Pixelmator vs Gimp: Comparison and Review – Guide
Comparing GIMP and Pixelmator Pro, GIMP scored higher in overall quality and performance, while Pixelmator Pro had a slightly higher user satisfaction rating. Ultimately, the best graphic design software for you depends on your individual needs.
Pixelmator gives a much better first impression
Pixelmator stands out from the start, offering a more polished and intuitive user experience than Gimp. Its sleek design, comprehensive feature set, and easy-to-use interface make it the clear choice for those looking for a powerful image editor.
Pixelmator loads quickly, while Gimp’s slow loading screen makes it take longer than expected to open on a Mac. For those familiar with Photoshop, this may not be an issue as the program itself is not particularly speedy either.
Pixelmator not only offers a faster experience, but its design is stunning. For those with no background in graphic design or photography, Gimp can be overwhelming. Its interface looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2004, with a jumble of tools cluttering the screen.
Gimp and Pixelmator offer two distinct design approaches: Gimp provides a wide range of options, while Pixelmator is more streamlined and modern. Gimp allows users to explore freely, while Pixelmator offers an organized set of tools with the ability to search for more.
Gimp’s performance is lagging behind its competitors. Making a magic wand selection on a MacBook Air takes seconds in Gimp, while Pixelmator does it instantly. Even tools that require more processing power, such as heal, are much slower in Gimp than other programs.
Gimp is Feature-Packed, but Pixelmator tends to outperform
Gimp’s seemingly chaotic array of tools can be a boon for perfectionists, despite its initial appearance.
Gimp offers a range of blurring options, from Gaussian blur to blur radius, horizontal and vertical, and blur method. Even its bucket/fill tool has multiple settings for fill types, affected area options, transparency options, modes, colors, patterns and limits. This makes Gimp an ideal choice for advanced photo editors and designers.
Pixelmator’s Gaussian blur is a simple tool with limited adjustment options - just one or two sliders to adjust intensity. Other types of blur are available, but the Gaussian blur is all you need for basic blurring.
Pixelmator’s bucket / filler tool may promise users complete control, but it falls short in delivering. Dragging outside the clicked point to adjust the tolerance for the surrounding area is all users can do - leaving them with an unsatisfactory experience.
Pixelmator consistently outperforms Gimp in image editing, with smoother results and better rendering. This is especially important when sharing or uploading photos, as compression can further distort the image.
For years, the iPhone camera was seen as the best smartphone camera, despite its lack of customization options. In contrast, Android had settings for brightness, exposure and more - yet still couldn’t compete. This comparison is mirrored in Gimp and Pixelmator: two powerful applications that demonstrate how even with limited customization options, a great user experience can be achieved.
Gimp and Pixelmator are both powerful photo editing apps, but Pixelmator is the clear winner when it comes to ease of use. Gimp offers more features, including plugins, but tasks that take a few clicks in Pixelmator can take much longer in Gimp.
Both offer excellent value based on price
Pixelmator and Gimp are both great options for those on a budget. Pixelmator has the edge when it comes to performance and graphics rendering, though Gimp offers more features.
Pixelmator, usually on sale for $14.99 on the Mac App Store, costs $29.99. Gimp, however, is free - a full $30 cheaper than Pixelmator.
Pixelmator offers a good range of features at a fraction of the cost of Photoshop, while Gimp has plenty to offer but can be unreliable.
Pixelmator is a great photo editor that’s worth the $29.99 investment. It offers almost all the features of a professional editor, so it’s up to you to decide if it fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or something more comprehensive, Pixelmator won’t disappoint.
Final note
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide comparing Pixelmator and Gimp. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends!
