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LightZone VS Pixelmator

Compare LightZone VS Pixelmator and see what are their differences

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LightZone logo LightZone

LightZone is a digital photo editor software application.

Pixelmator logo Pixelmator

Pixelmator is an image-editing application for Mac and iPad.
  • LightZone Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-19
  • Pixelmator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21

LightZone features and specs

  • Cost
    LightZone is a free and open-source software, making it accessible to users without a budget for expensive photo editing tools.
  • Non-Destructive Editing
    LightZone offers non-destructive editing, meaning original images are preserved and can be reverted back to their original state after editing.
  • Zone Mapping
    It features a unique Zone Mapping tool inspired by Ansel Adams' Zone System, which allows for precise control over exposure and tonal adjustments.
  • Cross-Platform
    LightZone is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering versatility for different users.
  • Batch Processing
    The software supports batch processing, which helps to save time when working on multiple images at once.

Possible disadvantages of LightZone

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While great for basic and intermediate editing, LightZone lacks some advanced features found in professional tools like Adobe Photoshop.
  • User Interface
    The user interface can be perceived as outdated and less intuitive compared to modern photo editing software.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a learning curve due to the unique tools and workflows that differ from other popular photo editing applications.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, LightZone may not have the same level of extensive support and regular updates that commercial software offers.
  • Plugin Ecosystem
    LightZone has a limited ecosystem for third-party plugins and extensions, which means fewer customization and extended functionality options.

Pixelmator features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Pixelmator Pro is designed with a clean and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible even for beginners while still being powerful enough for professionals.
  • Integration with macOS
    The software is built exclusively for macOS, allowing seamless integration with other Apple applications and services like iCloud, Photos, and AppleScript.
  • Affordability
    Pixelmator Pro is a one-time purchase, making it more affordable in the long run compared to subscription-based software like Adobe Photoshop.
  • Performance Optimization
    It takes advantage of the latest macOS technologies such as Metal, Core Image, and OpenGL, ensuring smoother performance and faster processing times.
  • AI-Powered Tools
    Pixelmator Pro includes a variety of AI-driven tools like ML Super Resolution, which enhances image quality using machine learning algorithms.

Possible disadvantages of Pixelmator

  • macOS Exclusivity
    Pixelmator Pro is only available for macOS, which limits its accessibility to users who are on Windows or other operating systems.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the software has a variety of advanced features that can require a learning curve to fully understand and utilize.
  • Limited Third-Party Integration
    Compared to industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro has fewer integrations with third-party plugins and services.
  • No Vector Drawing Tools
    The software lacks comprehensive vector drawing tools, which can be a drawback for users who need robust vector graphic capabilities.
  • Feature Gaps
    While Pixelmator Pro covers a wide range of functionalities, it still lacks some advanced features and functionalities offered by competitors such as Adobe Photoshop.

Analysis of LightZone

Overall verdict

  • LightZone is a solid choice for photographers who want a capable photo editing tool without the cost associated with commercial software. Its advanced features are particularly beneficial for enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate the nuanced control over image adjustments. However, beginners might face a learning curve as it requires some understanding of photographic principles to make full use of its features.

Why this product is good

  • LightZone is good because it offers a powerful and flexible tool for photo editing, especially for photographers who need to process RAW images. It features a unique 'Zone Mapping' capability, allowing users to adjust brightness and contrast in a way that mimics traditional darkroom techniques. Its non-destructive editing process preserves original images, providing users with the ability to make adjustments without losing image quality. LightZone is also open-source and free, which adds to its appeal for those looking for cost-effective solutions.

Recommended for

  • Photographers who prefer open-source software
  • Users who need powerful RAW image processing
  • Photographers with experience in darkroom techniques
  • Those looking for a free alternative to paid editing software

Analysis of Pixelmator

Overall verdict

  • Pixelmator is a strong choice for those seeking a versatile and affordable image editing tool. Its seamless integration with Apple hardware and software ecosystems enhances its functionality for Mac users.

Why this product is good

  • Pixelmator is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface, extensive toolset, and integration with macOS features. It provides a robust set of photo editing tools, enabling tasks like retouching, painting, and graphic design. It is particularly praised for its speed and efficiency, making it a great choice for users wanting a powerful but accessible editing software.

Recommended for

  • Casual users who want powerful editing tools without a steep learning curve.
  • Mac users looking for software that's optimized for Apple hardware and OS.
  • Graphic designers and artists who need a tool for creative work that offers both vector and raster graphics editing features.
  • Small business owners who need an efficient tool for basic to advanced photo editing and graphic design tasks.

LightZone videos

+ Add

LightZone Photo Editor

More videos:

  • Review - LightZone: A Free Lightroom Alternative?
  • Review - introduction to lightzone

Pixelmator videos

+ Add

Pixelmator Photo 2019 for iPad - Full Guide & Review!

More videos:

  • Review - Pixelmator Photo Review
  • Review - Pixelmator Pro Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LightZone and Pixelmator)

LightZone

Pixelmator

Image Editing
12 12%
Image Editing
88% 88
Digital Drawing And Painting
14 14%
Digital Drawing And Painting
86% 86
Graphic Design Software
7 7%
Graphic Design Software
93% 93
Photo & Video
100 100%
Photo & Video
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare LightZone and Pixelmator

LightZone Reviews

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Pixelmator Reviews

10 Best Photopea Software Alternatives in 2024 (Free & Paid)
Pixelmator Pro is one of the best Photopea alternatives for macOS that lets businesses change, improve, and tailor pictures using tools, colors, and workspaces. It comes with pre-made shapes like circles, speech bubbles, lines, and stars that designers can use to finish their work. It supports non-destructive editing, meaning you can make changes without altering the...
Source: www.geeksforgeeks.org
Best Photo Editing Software for Mac: 5 Pro Alternatives to Adobe
Leveraging Apple Tech: Pixelmator Pro is built from the ground up for macOS. It deeply integrates with core technologies like Metal (for graphics acceleration), Core ML (for machine learning), improving performance and responsiveness.
Source: www.strivingspace.com
Affinity Alternative
Pixelmator Pro, like Photolemur, boasts machine learning to make photo editing quick and easy. In addition, it contains many advanced editing tools as well as a fresh workflow that’s bound to attract many users.
Source: skylum.com
We tested 4 photo editing alternatives to Photoshop
Next up was Pixelmator, a slick OSX app with a pleasingly unslick $29.99 price point. To test Pixelmator we gave Max a copy of the Stone Roses’ eponymously titled 1989 album ‘The Stone Roses‘. With it’s distinctive cover art by Roses’ guitarist John Squire, ‘The Stone Roses’ should pose a worthy challenge to Pixelmator.
Source: diginate.com
12 Best Free Photoshop Alternatives You Should Try
Pixelmator is a macOS only photo editing tool that brings with it a ton of Photoshop like features and tools, and it also supports some of the latest features that Apple has brought to macOS such as editing and exporting images stored in the High Efficiency Image File format. There are the usual features like support for layers and blending modes, a plethora of tools to use...
Source: beebom.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing LightZone and Pixelmator, you can also consider the following products

Photoscape - high quality photo editing software, that enables you to fix and enhance photos.

Adobe Photoshop - Adobe Photoshop is a webtop application for editing images and photos online.

ACDSee - ACDSee is an image viewer that uses very little system resources, and it has a small, sleek size that won't take up much space on your system.

GIMP - GIMP is a multiplatform photo manipulation tool.

JPEGView - JPEGView is a small and fast viewer/editor for JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF and TIFF images.

Affinity Photo - Affinity is the imaging and design suite for creative professionals exclusively for Mac.

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