Pixelmator Pro
Mac-native image editor with machine learning tools — one-time purchase, no subscription
Pixelmator Pro is a powerful image editor built exclusively for Mac, combining photo editing, graphic design, and painting tools in one app. It leverages Apple's Core ML for AI-powered features like automatic background removal, super resolution upscaling, subject selection, and color matching. The non-destructive editing workflow, combined with a clean macOS-native interface, makes it a strong Photoshop alternative for Mac users who want professional results without a subscription.
Problems this tool solves
What's the Best Photo Editing Software for Professionals and Beginners?
You need to edit, retouch, and enhance photos — whether for professional photography, e-commerce product shots, social media content, or personal projects. The market ranges from free open-source editors to professional suites costing hundreds per year. Choosing means balancing power, learning curve, and price.
Adobe Creative Cloud Is Too Expensive — What Are the Cheaper Alternatives?
Adobe Creative Cloud now costs $82-105/month for the full suite (Standard or Pro tier, as of August 2025), adding up to $990-1,260/year with no option to own the software outright. Many freelancers, students, and small teams find this unsustainable — especially when they only use 2-3 apps regularly. The good news: strong alternatives now exist for free or at a fraction of the cost.
What's the Best AI Photo Editor for Automatic Retouching and Enhancement?
Manual photo editing is time-consuming — sky replacement, object removal, portrait retouching, and color enhancement can take 15-30 minutes per image in Photoshop. AI-powered photo editors now automate these tasks in seconds, producing results that would have required expert skill a few years ago. The tradeoff is less granular control, but for volume work or non-experts, AI editing is a game changer.
Similar tools
Affinity (Photo Editing)
Free professional photo editor by Canva — no subscription required for core features
Photopea
Free browser-based photo editor that opens PSD, XD, and Sketch files — no install needed
Pixlr
Free browser-based photo editor with AI tools — no download, no account required
Adobe Creative Cloud
Industry-standard creative suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and 20+ more apps
GIMP
Free, open-source image editor for photo retouching and graphic design