About
Onyx Magic, developed by Marc Kerstein, is a cutting-edge AI-powered utility app designed specifically for magicians, mentalists, and illusionists. It enables performers to remotely alter photographs captured on a spectator's device in real time, producing convincing and undetectable digital illusions. Using advanced AI image manipulation, performers can transform signed playing cards, reveal hidden names, change text, and create virtually any imaginable photographic alteration — all executed entirely on the spectator's own camera without the need for the performer to handle the device. Key highlights include a variable delayed input system that gives performers precise timing control over when a photo is modified, deep third-party app integrations (including Earworm, WikiTest, and PeekSmith) for covert input methods, and the ability to automatically generate and print physical photographs from digital alterations for a tangible, high-impact reveal. The app supports multiple languages, making it accessible to an international audience of performers. Onyx Magic is aimed at professional and semi-professional magicians looking to incorporate modern AI technology into their acts. It is lightweight at 35.8 MB, available on iPhone, and was first released in December 2025. With a perfect 5.0 App Store rating, it is rapidly gaining recognition in the magic community as a revolutionary performance utility.
Key Features
- Real-Time AI Photo Alteration: Remotely and instantly modifies photos on a spectator's device using advanced AI, creating seamless and convincing digital illusions without any physical contact.
- Variable Delayed Input System: A sophisticated trigger system that pauses and waits for remote input, giving performers precise control over the timing of photo modifications.
- Third-Party Magic App Integration: Deep compatibility with popular magic tools like Earworm, WikiTest, and PeekSmith, enabling covert and seamless operation within existing performer workflows.
- Physical Print Reveals: Automatically generates and prints physical photographs from digital alterations, enabling high-impact tangible reveals for audiences.
- Unlimited Custom Effect Creation: Allows performers to create virtually any photographic alteration imaginable, from transforming signed cards to revealing hidden names, with vast creative freedom.
Use Cases
- A close-up magician remotely transforms a spectator's signed card photo on the spectator's own phone for an undetectable reveal.
- A mentalist uses the delayed input system alongside WikiTest integration to reveal a thought-of word inside a photo taken moments earlier.
- A stage performer triggers an automatic physical photo print of an altered image to hand to an audience member as a memorable souvenir.
- A magic content creator uses Onyx Magic to produce seemingly impossible photo transformation videos for social media.
- A corporate entertainer incorporates branded reveals — such as a company logo appearing inside a photo — using the custom effect creation tools.
Pros
- Completely Undetectable: Effects occur entirely on the spectator's own camera, making the performance invisible and inconspicuous without the performer needing to handle the spectator's device.
- Extensive Integration Ecosystem: Works seamlessly with a wide range of popular magic apps and input methods, slotting into a professional performer's existing toolkit.
- High-Impact Physical Reveals: The ability to auto-print physical photos from altered images adds a powerful, tangible dimension to performances that goes beyond purely digital illusions.
Cons
- Very Niche Audience: The app is purpose-built for magicians and mentalists, limiting its appeal and utility to a narrow segment of users.
- Limited Download Base: With fewer than 1,000 downloads, the app has a small community, which may mean limited user support resources and community-shared effects.
- iOS Only: Currently restricted to iPhone, excluding Android users and limiting cross-platform performance scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Onyx Magic alter photos without touching the spectator's phone?
Onyx Magic works remotely, using AI to modify an image on the spectator's device in real time after it has been captured, without the performer ever needing to handle the spectator's phone.
What magic apps does Onyx Magic integrate with?
Onyx Magic integrates with a wide range of popular magic utility apps including Earworm, WikiTest, and PeekSmith, allowing performers to use familiar input methods for covert operation.
Can Onyx Magic print physical photographs?
Yes, the app can automatically generate and print physical photographs from digitally altered images, enabling high-impact tangible reveals for your audience.
Is Onyx Magic free to use?
Onyx Magic is listed as a free app on the iOS App Store. Check the App Store listing for the most up-to-date pricing and any in-app purchase details.
What kinds of effects can I create with Onyx Magic?
You can create virtually any photographic alteration, such as transforming a signed playing card, revealing a hidden name or object, changing text within a photo, and much more, offering extensive creative freedom for bespoke performances.
