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Rectangle VS Pixelmator

Compare Rectangle VS Pixelmator and see what are their differences

Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
Pixelmator

Pixelmator is an image-editing application for Mac and iPad.

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
ZeroTwo AI
ZeroTwo is a premium multi-provider AI platform which combines the tools models and features of Claude, Gemini, Grok, Openai and more into one. Canvas, Deep Research, MCP, Connectors, Agents, Projects and even Apps are all available in one place! sponsored
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Rectangle seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 480 times since March 2021.

social mentions
480 vs 0
Mac Tools popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Rectangle
Pixelmator
Website rectangleapp.com pixelmator.com
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in
Mac Tools Window Manager Mac Developer Tools +1
Art Tools Illustrations Image Editing Graphic Design Software +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Rectangle 5 features
Pixelmator 5 features
  • Ease of Use
    Rectangle offers an intuitive user interface that makes window management straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can easily configure keyboard shortcuts to better suit their workflow, making window management faster and more efficient.
  • Free
    Rectangle is available for free, making it accessible to anyone without the need for a financial investment.
  • Frequent Updates
    The app receives regular updates, introducing new features and ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
  • Lightweight
    Rectangle is a lightweight application that doesn't consume many system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older Macs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Rectangle lacks some of the more advanced features found in paid window management applications, such as multiple monitor support and more complex window arrangements.
  • MacOS Only
    Rectangle is only available for macOS, so users of other operating systems are unable to take advantage of its features.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or unpredictable behavior, which might require troubleshooting or waiting for a future update.
  • Learning Curve for Shortcuts
    While customizable shortcuts are a benefit, there is an initial learning curve for users to memorize and effectively use these shortcuts.
  • Basic Aesthetic
    The app's design and aesthetic are quite basic, lacking the polish and visual appeal found in some other similar tools.
  • 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

  • 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

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Rectangle
Pixelmator

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Rectangle is highly regarded for its ease of use, extensive customization options, and the fact that it is free and open-source. It provides essential functionality without unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for both casual users and power users who need efficient window management.

Why this product is good

  • Rectangle is a popular window management tool for macOS, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to efficiently organize and resize application windows using customizable keyboard shortcuts or by dragging windows into pre-defined areas of the screen. This can enhance productivity by minimizing the time spent arranging windows and improving multitasking capabilities.

Recommended for

    Rectangle is recommended for macOS users looking for a straightforward, lightweight solution to manage application windows. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with multiple applications at once, including developers, designers, and anyone who values a tidy and organized desktop environment.

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.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Rectangle 3 videos + Add
Pixelmator 3 videos + Add

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos

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Pixelmator Photo 2019 for iPad - Full Guide & Review!

More videos

  • - Pixelmator Photo Review
  • - Pixelmator Pro Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Rectangle
Pixelmator
100% 100%
Mac Tools
0% 0%
0% 0%
Image Editing
100% 100%
100% 100%
Window Manager
0% 0%
0% 0%
Graphic Design Software
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Rectangle and Pixelmator. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Rectangle no reviews yet
Pixelmator no reviews yet
  • Best 6 Mac Window Managers
    mackeeper.com · Sep 2023

    Rectangle shows that you don’t need to dip into your bank account to get window resizer tools. This free Mac window manager lets you manage multiple windows using keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or by dragging and...

  • Top 6 Window Manager Apps for Mac
    www.maketecheasier.com · May 2023

    Most window manager apps for Mac support multiple monitors. They can help you move windows between screens and create custom layouts for each monitor. Many window manager apps – such as BetterSnapTool, Magnet, and...

  • The 6 Best Mac Window Management Tools
    www.makeuseof.com · Apr 2023

    However, it might take some time for you to get used to the shortcuts in the Rectangle app since there are many. Furthermore, you can also add some of your apps to exceptions if you want to keep them away from...

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Rectangle 480 mentions
Pixelmator 0 mentions
  • Apple introduces M6 and M5 Ultra for a big leap in performance and AI compute
    Rectangle solved my macos window management annoyances. https://rectangleapp.com/ Not involved in dev of this, just a happy user. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Released
    As a both old Linux and now decade user of MacOS, after I got used to no middle-click paste and no focus-follows-mouse: 1. Keyboard shortcuts are Emacs, Ctrl-A: start of line, E: end of line, K: kill selected or to end of line, Y to... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    Every macOS user uses Rectangle.app — https://rectangleapp.com The ones who don't use it is because they don’t know it exists. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago

View more

Tracking Pixelmator since Mar 2021.

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