Adobe has released its Photoshop Express web-based imaging application as a public beta.

Photoshop Express uses much of Adobe's image editing technology and has been repurposed as a web-based application.

Users can store up to 2GB of images online for free, make edits to their photos and share them online. Photoshop Express also allows users to download and upload photos from popular social networking sites like Facebook.

The application provides 'standard edits', such as removing blemishes and red-eye, converting to black and white, cropping and resizing.

Photoshop Express also offers tricks like Pop Color which selects an object in an image, mutes the background colour of the photo and allows the user to swap the object's colour so that it "jumps off the page".

Sketch effects make photos look like drawings, and a Distort feature allows users to distort facial features or objects for a comical or artistic effect.

Adobe said that even users with limited photo editing knowledge can simply select what looks best from a line-up of sample photos with visual hints showing different variations of the added effect.

During the public beta period, Adobe will solicit user feedback on product features and functionality which will "continue to evolve over time".

"Photoshop is trusted technology that has changed the visual landscape of our world," said Doug Mack, vice president of consumer and hosted solutions at Adobe.

"Now Photoshop Express allows anyone who snaps a digital photo to easily achieve the high-impact results for which Adobe is known."