Apple has recently released a significant update for Pixelmator Pro, its acclaimed image editing application acquired in 2024. This update introduces a range of new features aimed at enhancing the user experience and expanding the tool's capabilities, with a particular focus on creators and design professionals. Among the most anticipated novelties are support for RAW images from new cameras, new graphic templates, improved integration for SVG file exports, and an extended set of keyboard shortcuts, some of which are exclusive to the Creator Studio version of the app.
Expanded RAW Support and New Graphic Templates
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of support for compressed RAW images from cameras such as Sony Alpha ILCE-7M5, FUJIFILM GFX 100S II, and FUJIFILM GFX 100RF. Additionally, the app now handles high-efficiency RAW (HE and HE*) images from Nikon Z5II and Nikon Z50II, and RAW images in high-resolution mode from Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1RM2. This expansion of RAW support ensures greater flexibility for photographers looking to process their shots directly with Pixelmator Pro. The dedicated template and mockup section has been enriched with new options for app screenshots and, most importantly, with mockups of the brand-new iPhone 17, perfect for designers who need to present their creations in realistic contexts. This could prove invaluable for app developers seeking a preview of their work on cutting-edge devices.
SVG Export Improvements and Editorial Comparison
The update also addresses compatibility issues with SVG files exported from Pixelmator Pro when opened in Adobe Illustrator. Professionals using cross-platform workflows will find this improvement particularly valuable. An innovative feature now allows users to touch and hold an image on the canvas to instantly view a comparison of edits made using the color adjustment and effects tools. This real-time 'before and after' system greatly facilitates the review and optimization of applied modifications.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Increased Productivity
Productivity is at the core of this update, with the introduction of numerous keyboard shortcuts, many of which are specific to the Creator Studio version. These shortcuts allow users to change layer opacity using number keys 1 through 9, navigate through layer blend modes with dedicated key combinations, duplicate layers with Command-J, and cut and paste selected areas with Command-Shift-J. The Option-Comma and Option-Period shortcuts facilitate quick selection of the topmost or bottommost layers in the document. Video playback within documents has also been simplified using the spacebar to pause or resume playback. Those working with complex visual content may find these features extremely useful for speeding up their creative process. For professionals seeking an enhanced work environment, it is important to consider the ecosystem of tools offered by companies like Apple, such as those available for artificial intelligence, which are increasingly integrating into creative applications.
Pixelmator Pro Creator Studio Distinct Versions
Apple introduced Creator Studio earlier this year, a bundle that includes applications such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro. Due to the pre-existence of many of these applications, Apple offers both a standard version and a Creator Studio version, which can lead to confusion. Access to exclusive Creator Studio features, such as the warp tool, apparel mockups, and a dedicated iPad app, requires a separate subscription of $12.99 per month or $129 per year. It is crucial to note that the standard version of Pixelmator Pro includes the same RAW support features and new templates but lacks the additional options reserved for subscribers. The sister app, Photomator, has also received the RAW support update. Innovations in software, such as those brought by Apple, continue to redefine the digital creation landscape, running parallel to the evolution of platforms like ChatGPT.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/09/apple-pixelmator-pro-template-update
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