PIXELMATOR PRO
ABOUT PIXELMATOR PRO
Pixelmator Pro is a professional-grade image editing and graphic design app designed exclusively for macOS. Developed by the Pixelmator Team, it combines powerful editing tools with a sleek, intuitive interface optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3 Macs).
Key Highlights:
✔ Photoshop Alternative – Offers many pro-level features without a subscription.
✔ AI & Machine Learning (ML) Tools – Super Resolution, Denoise, and smart selection tools.
✔ Optimized for Mac – Built with Metal for fast performance on Apple hardware.
✔ One-Time Purchase – No subscription required (unlike Adobe Photoshop).
Pixelmator Pro offers a streamlined workflow that balances professional capabilities with approachability. Here’s what you need to know to work effectively with this Mac-exclusive image editor:
Interface Overview
The clean, single-window interface is organized into:
- Toolbar (top) – Essential tools and adjustments
- Sidebar (right) – Layers, effects, and adjustments
- Canvas (center) – Your working area
- Color panel (bottom) – Color selection and swatches
Importing Files
- Drag and drop images directly onto the canvas
- Use File > Open (⌘O) for supported formats including PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF
- Supports RAW files from most cameras
Core Editing Tools
- Crop Tool (C) – Non-destructive cropping with composition guides
- Retouch Tools – Healing, Clone Stamp, and Repair tools for cleanup
- Selection Tools – Quick Select, Magic Wand, and manual selection options
- Paint Tools – Customizable brushes with pressure sensitivity
Non-Destructive Editing
- Adjustment layers preserve original image data
- Layer styles can be modified at any time
- History panel allows stepping backward through changes
Machine Learning Enhancements
- Super Resolution – Upscale images up to 4x while maintaining quality
- Denoise – Reduce digital noise while preserving detail
- Color Adjustments – Smart auto-correction for color and lighting
Design Capabilities
- Vector Graphics – Create and edit scalable shapes
- Text Tools – Basic typography controls with layer styles
- Layer Effects – Add shadows, glows, and overlays non-destructively
Performance Optimization
- Metal Engine – GPU acceleration for smooth editing
- Apple Silicon Native – Optimized for M-series chips
- Background Processing – Maintains responsiveness during complex operations
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Spacebar for temporary Hand Tool
- ⌘+/- for zooming
- ⌘T for Free Transform
- V for Move Tool
Batch Processing
- Use File > Export (⌘⇧E) to process multiple images
- Create custom export presets for different output needs
Integration
- Works with Photos app and other macOS services
- Supports Continuity Camera for direct iPhone imports
- Compatible with some Photoshop plugins
Pixelmator Pro’s intuitive design makes it easy to jump in while providing enough depth for professional work. The combination of traditional editing tools with modern AI features creates a balanced workflow suitable for photographers, designers, and digital artists working on Mac.
Pixelmator Pro 3.6 excels in user experience, offering a clean, distraction-free workspace. Key aspects include:
✅ Intuitive Layout – Tools are logically organized, with a sidebar for adjustments and a top toolbar for quick access.
✅ Dark Mode & macOS Integration – Fully optimized for macOS, including Touch Bar support.
✅ Non-Destructive Editing – Most adjustments (filters, layers, effects) can be modified later.
✅ Quick Learning Curve – Easier for beginners than Photoshop but powerful enough for pros.
Machine Learning (ML) Enhancements
- Super Resolution – Upscale images without losing quality.
- Denoise – Remove noise while preserving details.
- Object Selection – AI-powered subject detection for quick masking.
Advanced Color Editing
- Color Balance – Fine-tune shadows, midtones, and highlights.
- Selective Color – Adjust specific hues without affecting others.
- Auto Color Correction – ML-powered auto-adjustments that actually work.
Performance Optimizations
- Metal Engine – Blazing-fast rendering on Apple Silicon (M1/M2).
- Smooth Brush Engine – Minimal lag even with large canvases.
- Background Processing – No slowdowns during complex edits.
Design & Retouching Tools
- Vector Shapes – Fully editable with anchor points.
- Repair Tool – Smart texture-matching for object removal.
- Typography Tools – Good for basic text design (but not as advanced as Photoshop).
✅ Pros
✔ Excellent performance (optimized for Apple Silicon)
✔ No subscription (one-time purchase vs. Adobe’s model)
✔ Best-in-class ML tools (Super Resolution, Denoise, Object Selection)
✔ Sleek, macOS-native UI (feels like a true Mac app)
✔ Great value ($39.99 vs. Photoshop’s $20+/month)
❌ Cons
✖ No CMYK/Pantone support (not ideal for print professionals)
✖ Limited text & typography controls (weaker than Photoshop/Affinity)
✖ Mac-only (no Windows/Linux version)
✖ No built-in DAM (digital asset management like Lightroom)
| Feature | Pixelmator Pro | Photoshop | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 (one-time) | $20.99/month | $69.99 (one-time) | Free |
| Mac Optimization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| AI/ML Tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ |
| Non-Destructive | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Limited |
| CMYK Support | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Best For | Mac users, photographers, designers | Pros, print, advanced retouching | Budget pros, print work | Free alternative, hobbyists |
| Feature/Aspect | Pixelmator Pro | Photoshop | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS only | macOS, Windows, iPad | macOS, Windows, iPad | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Price | $49.99 one-time | $20.99/month (subscription) | $69.99 one-time | Free (open source) |
| Ease of Use | Very high | Moderate (steep learning) | Moderate | Low (clunky UI) |
| AI Features | Excellent | Best-in-class | Improving | Basic |
| Vector Masking | Full support (new in 3.6) | Limited | Strong | Limited |
| Mask Workflow | Intuitive, on-canvas | Powerful but complex | Manual but capable | Less intuitive |
| Performance (macOS) | Top-tier (Metal, ML) | High | High | Moderate |
| Plugin Ecosystem | Limited | Extensive | Moderate | Strong (community-built) |
| CMYK/Print Support | Basic | Advanced | Advanced | Limited |
✔ Mac users who want a fast, intuitive Photoshop alternative.
✔ Photographers who need AI-powered editing (Super Resolution, Denoise).
✔ Casual to intermediate designers who prefer a simple workflow.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
✖ Print professionals (needs CMYK).
✖ Advanced typography users (better in Photoshop/Affinity).
Pixelmator Pro 3.6 is one of the best image editors for Mac users, offering a perfect balance of power, simplicity, and affordability. While it doesn’t replace Photoshop for high-end professionals, it’s an excellent choice for photographers, designers, and digital artists who want a fast, modern, and subscription-free alternative.
Rating: 4.8/5 (Best for Mac users who don’t need Photoshop’s full complexity.)
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