Adobe PhotoshopvsPixelmator Pro
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Adobe Photoshop
- 50% early termination fee buried in fine print(10/10)
- Subscription model eliminates software ownership(9/10)
- AI features limited by generative credits system(7/10)
- Free trial secretly activates annual subscription(9/10)
Pixelmator Pro
- Standalone Pixelmator Pro misses Creator Studio features(7/10)
- Is Pixelmator Pro a subscription now? Apple Creator Studio pushback(6/10)
Adobe Photoshop
- Cancellation process designed to be intentionally difficult(9/10)
- Constant updates break established workflows(6/10)
- No real-time collaboration features(5/10)
Pixelmator Pro
- Text cannot retain editability after transforms(7/10)
- Brush tapering issue with pressure sensitivity(7/10)
- Feather tool requires mask workaround(5/10)
- No native highlighted text feature(5/10)
- Subject selection not always precise(4/10)
- Missing panorama stitching(5/10)
Adobe Photoshop
- Customer support wait times exceed 2 hours(8/10)
Pixelmator Pro
No signals
Adobe Photoshop
- Severe lag with large files and many layers(7/10)
- High system requirements exclude older hardware(6/10)
Pixelmator Pro
- Pixelmator Pro freezes and uses huge memory on large documents(7/10)
Adobe Photoshop
- iPad app missing crucial desktop features(7/10)
Pixelmator Pro
- Pixelmator Pro for iPad requires a subscription(6/10)
Adobe Photoshop
- Terms of service controversy over content access(8/10)
Pixelmator Pro
No signals
Adobe Photoshop
- Steep learning curve intimidates beginners(6/10)
Pixelmator Pro
- Some features hard to find or use(4/10)
Adobe Photoshop
- Frequent crashes and bugs after updates(7/10)
Pixelmator Pro
- Warp reverts rotated objects(5/10)
- HEIC export quality slider has no effect(5/10)
Adobe Photoshop
- Plugin ecosystem requires additional purchases(5/10)
Pixelmator Pro
- Cannot edit or import vector files (EPS/AI)(7/10)
- Very limited plugin ecosystem(6/10)
Pricing Comparison
Adobe Photoshop
Users: 1 user
Storage: 100GB cloud storage
Limits: Annual commitment required for advertised price. Monthly plan costs more. No Lightroom included. iPad version has limited features compared to desktop.
Users: 1 user
Storage: 20GB cloud storage
Limits: Only 20GB storage is inadequate for serious photographers. Cannot be purchased without annual commitment. No iPad Photoshop included in base plan.
Users: 1 user
Storage: 1TB cloud storage
Limits: Annual commitment required. No true monthly option available. iPad Photoshop has feature limitations.
Users: 1 user
Storage: 100GB cloud storage
Limits: Annual commitment required. Standard tier (cheaper) excludes iPad/mobile apps and has very limited Firefly credits. Pro tier required for full access.
Users: Per user
Storage: 1TB per user
Limits: Expensive for small teams. Still lacks real-time collaboration. SSO/Enterprise features require Enterprise tier (custom pricing).
Pixelmator Pro
Users: Your Macs signed in with the same Apple Account
Storage: Local storage
Limits: Mac only, no iPad access. Gets fewer new features than the subscription build
Users: 1 user
Limits: Subscription build of Pixelmator Pro requires macOS 26 Tahoe. iPad requires iPadOS 26
Users: 1 user
Limits: Same requirements as monthly
Users: 1 student or educator
Limits: Students and educators only
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Editing | ||
| Non-destructive editing Via smart objects and adjustment layers | ||
| RAW file processing Via Camera Raw integration | ||
| Core Features | ||
| RAW editing Non-destructive | ||
| Layer-based editing Full layer support | ||
| Panorama stitching Not available | ||
| Focus stacking Not available | ||
| HDR merge Not available | ||
| Warp tool Creator Studio version only | ||
| AI Features | ||
| ML-powered enhancements ML Enhance, Denoise, Super Resolution | ||
| AI-powered selection Select Subject, Sky, Hair refinement | ||
| Generative Fill (AI) Limited by monthly credits | ||
| Neural Filters Some require cloud processing | ||
| Content-Aware Fill | ||
| Generative image and shape tools Creator Studio, Apple silicon, macOS 26 | ||
| File Formats | ||
| Vector file editing Cannot edit EPS/AI | ||
| PSD compatibility Basic support | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not available - major gap vs Figma | ||
| Storage | ||
| Cloud storage Limited by plan (20GB-1TB) | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Windows version Mac only (iPad via subscription) | ||
| Mobile | ||
| iPad version Limited features vs desktop | ||
| Usability | ||
| Offline mode Some AI features require internet | ||
| Performance | ||
| Apple Silicon optimization Excellent M-chip support | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Plugin support Extensive ecosystem, many paid | ||
| File Support | ||
| PSD file format Industry standard | ||
| Advanced | ||
| 3D capabilities Being phased out in newer versions | ||
| Video editing Basic timeline editing | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Actions/automation Powerful batch processing | ||