AppleInsider Staff
The Pixelmator team released an update to its eponymous iOS app on Tuesday, adding a range of powerful image selection tools and user experience improvements that promise to make mobile photo editing a much more intuitive experience.
With Pixelmator version 2.3, the popular image editor inches closer to full-fledged desktop solutions with the addition of two robust selection tools: quick selection and magnetic selection. Pixelmator added similar selection tools to its desktop app in May.
According to the development team, quick selection employs an advanced selection algorithm capable of analyzing both color and texture for fast, effective object selection. Combined with smart edge detection and predictive software elements, the tool lets users accurately select complex shapes simply by swiping over objects in an image. A separate algorithm refines the selection's border to create a smooth outline for optimal blending.
Similar to quick selection, the magnetic selection tool takes advantage of Core Image technology and A* pathfinding algorithms to automatically detect and snap to object outlines. Once an object is selected, the resulting border can be fine tuned by guiding smart anchor points with your finger.
Finally, Pixelmator includes a batch of user experience improvements like tap-to-invert selection, "marching ants" animations for selection borders and a new content-aware edge smoothing algorithm for the built-in color selection tool.
New users can pick up Pixelmator 2.3 for $4.99 from the App Store, while existing users can download today's release as a free update.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Oliver Haslam
William Gallagher
1 Comment
Superior app. Use it everyday on my iPad Pro for design. The developers are accessible to their users. Very thoughtful and wonderful people. Adobe can go f*#k themselves.