Head-to-head
Krita vs Pixelmator Pro
2 tools, 11 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
The verdict
Krita or Pixelmator Pro?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
KKrita
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
PPixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro for Mac
$49.99 one-time
Bought once on the Mac App Store
Apple Creator Studio
$12.99/mo · $129/yr
Subscription bundle with Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and more; adds the iPad app
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
KKrita
Pros
- Free forever, with no paid tier, subscription or account required.
- Opens and saves PSD files with layers intact.
- Transform masks and filter masks apply edits non-destructively.
- A documented Python scripting API and plugin support extend the app.
Cons
- No AI-based editing tools: no generative fill, AI upscaling, or automatic background removal.
- No batch processing across multiple files, only per-file Python scripting.
- No iOS or iPadOS version; it runs on Windows, macOS and Android in beta.
PPixelmator Pro
Pros
- The Mac app can be bought once, with no subscription, and you keep it.
- Machine-learning background removal, object removal and upscaling built in.
- Opens and develops camera RAW files directly as layers.
- Non-destructive effects that can be adjusted or reverted later.
Cons
- No CMYK color profile; only RGB is supported.
- No plugin or extension system beyond an OS-level Photos app extension.
- No batch processing across multiple files.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1998 | — |
| HQ | Netherlands | United States |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (beta) | Mac, iPad |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | — | One-time purchase or subscription |
| Free plan | Yes, the whole app | No |
| Free trial | No | Yes, 30 days (Apple Creator Studio) |
| Starting price | Free | $49.99 one-time (Mac) |
| All plans | Free — Free | Pixelmator Pro for Mac — $49.99 one-time Apple Creator Studio — $12.99/mo |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Artists who want a free, open-source painting and image editor with PSD support and CMYK painting | Mac photographers and designers who want raw editing and AI cleanup tools in an app they can buy once |
| Differentiator | Krita is a free, open-source painting app that works in CMYK and opens and saves layered PSD files. | Pixelmator Pro, now made by Apple, edits raw photos with built-in AI background and object removal. |
| Competitors | Procreate, GIMP, Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Photoshop, Affinity, Krita |
Section 03
Krita vs Pixelmator Pro: common questions
Is Krita or Pixelmator Pro cheaper?
Krita's cheapest paid plan is Free and Pixelmator Pro's is $49.99 one-time (Mac). Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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