Pixelmator Pro, a photo retouching software commonly used by those users who are accustomed to using Apple Mac, has released a new version. This update focuses on the enhancement of video editing capabilities. For a tool that initially started with image processing, this is a change in direction worthy of attention.
Comprehensive enhancements to video editing capabilities
The new version of the software has changed the processing of video files, making it as easy as pictures. Users can now directly drag the video into the workspace, and the software will automatically recognize it and start editing. This means that there is no need to switch to different software, and the entire process from fine photo modification to video color adjustment can be completed within one interface.
This integration improves work efficiency and is especially suitable for creators who need to process graphics, text and short video content at the same time. This software provides basic editing, as well as color adjustment and filter applications. Although it is not as complex as professional video software, it meets the needs of rapid social media video production.
The new Color tool accurately removes color
This update introduces a tool called Color. Its core function is to intelligently remove specified colors from the screen. During operation, users only need to click on the screen to select the color they want to remove, and the software will erase it from the entire screen and intelligently fill in the background.
This function is extremely useful for video creators who need to process green screen materials. In the past, you had to use professional software to change the video background. Now, you can do it quickly in Pixelmator Pro, which reduces the difficulty of getting started and allows more people to try simple video special effects production.
Optimize shadow and highlight details
In addition to adding new tools, the development team has also re-optimized the existing shadow and highlight adjustment tools. The new algorithm can more accurately distinguish between bright and dark areas of the picture, preventing distortion in the picture when brightening shadows or darkening highlights.
In practical applications, this shows that when the light and shadow levels of the photo are adjusted, more details can be retained. For example, when performing a repair operation on a portrait photo under backlight conditions, during the process of improving the brightness of the face, the details of the clouds in the sky area behind can still be clearly visible. This improves the controllability of the editing process and the quality of the final film.
Added file saving workflow
The software adds a key file management feature for image editing. Currently, if a user saves an image in JPEG format, the system will generate an additional file with the same name as the image. The extension of the additional file is proprietary.
This attached file is not another picture. On the contrary, it is a "recipe" file that records all editing steps and parameters. This file is very small and does not take up much storage space. However, it contains the entire editing history starting from the crop size to each filter parameter.
The advantages of non-destructive editing
This design truly achieves the concept of editing without causing damage. Users can re-import the original JPEG image together with the file at any time into Pixelmator Pro, and the software can completely reproduce the previous editing situation.
You can undo or modify any previous operation at any time, and the original image data will always remain intact. This solves a common problem in the post-production period of photography: even if the file is saved and closed, there is still room for regret and readjustment in the future, which greatly enhances the flexibility of the work.
Free updates and software pricing strategy
Among old users, all those who have purchased Pixelmator Pro can directly get this version 3.3 update for free without any additional payment. This continues to advance the team’s ongoing buyout upgrade strategy, which seems quite friendly now that the subscription system is popular.
New users can make a one-time purchase on the Mac App Store for $49.99 (approximately RMB 347). Compared with the annual subscription model of companies such as Adobe, this price is quite attractive to lightweight professional users and enthusiasts.
Compared with a tool, should it continue to expand the boundaries of capabilities like Pixelmator Pro and develop in the direction of "having all capabilities", or should it delve deeply into a single vertical field and achieve the optimal state like many professional software? As a creator or an ordinary user, which type of productivity tool would you be more inclined to choose? Feel free to share your views in the comment area.
