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Pixelmator Pro alternatives

Top Photo Editing like Pixelmator Pro

The most popular alternative to Pixelmator Pro is Affinity, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Pixelmator Pro are Adobe Photoshop, Photopea, GIMP, and Adobe Lightroom.

Most alternatives to Pixelmator Pro are in the Photo Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Pixelmator Pro alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
9 apps

All Pixelmator Pro alternatives

  1. Affinity

    Affinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.

    12 Affinity alternatives

    Pros

    • Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
    • Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
    • Professional tools without a mandatory subscription

    Cons

    • Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
    • Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
    • Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPhoto Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    Digital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Affinity

  2. Adobe Photoshop

    4.5(94.4K) · App Store

    Adobe Photoshop is a professional image editor used for retouching, compositing, graphic design and digital painting. It combines layers, masks, adjustment layers, Camera Raw processing and a large plugin ecosystem with Firefly-powered tools such as Generative Fill and object removal. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iPad and iPhone versions that sync through Creative Cloud.

    12 Adobe Photoshop alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry standard for retouching and compositing
    • Generative Fill and object removal powered by Firefly
    • Vast ecosystem of plugins and tutorials

    Cons

    • Subscription only, which adds up over time
    • Steep learning curve for beginners
    • Demanding on hardware with large files
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Background removalDigital paintingImage generationLayersPlugins & extensionsRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Photoshop

  3. Photopea

    Photopea is an image editor that runs entirely in the web browser and closely follows the Photoshop interface. It opens and saves PSD files, reads formats such as XCF, Sketch, XD, PDF and RAW, and supports layers, masks, adjustment layers, vector shapes and smart objects, with files processed locally. It is free to use with ads, and an optional Premium account removes ads and adds a few extras.

    8 Photopea alternatives

    Pros

    • Runs in the browser with no installation
    • Opens and saves PSD files, and reads XCF, Sketch and XD
    • Familiar interface that closely follows Photoshop

    Cons

    • The free version shows ads
    • Slower than desktop apps with large, complex files
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Web
    Features
    AI image editingBackground removalLayersVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Photopea

  4. GIMP

    GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open source image editor used for photo retouching, image composition and digital artwork. It offers layers, masks, selection tools, a wide range of filters and scripts and plugins in Python or Script-Fu. GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters and a refreshed interface, and it is a common Photoshop alternative for people who want to avoid subscriptions.

    12 GIMP alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source and available on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Layers, masks, filters and scripting in Python or Script-Fu
    • Non-destructive filters since version 3.0

    Cons

    • Interface and workflows differ from Photoshop, which slows switchers
    • Fewer AI and generative tools than commercial editors
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about GIMP

  5. Adobe Lightroom

    Adobe Lightroom is a non-destructive photo editor and organizer for processing RAW files, adjusting color and light, and managing large libraries with ratings, keywords and AI-based search. The cloud-based Lightroom syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile, while Lightroom Classic keeps catalogs on the local disk. Presets, masking and AI removal tools serve both enthusiasts and professionals.

    9 Adobe Lightroom alternatives

    Pros

    • Non-destructive RAW editing with powerful masking
    • Library tools with ratings, keywords and AI search
    • The cloud version syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile

    Cons

    • Subscription only, with no perpetual license
    • Choosing between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic can be confusing
    • Cloud storage adds to the cost for large libraries
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Color gradingCross-device syncNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Lightroom

  6. Luminar Neo

    Luminar Neo is a photo editor from Skylum that relies on AI tools to simplify complex edits such as sky replacement, portrait retouching, relighting and object removal. It works as a standalone app on Windows and macOS or as a plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, with extensions for upscaling, background removal and noise reduction. It targets photographers who prefer fast results to manual masking.

    7 Luminar Neo alternatives

    Pros

    • AI tools make sky replacement and relighting quick
    • Works standalone or as a plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop
    • Portrait retouching and object removal with little manual work

    Cons

    • Some tools come as extensions on top of the base app
    • Can feel slow with large photo libraries
    • AI results can look artificial without careful tuning
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    Background removalLayersPhoto enhancementRAW photo editingUpscaling
    Visit websiteMore about Luminar Neo

  7. Krita

    Krita is a free, open source digital painting program developed by the KDE community for illustrators, comic artists, concept artists and texture painters. It offers customizable brush engines, a brush stabilizer, layers and masks, a wrap-around mode for seamless textures and frame-by-frame 2D animation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a version for Android tablets and Chromebooks.

    8 Krita alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source painting app with powerful brush engines
    • Brush stabilizer and wrap-around mode for seamless textures
    • Frame-by-frame 2D animation built in

    Cons

    • Not designed for photo editing
    • Can be demanding on hardware with large canvases
    • No version available for iPad
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxAndroid
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Krita

  8. Procreate

    3.8(12.7K) · App Store

    Procreate is a raster painting app built for iPad and Apple Pencil, used by illustrators, comic artists, letterers and hobbyists. It offers many customizable brushes, layers and blend modes, time-lapse recording of each artwork and Animation Assist for simple frame-by-frame animation. It is sold as a one-time purchase, and its developer has committed to keeping generative AI out of the app.

    6 Procreate alternatives

    Pros

    • Responsive brush engine built for Apple Pencil
    • One-time purchase with no subscription
    • Time-lapse recording and Animation Assist built in

    Cons

    • Limited to iPad and iPhone, with no desktop version
    • No vector tools for scalable artwork
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    iPhone
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersOffline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Procreate

  9. Capture One

    3.5(330) · App Store

    Capture One is a photo editing and asset management application known for its RAW color rendering and tethered shooting, used in studio, fashion and commercial photography. It offers layer-based local adjustments, advanced color editing, sessions and catalogs for organizing shoots, and live sharing tools for clients. It runs on Windows and macOS, with an app for iPad and iPhone.

    7 Capture One alternatives

    Pros

    • Renowned RAW color rendering and advanced color tools
    • Fast, reliable tethered shooting for studio work
    • Layer-based local adjustments and session workflows

    Cons

    • Pricing is high for hobbyist photographers
    • Steep learning curve for newcomers
    • Fewer mobile and cloud features than Lightroom
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Color gradingLayersNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Capture One

Pixelmator Pro vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Pixelmator Pro, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Pixelmator Pro vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsBackground removalLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingUpscaling
Pixelmator ProPaidMac
AffinityFreemiumWindows, Mac
Adobe PhotoshopFree trialWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone
PhotopeaFreemiumWeb
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
Adobe LightroomFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android

Pixelmator Pro alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Pixelmator Pro?

The most popular alternative to Pixelmator Pro is Affinity: Free all-in-one app for vector design, photo editing and page layout. Other great alternatives are Adobe Photoshop, Photopea, GIMP, and Adobe Lightroom.

Is there a free alternative to Pixelmator Pro?

Yes, 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Affinity, Photopea, GIMP, and Adobe Lightroom.

Is there an open source alternative to Pixelmator Pro?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including GIMP and Krita.

Is Pixelmator Pro free?

No, Pixelmator Pro is a paid app.

Compare Pixelmator Pro with its alternatives

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