GIMP
Pixelmator Pro
GIMP
Pixelmator Pro
GIMP
Pixelmator Pro
No signals
GIMP
Pixelmator Pro
GIMP
Pixelmator Pro
No signals
GIMP
No signals
Pixelmator Pro
GIMP
No signals
Pixelmator Pro
GIMP
No signals
Pixelmator Pro
Users: Unlimited
Storage: Local storage only
Limits: No official support, community-driven help only, some features require plugins
Users: Up to 6 Macs (same Apple ID/Family Sharing)
Storage: Local storage only
Limits: Mac-only (macOS 13.0+), iPad version sold separately or via Apple Creator Studio
Users: 1 user
Storage: iCloud integration
Limits: Subscription model - stops working if cancelled
Users: Unlimited
Storage: Device storage + iCloud
Limits: iPad only, some stability issues reported
| Feature | GIMP | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| Layer-based editing Full layer support | ||
| RAW editing Non-destructive | ||
| Non-destructive editing Very limited | ||
| Panorama stitching Not available | ||
| Layer effects/styles Must create manually | ||
| Focus stacking Not available | ||
| HDR merge Not available | ||
| CMYK color mode Plugin workarounds only | ||
| AI Features | ||
| ML-powered enhancements ML Enhance, Denoise, Super Resolution | ||
| AI/Content-aware tools Not available | ||
| Photography | ||
| RAW file support Requires external software | ||
| File Formats | ||
| Vector file editing Cannot edit EPS/AI | ||
| PSD compatibility Partial support | ||
| Extensibility | ||
| Plugin support Limited ecosystem | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Windows version Mac-only | ||
| Cross-platform Linux, Mac, Windows | ||
| iPad version Has stability issues | ||
| Mobile version Not available | ||
| Licensing | ||
| Open source GPL license | ||
| Performance | ||
| Apple Silicon optimization Excellent M-chip support | ||
| Workflow | ||
| Batch processing Scripting required | ||
