Pixelmator Pro - Detailed Review
Image Tools
Pixelmator Pro - Product Overview
Introduction to Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a powerful and user-friendly image editing software specifically designed for macOS users. It is an excellent option for those looking to adjust, modify, and enhance images with a wide range of tools and features.
Primary Function
The primary function of Pixelmator Pro is to provide a comprehensive suite of image editing tools. It allows users to build beautiful designs and layouts, create new images from scratch, edit photos and videos, and perform various other graphic design tasks.
Target Audience
Pixelmator Pro is aimed at a broad audience, including graphic designers, marketers, photographers, and anyone who needs to create or edit visual content. It is particularly appealing to those who are not professional graphics experts but still want to produce high-quality graphics and images. The software is also a favorite among users who seek an alternative to more expensive and complex programs like Adobe Photoshop.
Key Features
Advanced Masking Tools
Pixelmator Pro features a completely redesigned masking experience, including AI-powered background masking, double-click to add masks, and intuitive on-canvas controls. It also supports vector masks and allows for precise subject masking while preserving fine details like hair or fur.
RAW Image Support
The software supports RAW photos from over 750 digital camera models, allowing users to open, edit, and work with RAW images directly without conversion or preprocessing.
Color Adjustments and Retouching
Pixelmator Pro offers a range of color adjustments, including brightness, contrast, exposure, multi-channel curves, and wheel-based color balance. It also includes retouching tools like Repair, Clone, and Sharpen, which can be used with simple brushstrokes to edit specific areas of an image.
Selection Tools
The software includes advanced selection tools such as the Quick Selection Tool, Magnetic Selection Tool, and Color Selection Tool, making it easy to select and edit specific parts of an image.
Design Templates and Mockups
Pixelmator Pro provides stunning design templates and customizable mockups, helping users create eye-catching designs with ease.
Performance and Compatibility
The software runs natively on Mac devices powered by Apple silicon, utilizing Metal for graphics processing and Core ML for machine learning features, ensuring high performance and efficiency.
User-Friendly Interface
Despite its feature-rich nature, Pixelmator Pro is known for its intuitive interface, making it accessible for users who are not experts in graphic design. It also offers extensive online support and community forums for any questions or issues.
Overall, Pixelmator Pro is a versatile and powerful image editing tool that offers a wide range of features at a one-time purchase price, making it an attractive alternative to subscription-based graphic design software.
Pixelmator Pro - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Pixelmator Pro is crafted with a focus on ease of use and a visually appealing design, making it an intuitive tool for image editing and graphic design.Interface Layout
Pixelmator Pro features a single-window interface, which is easy to use and customize. The main components include the image canvas at the center, the Tools sidebar on the right, the Layers sidebar on the left, and the toolbar at the top. This layout allows users to access all the necessary tools and features without clutter.Customization
Users can customize the default layout to suit their specific editing style. Additional elements such as overlays or rulers can be accessed from the View menu if needed. The Tools sidebar is organized into groups based on their functions, such as selection, painting, erasing, and retouching tools. This organization makes it easy to find and use the tools required for different tasks.Visual Feedback and Aesthetics
The interface is highly polished, with smooth fade-in and fade-out animations that provide subtle feedback during operations. This attention to detail aligns with Apple’s design language, making the app feel seamless and natural to use on Mac devices. The animations help provide context and make the interface feel more interactive and responsive.Masking and Editing Tools
Pixelmator Pro 3.6 introduces a significantly improved masking experience. Users can add masks with a simple double-click, and the new on-canvas controls allow for easy access to all mask editing tools directly on the screen. The AI-powered background masking feature helps in instantly hiding backgrounds, and the support for vector masks adds flexibility in shaping layers and creating gradient masks.Ease of Use
The interface is user-friendly, with tools that are conveniently arranged and easy to access. The Quick Selection tool, Magnetic Selection Tool, and Color Selection Tool make selecting objects and areas straightforward, even for complex selections. The retouching tools, such as those for removing unwanted objects or cloning parts of photos, are also intuitive and can be used with simple brushstrokes.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience of Pixelmator Pro is enhanced by its performance on Mac devices, particularly those powered by Apple silicon. The app leverages Metal for graphics processing and Core ML for machine learning features, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. This combination of a well-designed interface and strong performance capabilities makes Pixelmator Pro a solid choice for both beginners and professionals in image editing and graphic design. Pixelmator Pro - Key Features and Functionality
Introduction
Pixelmator Pro is a versatile and powerful image editing application for Mac, heavily integrated with AI and other advanced technologies to enhance user experience and editing capabilities. Here are the key features and how they work, particularly focusing on the AI-driven aspects.AI-Powered Background Removal
Pixelmator Pro uses AI to instantly hide backgrounds, creating precise subject masks that preserve fine details like hair or fur. This feature, known as the “Magic Background Eraser,” allows users to separate the subject from the background with just a few clicks, making it easier to edit or replace the background.AI Background Masks
The latest version of Pixelmator Pro introduces AI-powered background masks, which can be added quickly with a double-click. These masks are highly accurate and can be adjusted on the canvas using intuitive controls. This feature simplifies the process of masking layers into shapes or drawing custom masks with the Pen tools.ML Super Resolution
Pixelmator Pro includes an ML Super Resolution feature that uses machine learning to upscale photos, preserving and enhancing important details. This tool is particularly useful for improving the quality of low-resolution images without losing their original clarity.Smart Replace
The Smart Replace feature, powered by AI, allows users to replace objects in images intelligently. This tool can automatically adjust the replaced object to match the surrounding context, making the edit look more natural.Quick Selection Tool
The Quick Selection Tool, enhanced by AI, enables users to select even the most challenging objects and areas with just a few brushstrokes. This tool is highly accurate and makes complex selections effortless.Magnetic Selection Tool
Similar to the Quick Selection Tool, the Magnetic Selection Tool uses AI to trace the edges of any object, allowing an accurate selection to snap around it automatically. This tool is particularly useful for selecting complex shapes and objects.Color Selection Tool
The Color Selection Tool uses AI to quickly select similarly colored parts of an image. This is useful for making selective adjustments or applying effects to specific areas based on color.ML Noise Removal and JPEG Artifact Reduction
Pixelmator Pro includes AI-powered tools to remove camera noise and reduce JPEG compression artifacts, significantly enhancing photo quality. These tools use machine learning algorithms to identify and correct these issues automatically.ML Enhance and Automatic Adjustments
The application features an ML Enhance tool that can automatically improve the color, contrast, and brightness of a photo based on a machine learning algorithm trained on 20 million photos. This ensures that many adjustments can be applied automatically, saving time and effort.Vector Masks and Support for AI and EPS Files
Pixelmator Pro now supports Adobe Illustrator (AI) and EPS files, allowing users to open these files with all their layers, including text and shape layers, fully preserved. This includes full support for vector masks in various formats like PDF, PSD, SVG, AI, and Illustrator EPS files.Performance and Integration
Pixelmator Pro is GPU accelerated with Metal and uses Core ML for its machine learning features, ensuring high performance and efficiency on Mac devices. This integration with Apple technologies makes the application run natively on Apple silicon Macs, optimizing its performance.Conclusion
These features collectively make Pixelmator Pro a powerful tool for image editing, leveraging AI to simplify complex tasks, enhance image quality, and provide a seamless editing experience. Pixelmator Pro - Performance and Accuracy
When Evaluating Pixelmator Pro
When evaluating the performance and accuracy of Pixelmator Pro, particularly in the context of its AI-driven image editing tools, there are several key points to consider.
AI-Driven Tools
Pixelmator Pro boasts a range of AI-powered tools that significantly enhance its editing capabilities. The “ML Enhance” tool, for example, uses machine learning to analyze images and automatically make adjustments to color, balance, brightness, and contrast, providing industry-standard results quickly and easily.
The “ML Super Resolution” function is another notable feature, allowing users to upgrade low-resolution photographs by intelligently filling in missing details and improving textures, making previously unsuitable photos suitable for high-quality projects.
Performance
While Pixelmator Pro is praised for its powerful features and ease of use, there are some performance issues to note. For instance, the application can become slow with multiple layers, even on relatively capable hardware. A 2013 MacBook Pro, for example, started to slow down significantly after about nine layers, which can be a limitation for users working on complex projects.
Interface and Usability
The interface of Pixelmator Pro, although aesthetically pleasing, has some usability issues. The non-adjustable dark interface can be straining on the eyes, especially for extended use, and the low contrast between gray tool icons and the dark background can make it difficult to read text and measurements.
Additionally, the lack of customization in the preferences and the inability to adjust the interface text size can be problematic, especially on high-resolution monitors.
Functionality and Limitations
Despite its strengths, Pixelmator Pro lacks several key features that are crucial for professional photo editing. Notably, it does not have a History panel, which makes it difficult to track and undo multi-step changes. This omission can lead to significant frustration if mistakes are made, such as accidentally deleting a complex mask.
Another significant limitation is the absence of adjustment layers, which forces users to work in a more destructive manner by duplicating layers for each adjustment. This can complicate the editing process and make it less flexible.
Additional Features and Improvements
Pixelmator Pro supports RAW file types and offers non-destructive editing, which allows users to make changes without altering the original image. However, other features like layer blend modes, pre-defined cropping ratios, and the ability to highlight drawn masks are missing or require workarounds.
The application has seen several updates that address various issues and improve performance, such as fixing graphical artifacts and enhancing the speed of painting tools.
Learning Curve and Resources
For users transitioning from other photo editing software, Pixelmator Pro’s interface is generally easier to learn, but the lack of extensive video tutorials and resources can be a hindrance. However, core photo editing concepts can be applied relatively easily, and the AI-driven tools help simplify the editing process.
Summary
In summary, while Pixelmator Pro offers powerful AI-driven tools and a user-friendly interface, it has several limitations, particularly in terms of performance with multiple layers, interface customization, and the absence of key professional features. These aspects need to be considered when deciding if Pixelmator Pro meets your specific needs for image editing.
Pixelmator Pro - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure Overview
The pricing structure for Pixelmator Pro is relatively straightforward and does not involve multiple tiers or plans. Here are the key points:Single Purchase Option
Pixelmator Pro is available for a one-time purchase price of $39.99. This purchase grants you full access to all the features of the software without any recurring fees.Free Trial
If you want to try out Pixelmator Pro before committing to a purchase, you can download a 7-day free trial from the Pixelmator Team’s website. This trial does not require a credit card, and you will not be charged when the trial period ends.No Subscription Model
Unlike some other image editing software, Pixelmator Pro does not offer a subscription model. Once you purchase the software, you own it outright and can use it on up to six Macs with the same Apple ID, or through Family Sharing.No Free Version
There is no free version of Pixelmator Pro available beyond the 7-day trial period.Conclusion
In summary, Pixelmator Pro offers a simple and cost-effective solution with a one-time purchase option and a free trial, but no ongoing subscription or free version. Pixelmator Pro - Integration and Compatibility
Integration and Compatibility of Pixelmator Pro
Integration with Other Tools
Pixelmator Pro is highly integrated with other Apple tools and software, which is a significant advantage for users within the Apple ecosystem. Since the acquisition by Apple in late 2024, the compatibility with other Apple apps is expected to increase even further. Unlike Photoshop, which is deeply integrated with other Adobe tools but less so with non-Adobe software, Pixelmator Pro offers seamless integration with native Apple tools. This includes compatibility with Metal, Apple’s graphics processing technology, and Core ML, which enhances machine learning performance on Mac devices.Compatibility with File Formats
Pixelmator Pro supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, PDF, SVG, AI, and Illustrator EPS files. This makes it easy to open, edit, and export files from other popular graphic design and photo editing software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. The ability to import and edit Illustrator files is a recent addition, making it highly versatile for designers.RAW Image Support
Pixelmator Pro stands out with its extensive support for RAW images from over 750 digital camera models. Users can open, preview, and edit RAW files directly without the need for conversion or preprocessing, which is a feature that Photoshop requires the Camera Raw plugin for.Platform and Device Compatibility
Pixelmator Pro is optimized for Mac devices, running natively on both Apple silicon and Intel-based Macs. This ensures high performance and responsiveness, particularly with tasks like machine learning, which can be up to 15 times faster on M1-powered Macs.Vector and Raster Graphics
The software also supports both vector and raster graphics, allowing users to create resolution-independent designs using vector tools and edit raster images with advanced tools like AI-powered background masks and multi-channel curves.Conclusion
In summary, Pixelmator Pro offers strong integration with Apple’s ecosystem, broad compatibility with various file formats, extensive RAW image support, and optimized performance on Mac devices. These features make it a compelling choice for users who are deeply invested in the Apple environment and need a powerful image editing tool. Pixelmator Pro - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
For any questions or issues, users can reach out to the Pixelmator Pro support team through several channels:- Email Support: Users can email the support team directly for assistance with subscriptions, technical issues, or any other queries related to using Pixelmator Pro.
- Support Portal: The Pixelmator support portal provides detailed guides on purchasing, restoring, and canceling subscriptions, as well as other helpful resources.
Additional Resources
User Guides and Tutorials
Pixelmator Pro offers extensive documentation and tutorials to help users get started and advance their skills. The official website and support portal include guides on various features, such as image editing, masking, and color adjustments.Video Tutorials
There are several video tutorials available, including compilations of tips and tricks that cover advanced photo editing techniques, hidden features, and how to use specific tools like the Pen Tool, background removal, and black and white filters.Community Support
The Pixelmator Pro community forum is a valuable resource where users can share tips, ask questions, and download user-created resources. This community-driven approach helps users find solutions and learn from others who use the software.AI-Driven Tools Documentation
Detailed information is available on the AI-powered features such as ML Enhance and ML Super Resolution, which use machine learning to enhance image quality, adjust colors, and upgrade low-resolution photos. These resources help users understand how to leverage these advanced tools effectively.Software Updates and Features
Pixelmator Pro regularly updates its software, introducing new features like improved masking capabilities, including AI-powered background masks, vector masks, and on-canvas mask controls. These updates are well-documented, ensuring users can quickly adapt to new functionalities. By leveraging these support options and resources, users of Pixelmator Pro can ensure they are making the most out of the software’s extensive image editing capabilities. Pixelmator Pro - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro offers several significant advantages that make it a compelling choice for image editing and design:
Ease of Use
The interface is streamlined and beginner-friendly, making it easy for users with no prior editing experience to get started quickly.
Value for Money
Unlike many other professional editing tools, Pixelmator Pro is available for a one-time fee of $49, which is significantly cheaper than many competitors, such as Photomator and Adobe Photoshop.
AI-Powered Tools
The software includes a range of AI-driven features like ML Enhance, Match Colors, Super Resolution, Denoise, and Deband, which automate many editing tasks and enhance image quality.
Extensive Toolset
With over 50 image editing tools, Pixelmator Pro allows users to adjust colors, remove unwanted objects, apply filters, and use various effects and layer styles. It also supports graphics tablets and offers precise selective edits using color adjustments layers.
Template Gallery and Design Features
The software includes more than 200 designer-created templates for web, print, and social media, along with features to customize font styles, color balance, alignment, and size. The latest version adds a new Book Club collection of fully customizable design templates.
Compatibility and Integration
Pixelmator Pro is fully optimized for Mac devices with Apple silicon and integrates seamlessly with macOS features, including iCloud Drive, Versions, and Apple Pencil support.
Fast Performance
The application is optimized for Macs, ensuring fast and responsive performance, especially with its Metal graphics technology-powered painting engine.
Disadvantages of Pixelmator Pro
While Pixelmator Pro is a powerful and user-friendly tool, it also has some limitations:
Platform Restriction
Pixelmator Pro is only available for Mac users, making it inaccessible to those using Windows.
Limited Advanced Features
Professionals might find that Pixelmator Pro lacks some of the advanced tools and features available in more comprehensive editing software like Adobe Photoshop. For example, it does not support layer adjustments that affect all layers below, and it lacks a history palette.
Interface Limitations
Although the interface is streamlined, some users might find it too minimalistic and boring, and it does not allow theme changes.
Layer Limitations
Unlike Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro does not allow layer adjustments that affect all layers below, requiring users to flatten the image or apply changes to each layer individually.
Overall, Pixelmator Pro is a versatile and user-friendly image editing and design tool that offers great value for its price, but it may not meet the needs of all professional users due to its limitations in advanced features and platform compatibility.
Pixelmator Pro - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Pixelmator Pro to its competitors in the image editing and AI-driven tools category, several key points stand out:
Platform Compatibility
Pixelmator Pro is exclusively available for Mac users, which can be a limitation compared to other tools. For example, Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo offer support across multiple platforms, including Windows and macOS.
AI and Machine Learning Features
Pixelmator Pro stands out with its integrated AI and machine learning tools. It features AI-powered background masks, quick selection tools, background removal, subject selection, and masking tools. These AI tools are seamlessly integrated into the traditional editing workflow, making tasks like enhancing images, removing backgrounds, and selecting subjects much faster and more precise.
Vector and Raster Tools
Pixelmator Pro combines both raster image editing and vector illustration tools. It allows users to draw, resize, and manipulate vector shapes without any quality loss. Additionally, vector shapes can be turned into masks, enabling creative uses like framing photos in custom shapes. In contrast, Affinity Photo, while capable of vector editing, requires saving in vector formats like EPS or PDF to maintain vector quality, and most effects applied to vectors will rasterize them.
Photo Editing Features
Pixelmator Pro offers a wide range of photo editing tools, including retouching features like Repair, Clone, Lighten, Darken, Saturate, Desaturate, Sharpen, Soften, and Smudge. It also includes reshaping tools such as Warp, Bump, Pinch, and Twirl. Affinity Photo, on the other hand, is more specialized in photo editing and offers tools like Dodge, Burn, Clone, Patch, and Blemish Removal, along with frequency separation for smoothing skin and liquify features for sculpting shapes.
Integration with Other Tools
Pixelmator Pro has native compatibility with other Apple tools and apps, such as the Apple Photos app and the Apple Shortcuts app. This allows for seamless editing and processing of images directly from these apps. Affinity Photo, while compatible with other Affinity apps like Affinity Designer and Publisher, lacks the same level of integration with external apps.
Pricing and Value
Pixelmator Pro is generally more affordable than Adobe Photoshop and offers a one-time purchase option, which can be appealing to users who prefer not to subscribe to a service. Affinity Photo also offers a one-time purchase model and is often seen as a cost-effective alternative to Photoshop, but it lacks the extensive AI features found in Pixelmator Pro.
Unique Features
One of the unique features of Pixelmator Pro is its ability to edit RAW format images directly within the application, without the need for additional plugins like Camera Raw in Photoshop. It also includes its own LUT (Look Up Table) tools for color enhancement and editing.
Conclusion
In summary, Pixelmator Pro is a strong contender in the image editing space, particularly for Mac users, due to its integrated AI tools, comprehensive feature set, and seamless integration with Apple ecosystem tools. However, users requiring cross-platform support or more specialized vector design capabilities might find Affinity Photo or Adobe Photoshop more suitable.
Pixelmator Pro - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for Pixelmator Pro?
Pixelmator Pro requires macOS 12 Monterey or later to run. It is also fully optimized for Macs with Apple silicon, ensuring optimal performance on these devices.
What features does Pixelmator Pro include?
Pixelmator Pro is a comprehensive image editor that includes a wide range of tools and features. These include tools for editing and retouching photos, creating still or moving designs with video layers, drawing vector illustrations, painting, and sketching. It also supports over 50 image editing tools, machine learning-powered features like ML Enhance, Super Resolution, and Denoise, as well as full support for RAW photos from over 750 digital cameras.
Is Pixelmator Pro available for Windows or other platforms?
No, Pixelmator Pro is available exclusively for Mac. It is not compatible with Windows or any other operating system. If you want to use it on an iPad, you might consider using the Sidecar feature to set up your iPad as a second display for your Mac.
How do I install Pixelmator Pro on a new Mac?
To install Pixelmator Pro on a new Mac, simply open the App Store, find Pixelmator Pro, and click the download button. You can install it on up to 6 Mac devices with a single license, provided you use the same Apple ID on each device.
What if I am unable to download the latest version of Pixelmator Pro?
If you are unable to download the latest version, try signing out of the App Store, restarting your Mac, and then signing back in. Check the Updates tab in the App Store and try downloading the update again. If this doesn’t work, delete any copies of Pixelmator Pro from your Mac and re-download the app from the App Store.
Does Pixelmator Pro support RAW formats?
Yes, Pixelmator Pro supports over 750 different RAW formats, including compressed Fujifilm RAWs and High Efficiency Nikon RAWs. If your camera is relatively new and not listed, support will likely be added in future updates to macOS and Pixelmator Pro.
How can I learn to use Pixelmator Pro?
The official Pixelmator Tutorials page is a great place to start learning. You’ll find many video and text tutorials, tips, and tricks, as well as the Pixelmator Pro User Guide. These resources will help you learn about every individual tool and feature in the app.
What is the difference between Pixelmator Pro and Photomator?
Pixelmator Pro and Photomator are two distinct apps. Photomator is dedicated to ultra-fast photo editing workflows, while Pixelmator Pro offers a complete set of tools for creating designs from scratch, editing photos, and more. Both apps work independently but can also be used together seamlessly through iCloud edit syncing.
Can I apply for a refund if I’m not satisfied with Pixelmator Pro?
Refunds for Pixelmator Pro are handled by Apple Support. You can learn more about requesting a refund through Apple’s support page.
Does Pixelmator Pro support various file formats?
Yes, Pixelmator Pro supports a wide range of file formats, including JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PSD, HEIF, SVG, AI, Illustrator EPS, PDF, GIF, BMP, TGA, WebP, JPEG-2000, AVIF, MP4, and MOV. It also supports opening and exporting HDR images and videos, as well as Adobe Photoshop images with layers.
How does Pixelmator Pro integrate with macOS features?
Pixelmator Pro is a Universal app that is fully optimized for Mac devices with Apple silicon. It supports almost every major macOS feature, including iCloud Drive, Versions, a full-featured Photos extension, Shortcuts, Light and Dark Modes, Split View, AppleScript, and Apple Pencil.