Pixelmator can also be used to create images from scratch thanks to the inclusion of a wide selection of drawing tools - these are particularly useful if you are working with a graphics tablet. If you are working on a batch of images that all need much the same processes applied to them, Pixelmator can be used in conjunction with Automator to avoid repetitive work. There are more than 130 special filters to choose from, and if this isn't enough the plugin support means that Quartz Composer compositions can also be used.Īpp such as Pixelmator are most commonly used for editing digital photographs, and to this end the software includes options such as a range of selection tools, blending modes, gradient fills, Aperture support, a wide range of transformation tools, layer grouping and much, much more. The app comes at a bargain basement price, but this does not mean that it is bargain basement software. This is not as powerful or as feature packed as Adobe's landmark app, but it is available at a fraction of the costs and includes more well designed features than most people will have need for. That said, Pixelmator can be thought of as Photoshop for the masses. Few live up to expectation, and to some extent it is unfair comparison to make.
PIXELMATOR TOOLS PRO
Pixelmator Pro requires macOS High Sierra and a Metal-compatible graphics card.Any image editor has to endure comparison with Photoshop - it is par for the course. New customers can download it from the Mac App Store for $39.99.
PIXELMATOR TOOLS UPGRADE
Existing Pixelmator Pro users can upgrade to Hummingbird for free. Given the more affordable image editor's improvements, some may even choose not to convert. Hummingbird also offers templates for all Apple devices - sure to make life easier if you're designing for Apple Watch or iPad.Īdobe is expected to release the iPad version of Photoshop sometime this year, but until then, Pixelmator Pro is a worthy alternative. Also new is the ability to drag and drop layered files directly into existing images, refresh Slice and Paint tool presets and better performance for documents with a large number of layers. An updated Crop tool has a Delete mode and the ability to crop to custom pixel sizes. Hummingbird comes with a new Zoom tool, which has a more responsive navigator. This will be a massive timesaver if you're the type who likes to switch between editing on your iPad and your desktop, or your work and home computer. Using iCloud, files saved to the Apple Photo library will sync across multiple devices. Any layers or nondestructive edits will be automatically saved in an associated Pixelmator Pro document. Now, any edits made using the extension can be saved directly to Photos. Prior to the update, Apple Photos users would have to open an image separately in Pixelmator Pro, make edits and then sync everything back to their main library. Nothing is missing from the extension - users can perform layer-based edits, edit RAW photos, paint with digital brushes and more. The Pixelmator team unveiled Pixelmator Pro 1.4 Hummingbird today, which includes an extension that brings its entire suite of editing tools to Apple's photo library.
PIXELMATOR TOOLS UPDATE
Now an update to the image editor will make it easier for you to perform advanced visual editing right in Apple Photos. We've long favored Pixelmator Pro as an effective and affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop.