pixelmator.jpgImage editing software Pixelmator was updated to version 2.21 today, adding a multitude of new enhancements that increase the overall speed of the app.

Today we are happy to release the first Pixelmator 2.2.1 update. That may sound minor in numbers, but in our little Pixelmator world, it's a major one. We've done some radical improvements behind the scenes. One of them is a new Pixelmator file format. It's still the same file format you are used to, yet it now has a completely new architecture that takes advantage of the modern OS X technologies making your image editing even faster and more enjoyable.

Pixelmator documents now open twice as fast, iCloud saves are faster, and better Quick Look support allows users to preview documents without opening them. Background saves have been added, and a progress bar shows file status when opening and saving documents.

Quite a few improvements to effects have been added as well, designed to allow users to search, preview, and apply effects faster. Multiple effects have seen speed enhancements, and bug fixes that cause crashes have been applied. The full log of changes to Pixelmator 2.21 can be found on the company's support site.

Pixelmator can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $14.99. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

ValSalva Avatar
148 months ago
Keep fighting the good fight against Photoshop. For most of us Pixelmator is all we'll need. Let the pros with the big budgets pay for the perpetual Adobe CC licenses.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrbyu Avatar
148 months ago
One of the best, most user-friendly programs for OS X with an excellent price-value ratio. I'm really just an amateur and I can't even take full advantage of what this application is capable of, but it's my favourite piece of (third-party) software.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dweezle3 Avatar
148 months ago
Background saves? Finally! I love how even little "minor" x.1 updates with Pixelmator produce such big results! Really a great product, especially for it's price.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the8thark Avatar
148 months ago
A very nice piece of software this is. I use it as an alternative to photoshop for the little photo edits I have. I really hope this enters the big game one day then I'll be able to ditch photoshop for good.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
morespce54 Avatar
148 months ago
Can we stop fighting over this already? ;)

I think everybody who tried Pixelmator just loves it!








(NO it's not a full PS replacement....yet. But beware... it might just be what you're looking for! And it's pretty good (and pretty too) at what it does)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Razeus Avatar
148 months ago
Still no 16-bit TIFFs?

Now is the time to add features for those leaving Photoshop's subscription world Pixelmator! NOW IS THE TIME!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Slim Feature Single Camera 1 Redux

'iPhone 17 Air' Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Wednesday January 15, 2025 7:16 am PST by
While the so-called "iPhone 17 Air" is not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the "ultra-thin" device. Overall, the "iPhone 17 Air" is shaping up to be a mixed bag. Due to its thinness, the device is expected to have some limited specifications compared to the iPhone 17 Pro models, including only a single rear camera, only a single speaker, no SIM...
2024 iPhone Boxes Feature

Apple Changes Trade-In Values for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and More

Thursday January 16, 2025 6:45 am PST by
Apple today adjusted estimated trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models in the U.S., according to its website. Some values increased, while others decreased. The changes were not too significant, with most values rising or dropping by $5 to $50. We have outlined some examples below: Device New Value Old Value iPhone 15 Pro Max Up to $630 U ...
Generic iOS 18

Everything New in iOS 18.3 Beta 3

Thursday January 16, 2025 12:39 pm PST by
Apple provided the third beta of iOS 18.3 to developers today, and while the betas have so far been light on new features, the third beta makes some major changes to Notification Summaries and also tweaks a few other features. Notification Summary Changes Apple made multiple changes to Notification Summaries in response to complaints about inaccurate summaries of news headlines. For...
new magsafe charger

Apple Releases Updated MagSafe Charger Firmware

Tuesday January 14, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple today released new firmware designed for the 25W MagSafe Charger that is compatible with the iPhone 12 and later and the latest AirPods and Apple Watch models. The updated firmware is version 2A143, up from the 2A138 firmware that the accessory shipped with. In the Settings app, you'll see a different version number than the internal firmware number. The 2024 MagSafe charger was...
iPhone 17 Pro Dual Tone Feature 1

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 8 New Features

Thursday January 9, 2025 5:45 am PST by
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. iPhone 17 Pro concept based on rumors Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of January 2025: More aluminum: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models ...
MacBook Air 15 Inch Feature Blue

MacBook Air Likely Apple's First Product Update of 2025: What to Expect

Wednesday January 15, 2025 8:49 am PST by
There is a good chance that Apple's first product announcement of 2025 will be updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M4 chip. Last month, Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.2, and in doing so it accidentally confirmed new MacBook Air models are coming this year (unsurprisingly). Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the new MacBook Air models will be announced "earlier" than some...
Apple Card iPhone 16 Pro Feature

Three Companies Are Now in the Running to Take Over the Apple Card

Thursday January 16, 2025 8:18 am PST by
Apple is in talks with Barclays and Synchrony about becoming its new financial partner for the Apple Card, according to Reuters sources. The report today added that Apple has also been holding discussions with Chase Bank owner JPMorgan since last year, so there are at least three potential companies in the running to take over the Apple Card from current partner Goldman Sachs. Goldman...
Generic iOS 18

iOS 18.3 Coming Soon: Here's What's New

Monday January 13, 2025 5:33 am PST by
iOS 18.3 is currently in beta for developers and public beta testers. So far, the upcoming iPhone software update is very minor in scope. Below, we outline what is new in iOS 18.3 so far. The only potential new feature coming to iPhones with iOS 18.3 so far is robot vacuum support in the Home app, but this functionality is not yet live. Apple is laying the groundwork for the feature,...
apple power beats pro 2

Powerbeats Pro 2 Filed in Regulatory Databases Ahead of 2025 Launch

Wednesday January 15, 2025 6:02 am PST by
In September, Apple said that it would be launching Powerbeats Pro 2 in 2025, and now further evidence of the wireless earbuds has surfaced. Powerbeats Pro 2 images found in iOS 18 code Apple submitted Powerbeats Pro 2 regulatory documents to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in mid-December. The documents were made available to the public this week, and they were spotted by 91M...