Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microsoft Paint VS Pixelmator

Compare Microsoft Paint VS Pixelmator and see what are their differences

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Microsoft Paint logo Microsoft Paint

Paint (formerly Paintbrush) is a simple, ultra-basic graphics painting program that is included...

Pixelmator logo Pixelmator

Pixelmator is an image-editing application for Mac and iPad.
  • Microsoft Paint Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30
  • Pixelmator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21

Microsoft Paint features and specs

  • Simplicity
    Microsoft Paint is very easy to use, making it accessible to users of all ages and skill levels. The straightforward interface allows for quick navigation and drawing.
  • Pre-installed
    Microsoft Paint comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems, eliminating the need for additional downloads or installations. It is immediately available for use.
  • Low Resource Usage
    Paint is lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, making it ideal for use on older or less powerful computers.
  • Basic Image Editing
    It offers fundamental image editing tools like cropping, resizing, and simple drawing tools, which are sufficient for basic tasks.
  • No Cost
    As a built-in application in Windows, Microsoft Paint is free to use, adding no extra cost to the user.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft Paint

  • Limited Functionality
    Microsoft Paint lacks advanced features found in other graphic editing software, such as layers, filters, and advanced brush options.
  • Basic Tools
    The program offers only basic drawing and editing tools, which may not be sufficient for professional graphic design or detailed artwork.
  • Limited File Format Support
    Paint supports a limited range of file formats (e.g., BMP, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and TIFF) and may not be suitable for users needing a broader spectrum of format options.
  • No Vector Support
    Microsoft Paint operates purely with raster graphics and does not support vector-based drawing, which limits scalability and precision.
  • Outdated Interface
    The interface of Microsoft Paint has seen minimal updates over the years, making it appear outdated compared to more modern design software.

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 Microsoft Paint

Overall verdict

  • Microsoft Paint is a good choice for users seeking a straightforward and easy-to-use graphics editor for basic image editing tasks.

Why this product is good

  • Microsoft Paint is a simple yet effective graphic editing tool that has been part of the Windows operating system for many years. It is user-friendly, requires minimal system resources, and provides basic tools for tasks like drawing, coloring, and editing images with ease. Its simplicity makes it accessible to users of all ages and skill levels, making it a convenient tool for quick edits and creative projects without the need for complex software.

Recommended for

  • Beginners who need a simple tool to get started with digital art or image editing.
  • Anyone looking to perform quick edits or sketches without installing larger software applications.
  • Users who appreciate a no-cost, built-in solution for basic graphic design and editing tasks.

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.

Microsoft Paint videos

If Microsoft Paint was 3D

Pixelmator videos

Pixelmator Photo 2019 for iPad - Full Guide & Review!

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft Paint and Pixelmator)
Digital Drawing And Painting
Image Editing
22 22%
78% 78
Graphic Design Software
28 28%
72% 72
Photos & Graphics
100 100%
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 Microsoft Paint and Pixelmator

Microsoft Paint Reviews

  1. very good

    everything is easy to do

    🏁 Competitors: Future Paint 3d
    👍 Pros:    Amazing speed|Free

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...
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.
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 Microsoft Paint and Pixelmator, you can also consider the following products

GIMP - GIMP is a multiplatform photo manipulation tool.

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

MyPaint - MyPaint is a fast, distraction-free, and easy painting tool for digital artists.

Krita - Krita is a professional FREE and open source painting program. It is made by artists that want to seaffordable art tools for everyone. Concept art. texture and matte painters, illustrations and comics.

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

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