Pixelmator has been updated for Mac to include support for the new HEIF image standard in macOS High Sierra. Once users have updated to Pixelmator 3.7, they'll also be able to make full use of the new Photo app integration available in Apple's latest desktop operating system.

Screen Shot 3
In macOS High Sierra, it's possible to open a photo in a third-party app right from within the Photos Library using the "Edit With..." menu option, after which Pixelmator should appear following the update. Subsequently, any edits made within Pixelmator will be automatically saved back to the Photos library.

Added support for the new HEIF image standard includes the ability to import photos from iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X, which save in the more efficient compression format by default. You can find out more about HEIF here.


Other improvements in the 3.7 update to Pixelmator include enhanced support for Photoshop PSD files, an improved Repair Tool, and a return of the ability to drag image assets from Photos and Safari directly into Pixelmator.

Pixelmator is available to buy on the Mac App Store for $30.

Top Rated Comments

green86 Avatar
78 months ago
Wow, where can I get that picture they are working on for my wallpaper!

And side note: I'm really surprised there isn't more P3 high color space backgrounds...

And on topic, I'm really happy the Pixelmator team is still going strong. It is great to have such a nice, Apple-focused, non-subscription based app available.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adamjackson Avatar
78 months ago
Pixelmator has kept me from paying Adobe $9.99 a month for the last 3 years. Thanks team! I only need image editing half an hour a month at most and would gladly pay an upgrade to Pixelmator 4 when it comes out to support this team and their hard work.

I own a copy of Lightroom non-subscription and use that every day.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BWhaler Avatar
78 months ago
Wonderful news. Pixelmator is a fantastic app.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mixel Avatar
78 months ago
Oh jeez. Pixelmator pro is coming? I've just recently thrown my hat in with Affinity Photo after decades of Adobe stuff. If pixelmator pro's getting a similar featureset I'm going to be spoilt for choice.

Saying that I doubt Pixelmator's iPad version is as feature complete as Affinity's? One thing I LOVE about Af:P is how its so easy to move a working file between iPad and desktop without compromises.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechZeke Avatar
78 months ago
Oh jeez. Pixelmator pro is coming? I've just recently thrown my hat in with Affinity Photo after decades of Adobe stuff. If pixelmator pro's getting a similar featureset I'm going to be spoilt for choice.
The stronger the Pixelmator and Affinity teams get, the less consumers and professionals a-like have to deal with Adobe's BS.

Wonderful news. Pixelmator is a fantastic app.
I have used it to create stuff my for hobbies, clubs, and school projects. For my basic needs, I've definitely gotten my money's worth.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProwlingTiger Avatar
78 months ago


Lightroom is primarily a cataloging and library software - very different to Photoshop. Photographers often only need global adjustments, filters and spot healing tools. Photoshop is much more than that.
I totally understand that, professional photographer myself. That was my guess, I just wanted a bit of clarity.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Multi Display CarPlay 1

All-New Apple CarPlay Launching Later This Year With These 5 New Features

Friday September 29, 2023 11:29 am PDT by
At WWDC 2022 last year, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, personalization options, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience would be announced in late 2023, but it has still not shared any additional...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update

Saturday September 30, 2023 9:28 am PDT by
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared today with MacRumors and Forbes reporter David Phelan. Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Details: Action Button, USB-C Port, Face ID, and More

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:34 pm PDT by
Significant changes are expected to arrive with Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE, in terms of both design and hardware, MacRumors has learned. The iPhone SE 4, known internally under the codename Ghost, is expected to receive a new design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14. According to our sources, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis...
BMW Logo iPhone 15 Pro

Warning: BMW Wireless Charging May Break iPhone 15's Apple Pay Chip

Sunday October 1, 2023 6:14 am PDT by
If you have an iPhone 15 and drive a BMW, it might be best to avoid charging the device with the vehicle's wireless charging pad for now. Over the past week, some BMW owners have complained that their iPhone 15's NFC chip no longer works after charging the device with their vehicle's wireless charging pad, according to comments shared on the MacRumors Forums and X, formerly known as Twitter. ...
iPhone 16 Side Feature

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: Preliminary Weights and Dimensions

Friday September 29, 2023 12:34 pm PDT by
MacRumors has obtained preliminary information on the weights and dimensions planned for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The information corroborates previous reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will feature larger displays. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Current information suggests that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will maintain the same...
CarPlay SharePlay

CarPlay Not Working for Some iPhone 15 Users, Possibly Because of USB-C Cables

Friday September 29, 2023 2:27 pm PDT by
CarPlay is not working as expected for some iPhone 15 users, an issue that is likely linked to the transition to USB-C. There are multiple complaints from MacRumors readers and Reddit users who are unable to get CarPlay to work with their new devices. Cable type and available port options are a common theme in the CarPlay reports, with many of the functionality problems linked to USB-A to...
iPhone 15 USB C Port Keynote

Some USB-C Power Banks Fail to Work With iPhone 15

Thursday September 28, 2023 2:06 pm PDT by
Apple added a USB-C port to the iPhone 15 lineup this year, allowing it to work with USB-C cables, USB-C power banks, and more. It turns out that some USB-C battery packs are not working properly with Apple's iPhone 15, resulting in charging issues. As highlighted on Reddit and the MacRumors forums, not all existing USB-C power banks can be used with the iPhone 15 models, perhaps due to the...