If you take a look at Pixelmator vs Photoshop, you will notice that both of them are pro-level software products that allow for advanced photo editing and creating stunning graphics.
Pixelmator is perfectly suited for amateur designers who want to create vector images.
Photoshop is a professional software that offers a wide variety of tools besides the ones that allow creating vector graphics.
What Is Pixelmator Pro?
Pixelmator Pro is a multifunctional image post-processing program that features a well-thought user interface. It has been designed specifically for Mac users.What’s more, it is based both on open-source codes and the latest macOS advancements. It supports Core Image and OpenGL that enable it to process pictures with the help of Mac’s GPU.
While comparing Photoshop vs Pixelmator, you will see that the key drawback of the latter is that it features an outdated color picker from Apple that is far less convenient than the recent palette tools.
Pixelmator Pro makes good use of Apple functionality. As it runs on macOS 10.13, it delivers powerful performance and allows for producing fantastic designs with the support of the Metal graphics platform.
Pixelmator Pro: Strengths and Weaknesses
Easy-to-use interface. If you are just starting to use this software, you will appreciate the well-designed toolbar with handy icons. Those who edit large pictures will find the saving and loading progress bars quite useful.
Works with popular file formats. The program supports RAW files, thus allowing a user to work on several layers. You can also open HEIF and PSD files. Thanks to iCloud support and useful extensions, you can easily share your works.
Neural Network support. One of the most noticeable differences between PixelmatorPro vs Photoshopis that the developers of the former have used a neural network to classify imported files and assign names to them depending on their type.
This feature is also used to improve the performance of selection tools. You can select an object with greater accuracy and erase only the areas that you don’t need to use.
Useful Quick Export feature. Pixelmator Pro comes with professional compression tools and allows exporting presets. If you need to process web images in no time, try using the Quick Export tool.
Impressive speed. Thanks to the usage of the Metal platform, Pixelmator Pro boasts great performance and comes with advanced zooming and scrolling options. They are 10 times faster than the ones from the previous versions.
No convenient tools for layers. It doesn’t allow users to edit all the layers at once. Pixelmator has no special set of tools that can be used for such tasks. There is no color highlighting feature as well. That is why this program can be hardly used for complex editing tasks. Also, a user might find it impossible to understand what each of the pictograms refers to.
Limited Text Tools. If you need to add text elements to your works, it won’t be easy. For instance, you can’t change a letter or line spacing. The options to set the font size to a custom number are absent as well.
Advanced gradient processing. Even if you manage to find the gradient processing menu quickly, you will be surprised to see that it offers a limited set of options. While you can adjust colors and choose a gradient direction, there is no feature for applying custom parameters.
What Is Photoshop?
Photoshop deservedly earns the title of the most popular graphics processing software. It is mostly used by creative professionals who work on enhancing images, designs, illustrations, and 3D graphics. I highly advise you to get Photoshop installer from the official developers.While it features an impressive collection of picture editing tools, the program is regularly updated with new ones. Its productivity is being constantly improved thanks to the usage of the Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine. Thanks to it, you can apply effects more quickly.
Photoshop: Strengths and Weaknesses
Lessens eyestrain. Photoshop comes with a highly customizable workspace. A user can set its color, adjust the brightness of the screen so that black color looks more saturated. Some people opt for a white color for a background, while others prefer grey as it helps reduce eyestrain.
Widely recognized software. Photoshop is known all around the world. It runs under Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, and online-based platforms. Thanks to its handy tools, it can be used by newbies and top-notch designers alike.
Lots of supported apps. If you are comparing Pixelmator vs Photoshop, note that Adobe offers an impressive choice of applications that are compatible with Photoshop. A user can quickly export or import any files to other programs. You can also opt for synchronizing your customized settings with other devices to make your work more effective.
Gradient adjustment. A gradient processing window can be accessed from the work panel. You can adjust gradient by opting for numerical or visual options.
Regularly updated libraries. By purchasing Photoshop, you will get access to libraries containing various tools, brushes, and styles. As they are updated often, you will enjoy using the most recent tools. All of them are thoroughly checked. You can also create a library of your own presets and effects.
Free tutorials. There is a countless number of video lessons and tutorials that will help you master this software in no time. They come at no cost, so you won’t need to take any courses to learn the ropes. You can study the best Photoshop tutorials to solve any task in no time.
Creative Cloud access adds up to a high price. Another difference between Photoshop vs Pixelmator is that the Photography Plan offered by Adobe comes at a high price. That is why some people decide against purchasing it. If you know what tools you need most, you can save up money by purchasing one of the available software packages.
Pixelmator Pro VS Photoshop: Price
You can purchase Pixelmator by making a single payment or use Pixelmator free. If you opt for the Pro version, you need to pay $60. The basic version costs significantly less. From time to time it can be purchased for $20.
To use the full version of Photoshop, you will need to pay $699.00. There are also monthly and yearly subscription plans available. There are regularly Adobe discounts and various offers for those who decide to purchase the whole set of programs, with Photoshop among them.
- Pixelmator Pro one-time payment - $39.99
- Photoshop annual plan for one month - $20.99
- Photoshop Annual plan, prepaid for 1 year - $239.88
- Photoshop for one month - $31.49
Pixelmator Pro VS Photoshop: Verdict
Those who have already mastered Photoshop might find it difficult to start using Pixelmator Pro because of its interface. However, they are bound to appreciate this program for its seamless performance and a well-thought UI. Pixelmator runs only on Macs. Its code has been written specifically to make the most of the Metal and Core Image technologies.
If you can’t choose between Pixelmator vs Photoshop, note that Photoshop comes with cloning and splicing tools. It has been designed to work with layers and is quite useful when you need to add lens flares or apply other effects. Despite all that, it takes 3-4 seconds to load an image file in Photoshop whereas Pixelmator delivers faster performance. This is especially noticeable when you use a batch processing feature.
If you decide to install Pixelmator Pro, beware that you won’t be able to work on video animations as this software lacks advanced options. However, it comes with all the basic picture editing tools and allows for batch processing thanks to Apple’s Automator application support.
All in all, Pixelmator Pro is far more suitable for beginners. Photoshop comes with an astonishing number of picture editing tools, but most of them will be hardly useful for rookie designers. However, top-notch creative professionals will find Photoshop more suitable for solving complex tasks.
Freebies
If you need to enhance your photos and other pictures in no time, make sure to check this amazing set of portrait actions that can be used in Photoshop. The only steps you need to make is to decide what photo you are going to edit and apply these actions.
