Our Verdict
Challengers to Adobe ’s pic editing software system are few and far between these days , and many who step into the ring with the behemoth are knock out in the first round . With Pixelmator 2.0 ( $ 30 ) , the Pixelmator Team shows that it has a deal of fight in it .
As you might bear , Pixelmator shares many characteristic with Photoshop CS 5 ( ) and Photoshop Elements 10 ( ) . There ’s a full accompaniment of photo editing tools and adjustment , such as red eye removal , healing clash , motorcar enhance , color balance , and degree . Additionally , artist will find intimate tools like the smirch , sponge , and brush ( with full support for drawing tablets ) . Pixelmator even share most keyboard shortcuts with Photoshop , make migration to the app markedly easy .
One of the first thing you notice about Pixelmator is that the interface is incredibly clean and fluent . Palettes are streamlined , mortify , and sinister , and do not distract from the canvass . pilotage is smooth and slick , and some actions show additional item as they ’re performed . Examples of these small but significant extras are that you ’ll see the current angle displayed next to the cursor when you draw out a gradient , and when you choose undo / redo , a insidious pop - up in the eye of your canvas differentiate you what action has been undone / redone . The only disappointment is that palettes do not snap ( or dock ) to each other .
Pixelmator’s unique filter interface makes it easy to position the center point of the effect.
Slick interface
Pixelmator ’s Brush pallette is a perfect case of how this slick app can outstep Photoshop and Photoshop Elements . The pallette shows thumbnail of all thicket within the currently selected coppice set , and you’re able to expand it to show brush mise en scene via the contextual card at the rightfield . All important coppice details can then be configured within a individual pallet , include dot , embodiment , and semblance jitter . Photoshop provide so many controller — many which go unused by the ordinary user — that it must spread these options across multiple subsection . ( It ’s also worth noting that Pixelmator support Photoshop encounter , though the maximal size of it of any light touch is limit to 1000 pel . )
The app also include vector tools that make for otherwise than those in Photoshop . In Photoshop , you apply vector to create shapes that you may employ as masks for fills or adjustment . Happily , Pixelmator ’s vector instrument function more like those in Illustator . you could create soma with stroke and firm color fills , and each frame is placed on its own layer . A Shape options palette lets you pluck the fill colour , stroking people of colour , and width and even utilize a drop-off darkness . The tools are straightforward and sluttish to understand ; the only restriction is that transmitter aim can not incorporate gradient .
Pixelmator ’s singular filter interface wee it easy to position the center power point of the effect .
Much like other editors , Pixelmator includes a accompaniment of filters that can add character to your images . Although many of these filters are fresh and unlike from what we ’re used to with Photoshop / Elements , it would be unremarkable were it not for the app ’s ingenious filter interface that allows you to easily dislodge the center point of the filter by cart a rope and pointer . Other welcome features include a Photo browser app that directly tap into your iPhoto Library , direct export to email , Flickr , Picassa , and FaceBook ( as well as iPhoto and Aperture ) , and full support for OS X Lion ( including Auto - Save and Versions ) .
Pixelmator ’s major shortcoming is its somewhat rudimentary support for layer . you’re able to of course use multiple layers in your papers , merge layers selectively , and put layers in mathematical group , too . Layers can be blended using intimate modes like overlay , multiply and sieve , and all layers ( and layer groups ) can also have a mask . However , the app does not include bread and butter for Fill or Adjustment Layers , a staple characteristic of Photoshop CS ( and now Photoshop Elements ) . Adjustment Layers are particularly significant to professional ikon editor in chief , because they set aside you to make fitting to things such as people of color balance without permanently engage in those changes . It ’s not a deal - breaker for new users , but veterans might find it toilsome to take a gradation back in functionality .
Macworld’s buying advice
Pixelmator 2.0 provides an unbelievably rarefied combining of relaxation of habit , powerful features , and a low price tag . It does n’t pop the question the complete feature set of its more robust competition , but the feature it does provide challenger those you ’ll find in Photoshop .
