feed. Blend them using Overlay, Multiply, Screen, Addition, Difference, and more. Add filters anywhere in the chain, adjust each parameter, and build layered effects that go far beyond a one-tap filter app.

15+ Ready-to-Use Presets

Start fast with artistically crafted presets. One tap builds a complete node graph automatically — instant inspiration for social media edits, experimental visuals, and stylized video.

Cyberpunk Liminal Space Vaporwave Retro CRT Summer Heat Sepia Tone Dramatic Vignette …and more

Node-Based Visual Editor

Use a drag-and-drop editor inspired by node-based creative tools. Connect filter nodes, merge sources, and see your full creative pipeline as you build. Multi-layer compositing is simple, visual, and immediate.

Input Nodes

Use a live camera feed or video file from your Photos library, with flip, brightness, and contrast controls.

Filter Nodes

Apply 40+ visual effects with adjustable parameters anywhere in the chain.

Merge Nodes

Combine multiple sources with 16 blend modes including Overlay, Screen, Multiply, and Difference.

Output Node

Preview your final composition in real time, ready to record and share.

40+ Filters and 16 Blend Modes

Use Core Image filters across color, distortion, stylize, and generator categories.

Bloom Gaussian Blur Pixellate Edge Detection Color Controls Temperature Tint Hue Adjustment Exposure Comic Style Crystallize Pointillize Sepia …and more

Blend Modes

Overlay Screen Multiply Soft Light Color Dodge Color Burn Difference Addition …16 in total

Record and Share

Record your filtered video and save it directly to your camera roll. Share your creations to social media, messages, or anywhere you post video.

Getting Started

1. Starting a New Graph

When you first open Filter Flow, you'll see the default setup with three basic nodes:

  • A Camera Input node (blue) at the top
  • A Filter node (purple) in the middle
  • A Final Output node (orange) at the bottom

Connections show how video data flows from input through filters to output.

Initial Filter Flow node graph with camera, filter, and output

2. Adding New Nodes

To add a new filter or effect:

  1. Tap the Add New button in the bottom-right corner
  2. Choose a node type from the popup menu
  3. Select the specific filter or effect you want to add

Each node type plays a different role in the pipeline:

  • Input Node: Source of video data (camera or video file)
  • Filter Node: Applies visual effects
  • Merge Node: Combines multiple inputs
  • Output Node: Final result (only one allowed)
Node type selection dialog in Filter Flow

3. Editing Filter Parameters

Customize how your filters work by adjusting their parameters:

  1. Tap on any node to open its settings
  2. Adjust available parameters using the sliders
  3. See real-time preview at the top of the settings
  4. Tap Done when you're satisfied
Tip: Push parameters to extreme values to see their full effect, then dial back to find the perfect balance.
Editing filter parameters with live preview

4. Building Complex Filter Chains

Build sophisticated effects by connecting multiple nodes:

  1. Add several filter nodes to create a processing chain
  2. Drag nodes to reposition them on the canvas
  3. Connect nodes by tapping one and then another
  4. Use Re-Order to automatically organize your nodes
Tip: If your graph gets too complex, use Re-Order to clean up the layout.
A complex Filter Flow graph with multiple chained filters

5. Using Merge Nodes

Merge nodes combine multiple filter chains into one:

  1. Add a Merge Node (green) to your graph
  2. Connect two or more chains as inputs
  3. Pick a blend mode (Overlay, Multiply, Screen, Difference…)
  4. Adjust opacity for each input as needed
Note: The Output node accepts a single input. To combine multiple effects, route them through a Merge node first.
Merge node settings showing blend mode selection

6. Previewing and Recording

When you're ready to see your creation in action:

  1. Tap the Camera button in the bottom-right corner
  2. See your filter chain in real-time with the camera preview
  3. Tap record to start capturing video with your filters applied
  4. Tap again to stop, then save or share
Live filtered video preview screen

Examples & Inspiration

Sample Effect

An example of what you can build with Filter Flow:

This example chains a Temperature and Tint filter with Pixelate, merged through an Overlay blend mode.

Creative Ideas:
  • Cyberpunk look with Edge Detection + color overlays
  • Dreamy aesthetic with Blur + Bloom
  • Vintage feel with Sepia + Vignette + grain
  • Glitch composites by layering camera over a clip with Difference

Perfect For

Content creators seeking unique layered video effects.
Social media creators exploring trending aesthetics.
Artists and VJs experimenting with visual compositions.
Anyone who wants a playful way to build custom video effects on mobile.

Why Filter Flow?

Unlike simple one-tap video filter apps, Filter Flow gives you a playful, node-based way to build your own effects. Connect filters, camera feeds, videos, and blend modes like building blocks. Make glitch visuals, VHS-style edits, layered camera effects, abstract compositions, and strange little video experiments you will not get from a normal editor.

Start creating today with Filter Flow. Make aesthetic video effects, explore weird combinations, and turn your ideas into motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Filter Flow?

Filter Flow: Experimental FX is a node-based video filter app for iPhone and iPad. You build real-time effects by connecting input, filter, merge, and output nodes — chaining 40+ Core Image filters and blending live camera with video files using 16 blend modes.

Which devices does Filter Flow support?

iPhone and iPad running iOS 18.2 or later. A physical device is recommended so you can use the live camera input.

How many filters and blend modes are included?

40+ Core Image filters and 16 blend modes including Overlay, Screen, Multiply, Soft Light, Color Dodge, Color Burn, and Difference.

Can I blend my live camera with a video file?

Yes. Add a camera input and a video input, route both into a merge node, and pick a blend mode. Add filters anywhere in the chain.

Are there ready-made presets?

Yes — 15+ presets like Cyberpunk, Liminal Space, Vaporwave, Retro CRT, Summer Heat, Sepia Tone, and Dramatic Vignette. One tap builds the full graph.

Can I record and share videos?

Yes. Record your filtered video and save it to your camera roll, ready to share anywhere.

Who makes Filter Flow?

Filter Flow is made by Principal LA LLC. Contact: hello@principal.la.

Need Help?

Questions or feedback? Email hello@principal.la.

Download Filter Flow

Ready to build your own video effects? Download Filter Flow and start creating.

Download on the App Store