Adobe Illustrator vs Pixelmator: Which One Is Better in 2024?

Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator Pro are essential tools for businesses and designers. We'll compare these products to determine which one best meets professional needs. Adobe Illustrator excels in creating scalable vector graphics, while Pixelmator Pro offers advanced image editing and machine learning features. This comparison will help identify the superior tool for your projects.

A Quick Overview of Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator

What is Adobe Illustrator?

Adobe is a software company known for its creative and design tools. Adobe Illustrator is one of its products, designed for creating vector graphics and illustrations.

Adobe Illustrator offers features like the Pen Tool for precise design and the Scale Tool for resizing without quality loss. The Generative Shape Fill feature allows users to quickly fill vector outlines, setting it apart from competitors.

What is Pixelmator?

Pixelmator is a company that specializes in creating image editing software. They offer products like Pixelmator Pro, Photomator, and Pixelmator for iOS.

Pixelmator Pro includes AI-powered tools for automatic photo enhancements and machine learning-based adjustments. It also supports nondestructive editing, allowing users to make changes without permanently altering the original image.

Features of Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator

Similarities

Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator Pro share several key features that make them both powerful tools for designers. Despite their different primary focuses, they offer a range of similar functionalities that cater to creative professionals.

• Vector Support: Both applications support vector file formats, allowing for the creation of resolution-independent designs.
• Comprehensive Vector Tools: Each software provides a full set of vector tools, enabling precise and scalable graphic creation.
• Smart Shapes: They offer customizable smart shapes and a collection of pre-designed shapes to streamline the design process.
• Text and Effects: Both tools include advanced text and effects options, enhancing the visual appeal of designs.
• Layer-Based Editing: Layer-based editing is supported in both, allowing for complex compositions and easy adjustments.

Differences

Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator Pro cater to different creative needs, each offering unique features that set them apart. Here are the most significant differences:

• Generative Shape Fill: Adobe Illustrator allows users to quickly fill vector outlines with various options, a feature not available in Pixelmator Pro.
• AI-Powered Background Masks: Pixelmator Pro includes AI-powered background masks for easy photo editing, which Adobe Illustrator lacks.
• 3D and Materials Panel: Adobe Illustrator offers a 3D and Materials Panel for adding realistic effects and textures, a feature not found in Pixelmator Pro.
• Machine Learning Enhancements: Pixelmator Pro boasts machine learning features like ML Enhance and Super Resolution, which are not part of Adobe Illustrator.
• macOS Integration: Pixelmator Pro is fully integrated with macOS features such as Sidecar and Apple Pencil support, unlike Adobe Illustrator.

User Interface and Usability

Adobe Illustrator's user interface is robust, featuring a range of tools like the Pen and Scale tools, which are designed for precision. The interface supports creating vector graphics and 3D artwork with ease. However, the complexity of the tools can be overwhelming for new users. The user experience is enhanced by features like Generative Shape Fill and Text to Pattern, but the learning curve remains steep. Overall, Adobe Illustrator is highly usable for professionals but may pose challenges for beginners.

Pixelmator Pro offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface with customizable workspaces and easily accessible tools. The software includes smart spacing guides and advanced alignment tools, making it straightforward for users to navigate. The user experience is further improved by nondestructive editing tools and seamless macOS integration. Despite its powerful features, Pixelmator Pro maintains a simpler learning curve compared to Adobe Illustrator. Pixelmator Pro has a more accessible user interface and usability.

Collaboration

Adobe Illustrator, part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, offers some collaborative features through the broader Creative Cloud ecosystem. While the software itself does not emphasize real-time collaboration, Creative Cloud provides tools for file sharing and teamwork, making it possible to collaborate on projects. However, the specifics of these features are not detailed on the Adobe Illustrator page.

Pixelmator Pro, on the other hand, focuses more on individual editing capabilities and does not highlight collaborative features. The software supports various file formats and integrates with macOS technologies like iCloud Drive for file storage, but it lacks dedicated tools for real-time collaboration or teamwork. Overall, Adobe Illustrator, through Creative Cloud, offers more potential for collaboration than Pixelmator Pro.

Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator Pricing

Adobe Illustrator offers various pricing plans tailored to different user categories. Individuals can subscribe to Illustrator only for £21.98 per month or opt for the Creative Cloud All Apps plan at £27.98 per month for the first three months, then £56.98 per month. Students and teachers enjoy a discounted rate of £16.24 per month for the Creative Cloud All Apps plan.

Pixelmator Pro, available on the Mac App Store, is priced at a one-time cost of $49.99. Unlike Adobe Illustrator, Pixelmator Pro does not offer subscription options or discounts. This straightforward pricing model can be more appealing for users who prefer a single payment over recurring fees. Overall, Pixelmator Pro has a more cost-effective pricing structure.

Comparing Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator to Piktochart

Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

• AI-Powered Design Generator: Piktochart's AI-powered design generator allows users to create stunning visuals quickly and effortlessly, making it a standout feature.
• Comprehensive Visual Tools: From infographic makers to video tools like screen recorders and social media video makers, Piktochart offers a wide range of visual tools that cater to diverse needs.
• Customizable Video Editing: The platform provides options to change text properties, background colors, and aspect ratios, ensuring that videos can be tailored to specific requirements.
• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Piktochart's intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies the design process, allowing users to create professional visuals without any formal training.
• Automatic Subtitles and Social Media Customization: The ability to automatically add subtitles and customize videos for social media platforms enhances the accessibility and reach of your content.

Piktochart's Pricing

• Free: $0 (Free forever)
• Pro: $29 per member/month (billed monthly) or $14 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
• Business: $49 per member/month (billed monthly) or $24 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
• Enterprise: Custom Pricing (Contact for details)
• Campus: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats, contact for details)

What Are Others Saying?

Adobe Illustrator Reviews

Overall, users have given Adobe Illustrator a rating of 4.6 out of 5. While many appreciate its precision and versatility, frustrations include a steep learning curve and performance issues on less powerful computers.

"The subscription model is too expensive for freelancers." - John D., 3.5/5

"The interface is overwhelming with too many tools." - Sarah K., 3.0/5

"Occasional crashes make it unreliable." - Alex P., 3.8/5

Find more of Adobe Illustrator reviews on G2!

Pixelmator Reviews

Overall, users have given Pixelmator a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While many appreciate its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, frustrations include design limitations and inadequate AI capabilities.

"Pixelmator can do most all the basic functions of Adobe Photoshop but without the price tag or the 'cloud' component and leasing fees. It can be buggy, I had particular difficulties with the text tool after importing some TTF font files." - Brian B., 3.0/5

"It is easy to use, work for all apple devices, all document connect to icloud. Had to pay 2 times for the app once on mac and once on ipad." - jeremiah p., 3.0/5

"Pixelmator and Pixelmator Pro's biggest downfall is scalability via shareability. Figma is live-screen editing collaboration. Photoshop and Illustrator have been the leader in this sector for 20 years." - Law S., 3.0/5

Find more of Pixelmator reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use, intuitive design, and powerful features. Here are some of the sentiments from our customers:

• "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer" - Jessica D.
• "Piktochart offers good looking pre-built templates for creating graphics" - Samuel [SAM] J.
• "Incredibly intuitive design app" - Katie S.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why Choose Adobe Illustrator:

• Consumers who need professional-level precision and customization in their designs, such as graphic designers and illustrators, might prefer Adobe Illustrator. Its advanced vector tools and scalability make it ideal for creating detailed and high-quality graphics.

Why Choose Pixelmator:

• Consumers who seek a user-friendly interface with powerful image editing and machine learning features might opt for Pixelmator. It is particularly suitable for photographers and Mac users who need comprehensive tools for photo editing and graphic design.

Why Choose Piktochart:

• Consumers who want to create engaging visuals quickly and effortlessly, without any design experience, might choose Piktochart. It is ideal for content creators, businesses, and educators who need to produce professional infographics, reports, and presentations.

Adobe Illustrator, Pixelmator, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're a seasoned designer or a novice, Adobe Illustrator, Pixelmator, and Piktochart each offer unique strengths to meet your creative needs. While Adobe Illustrator and Pixelmator provide powerful tools for specific tasks, we believe Piktochart stands out for its ease of use and versatility. For those looking to create stunning visuals effortlessly, Piktochart is your go-to solution.