Developer(s) | Pixelmator Team Ltd. & Apple Inc. |
---|---|
Initial release | September 25, 2007; 13 years ago |
Stable release |
|
Operating system | macOS & iOS |
Type | Raster graphics editor |
License | Proprietary |
Website | www.pixelmator.com |
How much does Pixelmator cost? The current Pixelmator sale price is $29.99. The iOS version costs $4.99 and can be purchased in the AppStore. Is Automater supported by Pixelmator? Thanks to Automator, you can quickly enhance your photo, change its size, add various effects and convert the image into over 100 different file formats.
Pixelmator is a graphic editor developed for macOS[3][4] by Lithuanian brothers Saulius and Aidas Dailide, and built upon a combination of open-source and macOS technologies. Pixelmator features selection, painting, retouching, navigation, and color correction tools; as well as layers-based image editing, GPU-powered image processing, color management, automation, and a transparent head-up display user interface for work with images. Pixelmator uses Core Image and OpenGL technologies that use the Mac's video card for image processing.[5]
Pixelmator was the first commercial image editor to fully support the WebP image format on Mac.[6][7]
- Pixelmator Pro is a powerful and user-friendly image editor for Mac. Dubbed as the Photoshop killer on Mac, the image editing application is armed with machine-learning capabilities that assist users in labelling images by automatically utilizing terms based on what it detects.
- Pixelmator is an easy-to-use, fast and powerful image editing program that has everything you need to enhance, edit and retouch your photos. Choose from powerful selection, painting, retouching, and color correction tools. Made for the Mac, Pixelmator takes advantage of built-in iPhoto support and one-click access to iSight.
Features[edit]
- Uses technologies like Core Image and Automator.
- Based on ImageMagick.[8]
- Photoshop images with layers are supported as well as other popular still image file formats.
- Uses layers-based editing.
- Over 40 tools for selecting, cropping, painting, retouching, typing, measuring and navigation.
- Shape tools.
- 16 color correction tools and over 50 filters.
- Integrates with macOS and applications such as Photos and Aperture.
- Pictures can be taken with a FaceTime camera from within the app.
- Quick file conversion can be done with the help of Automator actions.
- macOS ColorSync and ColorSync profiles are supported.
- Support for Mac OS X Lion features such as versions, auto save, and full screen mode.
- Compatibility with MacOS Catalina, including support for Sidecar (a dual-screen tool for iPad users) and Apple Pencil as of version 1.5 (released October 10, 2019).[9]
Version history[edit]
Pixelmator for Mac[edit]
Version | Codename | Release date | Significant changes | Notes | Citations |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.0 | Firestarter | September 25, 2007 |
| Pixelmator 1.0 was released at a price of $59 (US).[10] A closed beta was earlier released on August 16, 2007. | [11] |
1.1 | Kitten | December 6, 2007 |
| [12] | |
1.2 | Draftsman | May 12, 2008 |
| Includes some often requested features, like the Curve tool, Polygonal, Lasso Tool, Rulers, Guides and the ability to display an alignment grid. | [13] |
1.3 | Tempo | November 4, 2008 |
| More stability and improvements for working with large images. New features include click-and-drag for adjusting the tolerance of the Magic Wand, Paint bucket and the new Magic Eraser tool on the fly. Renewed the Hue and Saturation, Replace Color and Colorize palettes. Better Stroking capabilities with live preview were added. Besides the previously available English and German languages, it added French and Spanish. | [14] |
1.4 | Sprinkle | February 23, 2009 |
| This version introduced a new painting engine and the possibility for more advanced brush creation. Support for importing Photoshop brushes is also included. A new cloud generation filter made its way into Pixelmator in 1.4, and a noise filter in 1.4.1. | [15] |
1.5 | Spider | September 8, 2009 |
| New features include the ability to save for web, send to Mail/iPhoto, trimming, info labels and Italian language support, released less than two weeks prior to this update. Version 1.5.1 brought bug fixes and Brush Collections. | [16] |
1.6 | Nucleus | July 13, 2010 |
| Introduces layer groups and integration with OS X's Image Capture app for importing images from cameras and scanners. Older OS X versions are no longer supported. 1.6.1 (released on September 28), introduces features such as an improved photo browser and a revamped stroke feature. 1.6.2 (released on October 6, 2010), introduces support for the image format WebP. | [17] |
2.0 | Chameleon | October 27, 2011 |
| Improved support for Mac OS X Lion features like Auto Save and Versions. | [18] |
2.1 | Cherry | August 9, 2012 |
| [19][20] | |
2.2 | Blueberry | May 8, 2013 |
| More than 100 new features and improvements. | [21] |
3.0 | FX | October 22, 2013 |
| Supports the OS X's technologies App Nap and Compressed Memory. Pixelmator is more responsive and power efficient. | [22] |
3.1 | Marble | January 21, 2014 |
| This version uses the most out of the dual workstation-class GPUs built into the new Mac Pro. | [23] |
3.2 | Sandstone | May 22, 2014 |
| The new Repair tool is also more memory efficient. Other improvements, UI enhancements, and stability and reliability fixes. 3.2.1 makes the switch to the OpenGL Core Profile and resolves some previous bugs. | [24] |
3.3 | Limestone | November 6, 2014 |
| Improvements and fixes to stability and reliability. 3.3.1 adds the ability to pinch to zoom in a document window and to scroll through shapes, gradients, and styles within their respective palettes. | [25][26] |
3.4 | Twist | October 15, 2015 |
| Bug fixes. | |
3.5 | Canyon | May 26, 2016 |
| Tutorial page on website. | [27] |
3.6 | Cordillera | November 15, 2016 |
| [28] | |
3.7 | Mount Whitney | October 6, 2017 |
| [29] | |
3.8 | Phoenix | November 30, 2018 |
| [30] | |
3.9 | Classic | November 13, 2019 |
| [31] |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Pixelmator Updates and Release Notes'. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
- ^'Pixelmator for iOS Updates and Release Notes'. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
- ^Sons, Wiley & Sons John Wiley &; Vegh, Aaron (February 25, 2010). Web Development with the Mac. John Wiley and Sons. pp. 217–. ISBN978-0-470-76791-7. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
- ^Hutsko, Joe (December 14, 2009). Macs All-in-One For Dummies. For Dummies. pp. 273–. ISBN978-0-470-53798-5. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
- ^Biedny, David (July 2008). 'Lackluster Image Editor'. Mac Life. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
- ^Chartier, David (October 4, 2010). 'Pixelmator to add support for Google's WebP image format'. Macworld. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
- ^'Pixelmator 1.6.2 Adds WebP Support'. Pixelmator. October 6, 2010. Archived from the original on October 9, 2010.
- ^https://www.engadget.com/2007/10/04/tuaw-interview-the-pixelmator-team/
- ^Mayo, Benjamin (October 10, 2019). 'Pixelmator Pro adds rich support for Sidecar in macOS Catalina, the new Mac Pro, and adds a new Denoise tool'. 9to5Mac. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
- ^'Pixelmator Team Releases Pixelmator'. Pixelmator. September 25, 2007. Archived from the original on October 10, 2007.
- ^'Pixelmator Development Update'. Pixelmator. July 20, 2007. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007.
- ^'Pixelmator Team Releases Pixelmator 1.1 Kitten'. Pixelmator. December 6, 2007.
- ^'Pixelmator Team Releases Pixelmator 1.2 Draftsman'. Pixelmator. May 12, 2008. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011.
- ^'New Goodies in 1.3 Tempo'. Pixelmator. November 4, 2008. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011.
- ^'Pixelmator 1.4 Sprinkle Goodies'. Pixelmator. February 23, 2009.
- ^'Pixelmator Team Releases Pixelmator 1.5 Spider'. Pixelmator. September 8, 2009. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011.
- ^'Pixelmator Team Releases Pixelmator 1.6 Nucleus'. Pixelmator. July 13, 2010. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011.
- ^'Pixelmator 2.0 Launches on Mac App Store'. Pixelmator. October 27, 2011. Archived from the original on December 11, 2011.
- ^'Pixelmator Adds Support for OS X Mountain Lion'. Pixelmator. August 9, 2012.
- ^'Vintage Effect in Pixelmator 2.1 Cherry'. Pixelmator. July 18, 2012.
- ^'Pixelmator 2.2 Is Available Today from the Mac App Store'. Pixelmator. May 8, 2013.
- ^'Pixelmator Team Unveils Pixelmator 3.0 FX'. Pixelmator. October 22, 2013.
- ^'Pixelmator 3.1 Marble Fully Optimized for New Mac Pro'. Pixelmator. January 23, 2014.
- ^'Pixelmator 3.2 Sandstone Is Now Available on the Mac App Store'. Pixelmator. May 22, 2014.
- ^Team, Pixelmator. 'Pixelmator 3.3 Limestone Out Now - Pixelmator Blog'. www.pixelmator.com. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
- ^Team, Pixelmator. 'New Pixelmator for Mac and iPad Updates - Pixelmator Blog'. www.pixelmator.com. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
- ^'Pixelmator 3.5 Canyon is Out'. Pixelmator. May 26, 2016.
- ^'Pixelmator 3.6 Cordillera'. Pixelmator. November 15, 2016.
- ^'Pixelmator 3.7 Mount'. Pixelmator. October 6, 2017.
- ^'Pixelmator 3.8 Mount'. Pixelmator. November 30, 2018.
- ^'Pixelmator 3.9 Classic'. Pixelmator. November 13, 2019.
External links[edit]
- Official website
Pixelmator Mac Price List
Everything you love about Pixelmator. And a whole lot more.
Pixelmator Pro takes all the power and ease-of-use from the original Pixelmator and builds on it in amazing new ways. With a wide range of improvements to existing tools and some incredible new ones, every aspect of the Pixelmator image editing experience has been refined and improved. And with the latest Mac technologies powering everything under the hood, that experience is faster and more responsive than ever before.
Awarded Mac App of the Year by Apple.
Highlighted as an Editor's Choice on the Mac App Store.
Rated 4.8 worldwide with over 11,000 ratings.
Received over 10,000 five-star ratings worldwide.
Upgrade Discount
Upgrade to Pixelmator Pro with a discount. It's our way of saying thanks.
Purchase the Pixelmator Pro Upgrade Bundle on the Mac App Store to receive an upgrade discount. When buying the bundle, the price you paid for the original Pixelmator is subtracted from the bundle price for a discount of up to 50%.
Existing Pixelmator users get up to 50% off.
UpgradeCompare Pixelmator Apps
Quick Look
Modern painting engine with dual‑texture brushes and realistic paint blending
Classic painting engine with single‑texture brushes
Extensive collection of nondestructive color adjustments and native RAW editing
Destructive color adjustments, RAWs imported as regular images
Improved vector editing with SVG import and export
Raster-based vector editing, no vector format import or export
Photos extension with every Pixelmator Pro tool (over 40 tools) and ability to save edits nondestructively
Two extensions with a selection of retouching and reshaping tools (12 tools)
Frequently Asked Questions
Pixelmator Pro is an incredibly powerful, beautiful, and easy-to-use image editor for Mac. Just like the original Pixelmator, it's designed to make the most advanced professional image editing tools accessible to everyone.
For the same reason we created the original Pixelmator — we love image editing, we love the Mac, and we love making apps. We wanted to take all the knowledge we've gained over the many years of developing Pixelmator and create something totally new.
Learn Pixelmator Pro
Become a Pixelmator Pro with video and text tutorials, an extensive help manual, and handy tips and tricks.
Tutorials
Visit the Pixelmator Pro Tutorials page.
View tutorialsUser Guide
Read the Pixelmator Pro Help manual.
Read user guideTips and tricks
Check out our growing collection of quick tips and tricks.
View tips & tricksCommunity
Chat with other Pixelmator users on the Community forums.
Visit CommunityEmail Us
Have a question for the Pixelmator Team? Shoot us a quick email.
Email us
Frequently Asked Questions
Pixelmator Pro is an incredibly powerful, beautiful, and easy-to-use image editor for Mac. Just like the original Pixelmator, it's designed to make the most advanced professional image editing tools accessible to everyone.
For the same reason we created the original Pixelmator — we love image editing, we love the Mac, and we love making apps. We wanted to take all the knowledge we've gained over the many years of developing Pixelmator and create something totally new.
Not really. There were a few reasons for this. One: when Pixelmator Pro came out, a significant number of people would not have been able to run it as the app is built using new technologies that require a relatively new Mac. Two: Some of the changes might have been too drastic for a lot of people. This is a complete redesign and we didn't want to just replace a beloved app with a drastically redesigned new one, even if it will feel very familiar to almost every Pixelmator user. For those two reasons (and a few others), it made the most sense to release Pixelmator Pro as a brand new app.
What's going to happen to Pixelmator? Will you keep updating it?
Pixelmator Mac Price Guide
We will eventually stop updating Pixelmator and remove it from sale on the App Store. Anyone who has already bought it will be able to redownload it, of course. Just like with any other Mac App Store app. What's more, before we retire it, we want to make sure even without updates, it will work reliably for a while longer for anyone who isn't quite ready to make the switch. And as Pixelmator Pro fully supports original Pixelmator files, shapes, gradients, brushes, and layer styles, whenever you feel like upgrading, you'll be able to switch without any trouble at all.
Sure! We created an app bundle on the Mac App Store for just that reason. The price you paid for the original Pixelmator will be subtracted from the total bundle price for a total discount of up to 50%. You can find the bundle on the Mac App Store.
Note: If you bought Pixelmator during a sale in certain regions, due to exchange rate fluctuations, the bundle may be more expensive than just the Pixelmator Pro app on its own. In this case, please subscribe to our newsletter and we'll let you know about any sales on Pixelmator Pro.
Note: Sometimes, the Mac App Store will not allow you to download Pixelmator Pro on another device after purchasing the bundle. If this happens, first download any free app from the Mac App Store on that device, then check your account to see whether Pixelmator Pro appears in the list of your purchased apps. If that doesn't help, please get in touch with us at support@pixelmator.com.
Absolutely. We have a completely free, 15-day trial that we've extended to 30 days for owners of the original Pixelmator. You can download it here.
We want to make it more powerful, more full-featured, and even easier to use. Since it was released nearly two years ago, Pixelmator Pro has already received four incredible major updates (a fifth is almost ready) and we have no plans to slow down. Our roadmap below includes some of the most exciting features planned for future updates.
Pixelmator Pro Roadmap
SVG file support (1.1)
Modern Export for Web tool (1.1)
Light appearance (1.2)
Batch editing (1.2)
ML-powered auto enhance (1.2)
Clipping masks (1.3)
Layer tagging, filtering, and search (1.3)
Advanced free transform tool (1.3)
Full-featured Photos extension (1.4)
Noise removal (1.5)
Text on a path (1.7)
Interface customization
Tool layout customization
More ML-based tools
Clarity adjustment
Adjustment layers
LUTs support
Lens distortion correction
Vector tool improvements
And lots more