Apple has rolled out a notable update to Pixelmator Pro, the professional image editing app it acquired in 2024, adding new creative tools, expanded camera support, and workflow improvements aimed at both casual editors and power users.
What’s new in Pixelmator Pro
The update introduces several practical enhancements:
Expanded RAW support
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Adds RAW compatibility for more camera models
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Improves workflow for photographers working with uncompressed image files
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Strengthens Pixelmator’s position as a lightweight alternative to traditional pro editors
New templates
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Fresh design templates for quicker project creation
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Helps users build layouts faster without starting from scratch
Better SVG export support
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Improved handling of SVG file exports
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Useful for designers working across web, UI, and vector-based workflows
Workflow and productivity upgrades
The update also improves usability:
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New keyboard shortcuts for faster editing workflows
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Streamlined tools for common editing tasks
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Performance refinements across the app
However, some of these enhancements—particularly advanced shortcut workflows—are limited to the Creator Studio version of Pixelmator Pro.
Apple’s evolving role in the app
Since acquiring Pixelmator in 2024, Apple has continued to:
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Integrate performance improvements
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Expand device and camera compatibility
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Gradually refine professional creative workflows
Unlike some Apple acquisitions that are absorbed into system apps, Pixelmator Pro has remained a standalone creative tool while still benefiting from Apple-level optimization and updates.
Bottom line
The latest Pixelmator Pro update focuses on expanding professional capabilities—especially for photographers and designers—by improving RAW support, adding new templates, and refining export and workflow tools, while signaling Apple’s continued investment in maintaining it as a full-featured creative editing app rather than folding it into macOS itself.
Apple’s latest update to Pixelmator Pro is a fairly substantial one, especially for designers, photographers, and developers working across Apple’s creative ecosystem. While some improvements are broadly available, others are tied to Apple’s newer Creator Studio subscription model.
Expanded templates and mockups
A major focus of this update is the upgraded template system:
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New App Screenshot templates for UI presentation work
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Expanded mockup categories, including:
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Bento Grid layouts
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Device-based previews
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Updated device frames now include support for the latest iPhone 17 lineup
These additions make Pixelmator Pro more useful for app developers and designers creating marketing or App Store assets.
RAW and camera support improvements
The update significantly expands RAW compatibility:
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Sony Alpha ILCE-7M5
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FUJIFILM GFX 100S II
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FUJIFILM GFX 100RF
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Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1RM2 (including High Resolution mode)
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Nikon Z5II and Z50II (HE and HE* RAW formats)
This improves performance and compatibility for professional photographers working with high-resolution workflows.
Smarter editing tools
Several workflow improvements focus on making editing more interactive:
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Touch and hold on an image to instantly compare before vs after edits
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Faster access to adjustment comparisons in Color Adjustments and Effects
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Improved SVG export behavior for better compatibility with Adobe Illustrator
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Reduced formatting issues when transferring vector files between apps
New keyboard shortcuts (pro workflow upgrades)
The update adds a range of productivity shortcuts:
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Layer opacity control: number keys 1–9
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Cycle blend modes: Shift + Plus / Minus
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Duplicate layer: Command + J
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Cut and paste selection: Command + Shift + J
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Layer navigation: Option + Comma / Period
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Select Subject refinement: Option + Select Subject uses full-layer context
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Video playback control: Spacebar toggles play/pause
These changes are aimed at speeding up professional editing workflows and reducing menu navigation.
Interface customization
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Sidebar tools can now be customized via:
- View → Customize Tools
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Users can tailor the workspace to match their editing style
Creator Studio vs standard version
Apple is now clearly splitting functionality between two tiers:
Standard Pixelmator Pro includes:
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New templates and mockups
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Expanded RAW support
Creator Studio version includes:
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Advanced keyboard shortcuts
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Warp tools
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Apparel mockups
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Dedicated iPad app access
Creator Studio is part of Apple’s broader subscription bundle alongside apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro:
- $12.99/month or $129/year
Related updates
Apple also updated Photomator, its companion photo editor, adding similar RAW support improvements.
Bottom line
This Pixelmator Pro update strengthens Apple’s creative software ecosystem by improving professional photography support, expanding design templates (including iPhone 17 mockups), and introducing more powerful workflow shortcuts—while also pushing advanced features into the newer Creator Studio subscription tier.