Affinity Photo vs Pixelmator: Which One Is Better in 2024?

Both Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering advanced features that enhance productivity and creativity. We'll compare these two to determine the best option for your needs.

A Quick Overview of Affinity Photo and Pixelmator

What is Affinity Photo?

Affinity Photo is developed by Serif, a company that creates professional-grade software for creative and photography professionals. Their products include Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher, which are available across multiple platforms including macOS, Windows, and iPad.

Affinity Photo offers real-time adjustment layers for non-destructive editing with immediate visual feedback. It is the first professional photo editing application to provide 100% file format compatibility across Windows, Mac, and iPad, allowing seamless work on the same file across different devices.

What is Pixelmator?

Pixelmator is a company that develops professional image editing software designed exclusively for macOS. Their flagship product, Pixelmator Pro, is known for its powerful tools and user-friendly interface, making professional image editing accessible to everyone.

Pixelmator Pro offers AI-powered features like background masks and ML Enhance, which leverage machine learning for more efficient editing. The software also supports RAW photos from over 750 digital cameras, providing extensive compatibility for photographers.

Features of Affinity Photo and Pixelmator

Similarities

Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro share several key features that make them both powerful tools for professional photo editing. Here are the most significant similarities:

• Advanced Photo Retouching Tools: Both offer tools like Dodge, Burn, Clone, and Patch for detailed photo retouching.
• RAW Image Editing: Both support RAW photo editing, providing comprehensive tools for high-quality image processing.
• Real-Time Adjustments: Both applications offer real-time adjustment layers, allowing for non-destructive editing with immediate visual feedback.
• Custom Brushes: Both provide a variety of brushes and support for custom brushes, enhancing creative possibilities.
• Layer-Based Compositions: Both allow for complex compositions with multiple layers and effects, making them suitable for intricate design work.

Differences

While Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro share many similarities, their unique features set them apart. Here are the most significant differences:

• Platform Compatibility: Affinity Photo is available on macOS, Windows, and iPad, while Pixelmator Pro is exclusive to macOS.
• AI-Powered Tools: Pixelmator Pro offers AI-powered background masks and ML Enhance, which Affinity Photo lacks.
• Advanced Masking: Pixelmator Pro includes vector masks and a redesigned masking experience, whereas Affinity Photo focuses on advanced selection refinement tools.
• Brush Engine: Affinity Photo supports custom brushes and .abr brush files, a feature not available in Pixelmator Pro.
• Unique Features: Affinity Photo offers live mesh warp and focus merge, which are not found in Pixelmator Pro.

User Interface and Usability

Affinity Photo's user interface is designed for a seamless editing experience, featuring real-time adjustment layers and a dedicated liquify workspace. The software supports a wide range of brushes, including custom ones, and offers a powerful brush engine. The user experience is optimized for speed and precision, with features like super steady pan and zoom, near-instant load of large files, and real-time adjustments. Cross-platform compatibility ensures a consistent experience across macOS, Windows, and iPad.

Pixelmator Pro offers a highly customizable user interface, allowing users to move the Tools and Layers sidebars and choose from built-in presets tailored for different types of users. The user experience is intuitive and accessible, even for beginners, with AI-powered enhancements and machine learning tools. The software integrates seamlessly with Mac-specific technologies and the Photos app, providing a smooth workflow. Its usability is enhanced by real-time effects and extensive format support.

Neither company has a clear advantage in user interface and usability.

Collaboration

Affinity Photo does not emphasize collaboration features. The software is designed for individual use, focusing on powerful editing tools and cross-platform compatibility. There are no specific tools or user feedback highlighting collaborative workflows, making it less ideal for team projects.

Pixelmator Pro also lacks explicit collaboration tools. While it supports features like full mask compatibility and Adobe Photoshop file support, these are more about individual efficiency rather than teamwork. User feedback does not mention collaboration, focusing instead on the software's ease of use and powerful tools.

Neither company stands out for collaboration.

Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pricing

Affinity Photo is priced at $69.99 for macOS or Windows and $18.49 for iPad, with a one-time payment model and no subscription fees. The pricing structure is straightforward, offering a single purchase option without recurring costs.

Pixelmator Pro is available for a one-time fee of $49.99 on the Mac App Store. Like Affinity Photo, it does not require a subscription, making it a cost-effective choice for macOS users.

Pixelmator Pro offers better pricing for macOS users due to its lower one-time fee.

Comparing Affinity Photo 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 efficiently, saving time and effort.
• Extensive Template Library: With a wide range of customizable templates, Piktochart caters to various use cases, making it easy to create professional-quality content.
• Versatile Visual and Video Tools: Piktochart offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including infographic makers, video editors, and screen recorders, to meet diverse visual communication needs.
• Automatic Video Transcription: The platform's ability to transcribe videos into any language automatically enhances accessibility and broadens audience reach.
• User-Friendly Interface: Piktochart's intuitive drag-and-drop interface ensures that even beginners can create visually appealing content with ease.

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)

What Are Others Saying?

Affinity Photo Reviews

Overall, users have given Affinity Photo a rating of 4.5 out of 5. While many appreciate its affordability and robust features, some find the learning curve and limited high-end features frustrating.

"The software is powerful but has a steep learning curve, making it hard to master." - John D., 3.5/5

"Customer support is lacking, which can be frustrating when issues arise." - Emily R., 3/5

"Limited mobile functionality makes it less versatile for on-the-go editing." - Mark S., 3.5/5

Find more of Affinity Photo 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, some find the design limitations and inadequate AI capabilities frustrating.

"Good, with limitations." - Brian B., 3/5

"A simplified Photoshop app for those that do not like getting anxiety from Adobe's convoluted UX, UI." - Law S., 3/5

"Very good value for the money." - Martin O., 3/5

Find more of Pixelmator reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use, extensive template library, and AI-powered design tools.

• "Piktochart is very easy and simple to use online graphics creation tool." - Andrea V.
• "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.
• "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer." - Jessica D.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why Choose Affinity Photo Over Pixelmator:

• Affinity Photo is ideal for creative professionals who need advanced editing tools and high performance across multiple platforms. Its one-off payment model and extensive customization options make it a preferred choice for cost-conscious users and those who work on macOS, Windows, and iPad.

Why Choose Pixelmator Over Affinity Photo:

• Pixelmator Pro is perfect for macOS users who want software optimized for their system, leveraging Apple technologies like Metal and Core ML. Its AI-powered features and user-friendly interface make it accessible for beginners and hobbyists seeking professional-grade tools.

Why Choose Piktochart Over Pixelmator and Affinity Photo:

• Piktochart is ideal for communications professionals, educators, and marketers who need to create engaging visual content quickly and easily. Its AI-powered design tools and extensive template library make it a versatile choice for users without design experience.

Affinity Photo, Pixelmator, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner, Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro offer robust tools to meet your photo editing needs. However, if you're looking for a user-friendly platform that excels in creating engaging visual content quickly, Piktochart stands out. With its AI-powered design tools and extensive template library, Piktochart makes it easy for anyone to produce stunning visuals without any design experience. We believe Piktochart is the perfect choice for those who want to transform complex ideas into captivating visuals effortlessly.