Mike Wuerthele
The Pixelmator developers have turned to Apple's CoreML machine learning toolset, and are releasing image editing suite Pixelmator Pro on November 29 for an introductory price on macOS of $59, with an iPad version coming soon.
Announced in September, The new Pixelmator Pro has a redesigned interface and look. The older version's floating tool palettes are gone, in favor of expanded sidebar selections, and a new tab feature allows to switch between versions of the active image as work progresses.
A series of new tools allows the user to design layouts, and create vector graphics like Adobe Illustrator as well. Retouching images, and digital painting remain at the core of the app, and have been improved with the new version.
Pixelmator Pro retains nondestructive image editing, like its predecessor. A new Recipes feature allows users to save developed effects, use them in other images, and share them with other users.
Also added are custom key layouts for the MacBook Pro's Touch Bar, iCloud sync between iOS and Mac, and split-screen multitasking on the iPad.
Apple's CoreML is utilized for a repair tool to remove and replace aspects of a photo. CoreML also facilitates a new quick selection tool, label layering based on content, and automatic image straightening based on horizon detection.
Pixelmator will still be maintained after Pixelmator Pro's release. Pricing for the Mac version will climb to a one-time $99 after the introductory $59 price ends.
The launch pricing continues until the company ships free updates to the suite that are not yet announced. Coming soon are Pixelmator Pro for the iPad, as well as the as-yet formally announced Vectormator.
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20 Comments
Pixemator, Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, Vectormator? Finally real, true competition for Adobe’s bloated and overpriced offerings? I’VE NEVER FELT SO ALIVE!!!
Still not quite up to the level of being fully competitive (feature-wise) with Adobe’s Photoshop and Illustrator combo, but they’re making serious headway.
Perhaps a touch (barely) behind feature-wise, but far beyond for performance and stability.
My 2018 resolution is to leave Illustrator behind. This is fantastic news.
Looks great! Will definitely be buying it.
But can you work in CMYK? It seems really odd that 'Pro' imaging software doesn't mention this at all in its list of features.
Especially since almost every blog post for the first year after Pixelmator was released was filled with comments asking for CMYK.