Acorn Image Editor Provides Great Value
Through the years, I've used multiple versions of Adobe Photoshop,
Pixelmator add even GIMP for layered image editing and graphic design.
The most user-friendly yet powerful app I've ever used in that category
is Acorn, by the developers at Flying Meat, Inc. For less than $20 you
get a Photoshop compatible application, either from the developer's website
or the App
Store.The feature set is long and varied, but the interface isn't
overly complicated, and you don't need to buy an 800-page book to
explain the ins and outs of using it. A two-time Apple award winner,
it's a one-time purchase of $19.99, and you get access to extensive
online documentation, a user forum and tech support. The current version
is a universal binary compatible with macOS 14 and 15, but earlier
versions can still be downloaded.
New Features in Latest Version
- AI subject selection
- Live text tool
- Data-driven graphics
- On canvas ruler
- JPEG-XL support
- Look up tables (LUTs)
- Super resolution (upscaling)
- Extensive export support
- Apple shortcut support
Basic Use Cases
- Design logos and custom typography by adding text to paths or shapes.
- Remove backgrounds using Magic Wand and Instant Alpha Eraser.
- Combine images to create collages and layouts.
- Retouch images with Clone, Dodge, and Burn.
- Adjust contrast, highlights, and shadows with Levels and Curves.
- Export professionally with customizable color profiles, file formats, and precise size control.
Extended Feature Set
- Layer capabilities
- Filters, effects and styles
- Basic and custom brushes (including Adobe imports)
- Magic Wand shapes
- Vector support
- Supports multiple file types
If you only need basic features, like image conversion, compression and resizing, there are programs with smaller feature sets to accomplish those tasks. If. However, you want something full-featured with batch processing capabilities (using Automator support), Acorn is a good tool to have.