Pixelmator gets better
FREE update to the revolutionary GPU-powered image editor
The Pixelmator Team today released Pixelmator 1.3, codenamed Tempo, a third major update to the revolutionary GPU-powered image editing tool that provides everything needed to create, edit, and enhance still images. Available today as a free software update, Pixelmator 1.3 Tempo features major performance improvements: click-and-drag technology-based Magic Wand, Paint Bucket, and Magic Eraser tools; improved Hue and Saturation, Replace Color, and Colorize tools; Smart Palette Hide; and more.Our only problem with Pixelmator is the same problem we take great offense with Adobe's latest products including Photoshop Elements 6+ -- and that's the dark background. Some brain-child, probably marketing, convinced the developers that the very dark gray would be a 'cool' color to use for the interface. Not only does it make the program difficult to use, it presents a poor background color to view the colors against. We know for fact that all colors "read" better on a 50% gray. But darker or black actually make it more difficult. This is really the only complaint we've found with Pixelmator.
Pixelmator 1.3 Tempo delivers performance gains in almost every function of the application. It takes even more advantage than before of Core Image, OpenGL, and the power of other Mac-only technologies so that dramatic performance improvements are easily seen when one is working with large images - opening and saving, using filters and adjustments, and more.
Pixelmator's new click-and-drag approach in Magic Wand for selecting, Paint Bucket for filling, or Magic Eraser for removing unwanted backgrounds allows the artist simply to drag the mouse and see instant results when working with these tools. Click-and-drag, technology-based tools are easy-to-use and fun, yet they keep all the functionality of same-purpose classic tools.
Pixelmator's new adjustment tools include the redesigned Hue and Saturation, Colorize, and Replace Color tools. These three tools now feature a color wheel with color buttons nearby. Spinning the color buttons will show users what is changed as those buttons go with other colors in the wheel - e.g., red is replaced with green, green is replaced with blue, etc. In addition to the ability of the Hue and Saturation tool to edit different ranges of colors, Replace Color features a new Radius preview slider which shows a black-and-white preview of how much of the selected color will be changed.
The Smart Palette Hide feature solves the problem of palette clutter when one uses adjustment tools or filters in Pixelmator. It makes all the unnecessary palettes temporarily dissolve when any of the adjustment tools or filters are in play, allowing the user to focus on only one image and chosen tool.
Other new and improved features in Pixelmator 1.3 Tempo include improved Type tool, Stroke, an Action Tooltips feature, minor user interface and compatibility improvements, Spanish and French languages, and some bug fixes.
Pixelmator 1.3 Tempo is available to order for $59 (USD). Pixelmator 1.3 Tempo is a free update to current Pixelmator customers. System requirements, as well as a 30-day Pixelmator trial and more information on Pixelmator, can be found at their website.
Pixelmator 1.3
Pixelmator : Direct Download
Founded in 2007 by two brothers, the Pixelmator Team develops practical, fun, innovative, and easy-to-use software for the world's most sophisticated operating system, the Mac OS X. Copyright 2007-2008 Pixelmator. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries. - London, UK - Published on 11/11/08
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