Pixelmator Pro Overview
Introduction
Pixelmator Pro is a powerful, user-friendly image, video, and vector graphic editor exclusively designed for macOS. Developed by the Pixelmator Team, this application has garnered significant acclaim for its extensive range of tools and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Key Features and Functionality
Image Editing
Pixelmator Pro offers over 50 standard image editing tools, making it a comprehensive solution for editing photos, creating designs, and enhancing videos. Key features include:
- Color Adjustments: Users can adjust colors in photos and videos using pro-grade color adjustments, including tools powered by machine learning such as ML Enhance, Match Colors, Super Resolution, Denoise, and Deband.
- Repair Tool: The Repair tool allows for the easy removal of unwanted objects from images by simply painting over them.
- Quick Selection Tool: This tool enables accurate selections with minimal effort, ideal for copying objects and using them in multiple areas of an image.
Vector Graphics and Illustration
Pixelmator Pro supports vector graphic editing, allowing users to create vector designs using tools like the Pen and Freeform Pen. It includes:
- Vector Tools: A full set of vector tools and over 200 stylish shapes designed by the Pixelmator Team. Users can import and export vector files in SVG and PDF formats.
- Smart Shapes: Customizable Smart Shapes enable quick creation of custom shapes.
Painting and Drawing
The application features advanced painting capabilities:
- Dual-Texture Brushes: Beautiful, handcrafted brushes with support for graphics tablets, allowing for pressure and tilt sensitivity. The painting engine is powered by Metal graphics technology for fast and responsive performance.
- Dynamic Paint Blending: This mode helps combine image layers to blend elements quickly and seamlessly.
Machine Learning-Powered Editing
Pixelmator Pro leverages machine learning for several advanced features:
- Automatic Enhancements: Tools like ML Enhance, Super Resolution, and Denoise automatically enhance images.
- Background Removal: The ability to remove image backgrounds using machine learning-powered tools.
Layer-Based Editing
The app is a layer-based image editor, allowing users to manage multiple layers, adjust layer visibility, and customize layer properties. The Layers sidebar provides a visual layout of the entire project, making it easy to navigate and manage layers.
Compatibility and Integration
Pixelmator Pro is fully optimized for Mac devices with Apple silicon and integrates seamlessly with macOS features such as iCloud Drive, Versions, Photos extension, Shortcuts, Light and Dark Modes, Split View, AppleScript, and Apple Pencil.
- Media Formats: It supports a wide range of media formats including JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PSD, HEIF, SVG, AI, Illustrator EPS, PDF, GIF, BMP, TGA, WebP, JPEG-2000, AVIF, MP4, and MOV.
Interface and Customization
The application features a single-window, easy-to-use interface with customizable elements such as the Tools sidebar, Layers sidebar, and toolbar. Users can adjust the layout to suit their editing style and access additional elements like overlays and rulers as needed.
Conclusion
Pixelmator Pro is a versatile and powerful graphic editing tool that caters to a wide range of creative needs, from photo editing and vector graphics to painting and illustration. Its robust feature set, user-friendly interface, and integration with macOS make it an excellent choice for both professionals and hobbyists. Awarded as Apple’s Mac App of the Year in 2018, Pixelmator Pro continues to be a top-rated app on the Mac App Store.