Pixelmator Pro arrives as a defining moment for creative work on iPadOS. Introduced on January 13 as part of Apple Creator Studio, the app represents a full rethinking of professional image editing in a touch-first environment.
This is not a simplified extension of the Mac version, nor a lightweight mobile editor. Pixelmator Pro was rebuilt to take advantage of Apple Pencil precision, modern iPad displays, and the performance of Apple silicon.
Every interaction, from selecting a subject to reshaping a layer, is designed to feel direct and natural. The result is an editing experience that brings desktop-level capability to iPad without sacrificing speed, control, or creative freedom.
It fits naturally into workflows that move between devices, allowing projects to start on iPad and continue on Mac without friction or file conversion. Large images, complex layer stacks, and detailed retouching tasks remain responsive, even under heavy edits. By aligning software design with the strengths of iPad hardware, Pixelmator Pro changes how portable creative work can be approached, turning the tablet into a reliable primary tool rather than a secondary companion for visual production.
A Touch-First Professional Interface
Pixelmator Pro was built from the ground up for touch interaction. Panels, tools, and controls are optimized for fingers while remaining precise enough for detailed work with Apple Pencil.
The workspace adapts fluidly between portrait and landscape, with floating inspectors, gesture-based navigation, and a clean canvas-first layout that keeps distractions to a minimum.
Apple Pencil Integration
Apple Pencil is deeply integrated across the app. Pressure sensitivity, tilt, hover, squeeze, and double-tap gestures are supported, allowing natural drawing, retouching, and painting.
Brush strokes respond dynamically, selections feel precise, and fine adjustments can be made without switching tools constantly.
Full Layers and Masking System
The app includes a complete Layers sidebar with support for:
- Bitmap layers
- Vector layers
- Text layers
- Shape layers
- Image and video layers
Advanced bitmap and vector masks allow non-destructive edits, while blend modes and opacity controls match the Mac version.
Smart Selection and Editing Tools
Smart selection tools make isolating objects fast and accurate. Subjects, backgrounds, and specific regions can be selected with minimal manual refinement.
Once selected, edits such as color correction, retouching, or transformation apply cleanly without affecting surrounding areas.
Warp Tool and Product Mockups
For Apple Creator Studio subscribers, the app includes the new Warp tool, allowing layers to be twisted, shaped, and reshaped freely.
Warp-powered product mockups are also included, making it easy to place designs onto devices, packaging, and surfaces with realistic perspective and distortion.
AI-Powered Image Tools
Pixelmator Pro leverages Apple silicon for advanced on-device intelligence, including:
- Super Resolution for intelligent image upscaling
- Deband to remove compression artifacts
- Auto Crop with composition suggestions
- Smart adjustments for tone, color, and clarity
All processing happens locally, keeping performance fast and predictable.
Desktop-Class Editing Performance
Thanks to Apple silicon, the app handles large files, complex layers, and high-resolution images smoothly. Multi-layer compositions remain responsive, even when applying intensive effects or transformations.
Pixelmator Pro supports working across iPad and Mac, allowing files to move seamlessly between devices without conversion.
Vector and Typography Tools
Vector tools allow precise shape creation, path editing, and scalable design work. Text tools support advanced typography, layout control, and styling suitable for posters, social assets, and presentations.
This makes Pixelmator Pro on iPad suitable not only for photo editing, but also for graphic design and illustration.
Pixelmator Pro fits naturally into creative workflows that value mobility without compromise. It works equally well for illustration, photo retouching, social media assets, mockups, and visual experimentation.
The app does not try to mimic desktop conventions. Instead, it adapts professional tools to the strengths of iPadOS.
It sets a new bar for what creative apps on iPad can be.
