Pixelmator Pro
Mac-first professional image editor with AI masking and Apple Intelligence features.
About
Pixelmator Pro is the macOS image editor that has long been the favorite Photoshop alternative for Mac users: a one-time-purchase app ($49.99 on the Mac App Store) combining photo editing with illustration and design tools, built on Metal for speed. Its AI-powered masking, noise reduction, full HDR support, and RAW handling made it a serious pro tool before Apple ever got involved.
In November 2024 Apple announced it was acquiring the Vilnius-based Pixelmator team, with the deal completing in February 2025 after regulatory approval. Apple has kept the apps alive and updated them with Apple Intelligence features (Image Playground generation, Writing Tools) plus expanded RAW support and templates.
Limitations: Mac and iOS only — there is no Windows or Android version. Some long-time users worry about Apple's track record of absorbing apps (cf. Dark Sky), and the standalone purchase now coexists with an Apple Creator Studio subscription version with extra features.
What it can do
- AI-powered masking and selection
- Image Playground generation
- RAW photo editing
- Illustration and design tools
Setup
Buy Pixelmator Pro on the Mac App Store (one-time purchase) or access it through the Apple Creator Studio subscription; install and open an image.
Prerequisites
A Mac (or iPad/iPhone for the companion apps); macOS recent enough for Apple Intelligence features if wanted.
Use cases
Works with
Trust score — 8/10
Scored 8/10 (verified tier, metrics-v1). Evidence: Verified via vendor site/docs/GitHub and reputable coverage, wave 67; Trending score 80/100 from researcher assessment.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these sources. Where a claim comes from the provider and couldn't be independently verified, the text says so.