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Head-to-head · Photoshop Alternatives for Mac

Pixelmator Pro vs MyPaint

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Pixelmator Pro #2 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Pixelmator Pro
MyPaint #7 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 6 features Visit MyPaint

Pixelmator Pro leads on 0 checks, MyPaint on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePixelmator Pro · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly MyPaint
  • Free trialonly Pixelmator Pro
  • Most featuresMyPaint · 1 of 6

Pixelmator Pro scores higher on our rubric for photoshop alternatives for mac: 8.8 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

MyPaint offers free plan; Pixelmator Pro doesn't.

Pixelmator Pro is the better fit for mac users seeking polished photo editing and design. MyPaint is the better fit for free digital painting with tablet brush controls.

  • Pixelmator Pro fits best

    Mac users seeking polished photo editing and design

  • MyPaint fits best

    Free digital painting with tablet brush controls

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Side by side

Feature Pixelmator Pro 8.8/10 Visit ↗ MyPaint 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 7.9
Ranking #2 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac #7 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
Best for Mac users seeking polished photo editing and design Free digital painting with tablet brush controls
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price $29.99/yr Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms macOS, iOS Linux, macOS, Windows
Features Pixelmator Pro 0/6 · MyPaint 1/6
Layer support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
RAW processing Not checked yet Not checked yet
PSD compatibility Not checked yet Not checked yet
Non-destructive editing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Plugin support Not checked yet Not checked yet
iPad version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Maximum color depth Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Edits RAW files with RAW layers and nondestructive layer-based workflows.
  • Combines masking, retouching, vector tools, templates, and typography.
  • Syncs editing across Mac and iPad through Apple’s ecosystem.
  • Customizable brushes include traditional-media presets and editable settings.
  • Supports layers, layer groups, opacity, locking, duplication, and merging.
  • Tablet pressure, symmetry, and stroke stabilization support expressive drawing.
Cons
  • The one-time purchase option is for Mac; Apple Creator Studio is subscription-based.
  • The app is limited to Apple platforms: macOS and iOS.
  • Support channels are documentation and community.
  • Its focus is digital painting rather than general photo editing.
  • Color management is basic.
  • Its tools are geared toward drawing and painting workflows, not broad image work.
Our verdict

Pixelmator Pro brings photo editing and creative design tools to Mac and iPad, aimed at photographers, designers, illustrators, and other creators. Its workflow centers on layers and includes RAW editing, color adjustments, masking,…

Read the review →

MyPaint is a free, open-source raster painting application for digital painters and sketch artists. It runs on macOS as well as Linux and Windows, and its feature set is aimed at creating artwork rather than handling a broad range of…

Read the review →
  1. Pixelmator ProPhotoshop Alternatives for Mac 8.830-day trial
  2. MyPaintPhotoshop Alternatives for Mac 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Pixelmator Pro — where it wins

    • Edits RAW files with RAW layers and nondestructive layer-based workflows.
    • Combines masking, retouching, vector tools, templates, and typography.
    • Syncs editing across Mac and iPad through Apple’s ecosystem.

    Where it doesn't

    • The one-time purchase option is for Mac; Apple Creator Studio is subscription-based.
    • The app is limited to Apple platforms: macOS and iOS.
    • Support channels are documentation and community.

  • MyPaint — where it wins

    • Customizable brushes include traditional-media presets and editable settings.
    • Supports layers, layer groups, opacity, locking, duplication, and merging.
    • Tablet pressure, symmetry, and stroke stabilization support expressive drawing.

    Where it doesn't

    • Its focus is digital painting rather than general photo editing.
    • Color management is basic.
    • Its tools are geared toward drawing and painting workflows, not broad image work.

More comparisons

All photoshop alternatives for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update