Pixelmator updates to lucky number 1.3

I admit it: I’m dual image-editor kind of guy. I run both Flying Meat’s excellent Acorn and Pixelmator because I often find that one is better than the other for different tasks. I’m a fan of both, though, so I’m psyched to see Pixelmator’s new 1.3 release, code-named Tempo.

The new version offers both new features and refinements on existing capabilities and there’s a lot of both. Among the biggest improvements are a new click-and-drag method of using the Magic Wand, Paint Bucket, and Magic eraser tools. Instead of just clicking and ending up with a selection, you can now “paint” the section you want to affect, seeing the changes in real time. In addition, the adjustment tools have been redesigned, giving a new wheel-based interface to the Hue and Saturation, Colorize, and Replace Color commands. And a Smart Palette Hide ability reduces clutter for when you’re using certain features like filters and adjustments, fading the other palettes out so you can give all your concentration to the image at hand.

They’ve also fixed one of my biggest gripes: a tool palette on which many of the icons were virtually impossible to distinguish because of the dark coloration; the icons are now bigger and higher contrast, making it far easier to use. Pixelmator 1.3 is a free update to owners of any version of Pixelmator 1.x; a full version will run you $60.