Pixelformer is a bitmap editor, specifically optimized for creating, modifying, and converting small and medium-sized images, such as icons, buttons, web graphics, sprites, etc.
Pixelformer is faster, smaller, easier, more precise, and often more efficient than large bitmap editing tools; at the same time it is more powerful and less limited than classic simple icon editors.
So you need to create, edit, crop, resize, or convert icons or other small images? Pixelformer can help. Even if you prefer a sophisticated high-end image editor for creating graphics, Pixelformer would be a useful tool for doing fast edits, final tweaks, conversions, and optimizations.
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The main features of Pixelformer are:
• no restrictive limits for image dimensions
• support for different color depths up to 32-bit RGB with alpha channel
• semi-transparent colors
• multiple layer support
• free-form masking
• in-place supersampling
• lossless target color depth switching
• independent access to color and alpha channels
• support for multiresolution icons
• dynamic palette generation
• multiple file format support
• icon extraction capability
• PNG size optimization
• Vista icon optimization
• alpha premultiplication
• deep undo buffer
Pixelformer is a bitmap editor, specifically optimized for creating, modifying, and converting small and medium-sized images, such as icons, buttons, web graphics, sprites, etc. Pixelformer is faster, smaller, easier, more precise, and often more efficient than large bitmap editing tools; at the same time it is more powerful and less limited. Acorn 5.2.1: Low-cost image editing package packed with features. Colorfinale 2 0 48. Acorn 5.1.1 – Bitmap image editor. October 17, 2015. Acorn is a new image editor built with one goal in mind – simplicity. Fast, easy, and fluid, Acorn provides. Bitmap Editor Windows 10; Free Bitmap Editor; Description. Name: Acorn 5 – The Image Editor.
No restrictive limits for image dimensions
Pixelformer does not limit you to icon-specific image sizes. Practically, this means that you generally would not need any additional software while making, say, an icon from a multi-megapixel photo. Or you can actually edit large images when a more appropriate tool is not available.
Support for different color depths up to 32-bit RGB with alpha channel
When using Pixelformer, you can always work in the 32-bit RGBA color space. Lan network speed test utility. If you need another format, just specify the output color depth (from 1 bpp (monochrome) to 32 bpp (RGB with alpha channel)), and Pixelformer will generate the required bitmap. Even some uncommon formats are supported, like 16-bit BMP, or 24-bit PNG with transparency, or grayscale PNG with alpha.
Semi-transparent colors
In addition to semi-transparent layers and soft-drawing tools, Pixelformer allows you to use semi-transparent (translucent) colors, offering more control over transparency effects.
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Acorn 4 0 3 – Bitmap Image Editor
Multiple layer support
Any image in a Pixelformer project can be composed of an unlimited number of layers. The layering greatly simplifies working with complex images.
Free-form masking
Using the selection tools available in Pixelformer, you can create a region of any arbitrary form and use it for constraining the drawing operations or for manipulating specific pixels.
In-place supersampling
With Pixelformer, you can draw at a much higher resolution than that of the output image - the drawing will be instantly resampled and mapped to the output. This method combines the benefits of raster and vector graphics and gives you antialiased but still editable image, which can never be produced by classic 1:1 bitmap editors. Supersampling also helps to make icons from images by simplifying separation of objects from background and retaining a possibility to refine the result and align it to pixel grid.
Lossless target color depth switching
Unlike a conventional bitmap editor, Pixelformer virtualizes the image color space (the working space is always 32-bit RGBA). As a result, changing the color depth of output bitmaps is very easy and non-destructive.
Independent access to color and alpha channels
Using Pixelformer, you can independently view and edit color and alpha channels of your images; this feature may be useful for fixing edge artifacts in imported icons, or for creating unusual blending effects.
Support for multiresolution icons
Ability to handle multiple sizes, resolutions, and color depths of the same image is essential for a true icon editor or converter. Pixelformer allows you to work with multiple image formats within a single workspace and then pack them into a single ICO file.
Dynamic palette generation
Pixelformer frees you from having to worry about color palettes for non-truecolor images - highly optimized ones can be automatically generated in real time.
Multiple file format support
Multiple layer support
Any image in a Pixelformer project can be composed of an unlimited number of layers. The layering greatly simplifies working with complex images.
Free-form masking
Using the selection tools available in Pixelformer, you can create a region of any arbitrary form and use it for constraining the drawing operations or for manipulating specific pixels.
In-place supersampling
With Pixelformer, you can draw at a much higher resolution than that of the output image - the drawing will be instantly resampled and mapped to the output. This method combines the benefits of raster and vector graphics and gives you antialiased but still editable image, which can never be produced by classic 1:1 bitmap editors. Supersampling also helps to make icons from images by simplifying separation of objects from background and retaining a possibility to refine the result and align it to pixel grid.
Lossless target color depth switching
Unlike a conventional bitmap editor, Pixelformer virtualizes the image color space (the working space is always 32-bit RGBA). As a result, changing the color depth of output bitmaps is very easy and non-destructive.
Independent access to color and alpha channels
Using Pixelformer, you can independently view and edit color and alpha channels of your images; this feature may be useful for fixing edge artifacts in imported icons, or for creating unusual blending effects.
Support for multiresolution icons
Ability to handle multiple sizes, resolutions, and color depths of the same image is essential for a true icon editor or converter. Pixelformer allows you to work with multiple image formats within a single workspace and then pack them into a single ICO file.
Dynamic palette generation
Pixelformer frees you from having to worry about color palettes for non-truecolor images - highly optimized ones can be automatically generated in real time.
Multiple file format support
At the moment, Pixelformer is able to import BMP, PNG, ICO, CUR, JPEG/JPG, TGA, and PSD image files, as well as EXE, DLL, or ICL multiple image containers; BMP, PNG, ICO, and TGA file formats are available for export. You can freely convert images between these formats.
Icon extraction capability
Pixelformer can extract icons, cursors, and bitmaps from executable files and ICL icon libraries.
PNG size optimization
Pixelformer includes a PNG optimizer, which finds optimal PNG compressor parameters during export, and thus losslessly minimizes size of PNG image files.
click to enlarge..
Vista icon optimization
Large subimages in Windows 7 and Windows Vista icons can be PNG-compressed; the PNG optimizing engine is able to process them, reducing the corresponding ICO file sizes.
click to enlarge..
Alpha premultiplication
When necessary, images containing an alpha channel can be exported from Pixelformer with premultiplied alpha.
click to enlarge..
Deep undo buffer
Pixelformer efficiently compresses undo data, keeping a long history of operations while maintaining a low memory footprint.
| Developer(s) | Flying Meat Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | September 10, 2007; 13 years ago |
| Stable release | 6.5.3 (November 20, 2019; 14 months ago[1]) [±] |
| Operating system | macOS |
| Type | Raster graphics editor |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | flyingmeat.com/acorn/ |
Acorn is a raster graphic editor for macOS developed by August Mueller of Flying Meat Inc, based out of Mukilteo, Washington, United States. Acorn was first released on September 10, 2007[2] and was built upon the framework of a previous image editing application of Flying Meat Inc., FlySketch.[3]
Best Bitmap Editor
Acorn makes extensive use of Apple's Core Image framework for its image processing,.[4][5] The native file format of Acorn is .acorn. Acorn combines vector drawing with bitmap editing,[6] and has been described as an alternative to Photoshop.[7] Key features of Acorn include image filters, a custom color picker, a brush designer, and image editing tools such as crop, erase, paint, select, pan, zoom, move, clone, smudge, dodge, and burn.[8]
Major Features[edit]
- Layers based editing
- Layer masks and blending modes
- Multi-layer screenshots [9]
- Nondestructive stackable filters[10]
- Curves and levels
- Multi-stop live gradients
- Scriptable [11]
- Automator support [11]
- Built in brush designer to create custom brushes
- Photoshop brush import
- Vector shapes, Bézier pen tool, and text tools
- Shape processor
- Circle text tool
- RAW image import
- Multiple selection tools including quick mask and magic wand
- Smart layer export
- Web export
- Guides, grids, rulers, and snapping
- Native support for Apple's retina displays
- Color profile management
- Deep color image support
- Documentation online and in ePub format
- Runs on Metal 2[12]
Version history[edit]
| Version | Initial Release Date | OS Compatibility | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 - 1.5.5[13][14] | September 10, 2007 | 10.4 - 10.10[15] | Initial release;[16] brush designer,[14] fancy crop, open and save JPEG 2000 images |
| 2.0 - 2.6.5[13] | September 13, 2009 | 10.6 - 10.10 [15] | Layered screenshots, rulers, RAW image support, 64 bit support, touchup tools, JSTalk scripting support, AppleScript support, layer groups, guides and snapping, layer masks, WebP |
| 3.0 - 3.5.2[13] | April 12, 2011 | 10.6 - 10.10 [15] | Layer styles,[17] quick mask, instant alpha,[9] live multi-stop gradients, new filters, add/subtract points on Bézier curves, full screen support, autosave and versions, retina canvas support,[18] smart layer export, web export scaling, new blending modes [19] |
| 4.0 - 4.5.7[13] | May 2, 2013 | 10.8 - 10.12 [15] | Nondestructive stackable filters,[7] curves adjustment,[11] vector line join style, multi-layer selection,[10] save selection with file, CMYK support when saving as JPEG and TIFF, editable image depth, sharing support, soft eraser, live font updates, live blending updates, share extension for Photos |
| 5.0 - 5.6[13] | August 20, 2015 | 10.10+ [15] | Shape processor, nondestructive curves and levels, improved PDF import, Photoshop brush import, image metadata editing, basic SVG support, deep color image support, circle text tool, new color picker, improved color management[20] |
| 6.0 - 6.3.3[13] | July 10, 2017 | 10.11+ [15] | Text on a path, clone tool works across layers and images, new Web Export features, smart layer export settings palette, new Bézier tools, color profiles, make shape from selection [21] |
Reviews and awards[edit]
- Houston Chronicle Acorn 4 review[22]
- The 25 Best Alternatives to Photoshop[23]
- Macworld Editor's Choice Award 2009[24]
- Mac App Store Best Apps of 2013[25]
- Mac App Store Best Apps of 2015
- 50 Mac Essentials #46 [6]
- Acorn 5: Tom's Mac Software Pick [26]
- Clash of the Image Editors: Acorn vs Pixelmator[27]
- Acorn 4 Macworld Review [7]
- Acorn 4 The Verge Review [11]
- 16 Essential Photo Editor Apps [28]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Acorn Release Notes'. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
- ^Kim, Arnold (September 10, 2007). 'New Mac Image Editor Acorn'. MacRumors. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
- ^Viticci, Frederico (December 18, 2012). 'Mac Stories Interviews Gus Mueller'. MacStories. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
- ^Lee, Mike; Meyers, Scott (2009). Learn Mac OS X Snow Leopard. New York, NY: Apress. p. 572. ISBN978-1-4302-1947-7.
- ^Mueller, August (August 21, 2015). 'Acorn, OS 10.11 El Capitan and You'. FlyingMeatBlog. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
- ^ abTurbell, Giles (February 21, 2012). 'Acorn is a Fine Image Editor for Everyone'. CultofMac. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^ abcFriedman, Lex (May 1, 2013). 'Review: Acorn 4 adds impressive features and a smart new look'. MacWorld. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^'Best Mac Photo Editing Software'. TopTenReviews. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
- ^ abGirard, David (October 30, 2011). 'The seed of something great: Acorn 3.1 reviewed'. ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^ abSumra, Husain (May 2, 2013). 'Acorn 4 image editor adds improved speed, enhanced user interface, and more'. MacRumors. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^ abcdBlagdon, Jeff (May 2, 2013). 'Review: Acorn 4 flies through image editing with new filter UI, improved speed, and curves'. TheVerge. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^'Acorn Feature List'. Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
- ^ abcdef'Acorn Release Notes'. Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
- ^ abBerka, Justin (January 5, 2009). 'Mac-based image editor Acorn bumped to version 1.5'. ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^ abcdef'Acorn FAQ'. Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
- ^Chartier, David (September 10, 2007). 'Acorn? The OS X image editor we've been waiting for'. ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^Turnbull, Giles (April 20, 2011). 'Acorn image editor updated with new features, special price'. CultofMac. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^Sorrel, Charlie (June 22, 2012). 'Acorn 3.3 to get awesome 'retina canvas''. CultofMac. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^Smith, Barrie. 'Acorn Version 3.5.1 Image Editing Software'. DigitalPhotographySchool. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^Keller, Joseph (August 20, 2015). 'Acorn 5 for Mac arrives to let you take control of shapes'. iMore. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^'Acorn 6'. July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
- ^'Acorn image editor worth scooping up'. The Houston Chronicle. February 19, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
- ^Gibbs, Samuel (May 6, 2013). 'The 25 Best Alternatives to Photoshop'. The Guardian. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
- ^'25th Annual Editor's Choice'. MacWorld. December 10, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
- ^Viticci, Frederico (December 17, 2013). 'Apple Posts 'Best of 2013' iTunes Lists'. MacStories. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
- ^Nelson, Tom (August 29, 2016). 'Acorn 5: Tom's Mac Software Pick'. LifeWire. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
- ^Lobo, Pedro (July 5, 2013). 'Clash of the Image Editors: Acorn vs Pixelmator'. MacAppstorm. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ^Stewart, Craig (August 4, 2016). '16 essential photo editor apps'. CreativeBloq. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
External links[edit]
