Pixelmator Pro
Apple's image editor for Mac and iPad: photo editing, retouching and graphic design, sold for $49.99 once on Mac or in the Creator Studio subscription.
Our take: Pixelmator Pro is one of the best-value photo editors on a Mac, and Apple still sells it outright for $49.99.
Pixelmator Pro is Apple's photo editing and graphic design app for Mac and iPad, aimed at creators who want Photoshop-style tools without an Adobe subscription. You can buy the Mac app once for $49.99, or get Mac and iPad versions through Apple Creator Studio at $12.99 a month or $129 a year, with a one-month free trial.
Apple completed its acquisition of Pixelmator in February 2025, and pixelmator.com now redirects to apple.com. Since January 2026 Pixelmator Pro is also part of the Apple Creator Studio subscription, while the Mac app is still sold as a one-time purchase.
Buy the $49.99 Mac app for photo editing; pick Creator Studio only if you want iPad or Apple's other pro apps.
Our score
Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.
What it is, and why we rate it
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Our takePixelmator Pro is one of the best-value photo editors on a Mac, and Apple still sells it outright for $49.99.
Best / not good for
- Mac users editing photos and social graphics
- Anyone avoiding an Adobe subscription
- Creators already using Final Cut Pro or other Apple apps
- Windows or Android users
- Teams that exchange layered files daily with Photoshop-heavy studios
Friction report
Trade-offs to know before signing up.
- Time to valueLow: Mac App Store install with templates and ML presets.
- Scale breakpointiPad use or the Warp tool moves you to the Creator Studio subscription.
- Walled gardenApple devices only; PSD import and export eases sharing with Photoshop users.
Pixelmator Pro pricing
| Option | Price | Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixelmator Pro (Mac App Store) | $49.99 one-time | Mac | Version 3.8; macOS 12 or later; installs on up to six Macs |
| Apple Creator Studio | $12.99/mo or $129/yr | Mac and iPad | 1-month free trial; includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and more; share with up to five family members |
| Apple Creator Studio (education) | $2.99/mo or $29.99/yr | Mac and iPad | College students and educators; verification required; no family sharing |
From Apple's Pixelmator Pro and Creator Studio pages and the Mac App Store listing, checked 4 October 2026.
One-time purchase vs Creator Studio
| One-time ($49.99) | Creator Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Mac app | Yes | Yes |
| iPad app | No | Yes |
| Warp tool | No | Yes |
| Minimum macOS | macOS 12 | macOS 26 |
| Other Apple pro apps | No | Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion and more |
From Apple's newsroom, Pixelmator Pro page and App Store listings, checked 4 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Pixelmator Pro cost?
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Is Pixelmator Pro free to use?
Is Pixelmator Pro as good as Photoshop?
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Does Pixelmator Pro work on iPad?
Pixelmator Pro alternatives
Other image editors and design tools in our directory:
7.2 out of 10Adobe PhotoshopThe industry-standard photo editor on Mac and Windows.
See review
8.2 out of 10Affinity DesignerVector illustration and design across Mac, Windows and iPad.
See review- Pixlr
Browser-based photo editor for quick edits on any computer.
See review - Luminar
AI-assisted photo editor aimed at photographers.
See review
Conversion Gems independently reviews every tool.