Photoshop vs Pixlr

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Our analysts compared Photoshop vs Pixlr based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Photo Editing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

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Product Basics

Photoshop is a versatile software designed for photo editing, graphics, and design tasks. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for manipulating images, creating digital artwork, and designing graphics. Users can perform tasks such as retouching photos, compositing images, and creating intricate designs with precision. The software is particularly suited for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists due to its robust capabilities and extensive feature set.

Industries such as advertising, marketing, publishing, and web design benefit significantly from Photoshop's advanced functionalities. Unique benefits include its powerful layer-based editing system, extensive brush library, and sophisticated selection tools. Popular features like content-aware fill, smart objects, and customizable workspaces enhance productivity and creativity.

Compared to similar products, users often praise Photoshop for its depth, flexibility, and industry-standard status. Pricing varies, typically offered as a subscription model with monthly or annual payment options. For specific pricing details, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on their needs.

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Pixlr is a versatile photo editing software that offers a range of tools for both basic and advanced image manipulation. It is particularly well-suited for graphic designers, photographers, and social media managers who require a robust yet user-friendly platform for editing images. The software is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps, making it convenient for on-the-go editing.

One of the standout features of Pixlr is its AI-powered tools, which simplify complex editing tasks such as background removal and object cutouts. Additionally, it offers a variety of filters, overlays, and effects that can enhance the visual appeal of photos. Users also appreciate its intuitive interface, which makes it easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.

Compared to similar products, Pixlr is often praised for its affordability and flexibility. Pricing details can vary, so it's advisable to contact SelectHub for a personalized quote based on specific needs.

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$9.99 Monthly
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$5 Monthly, Freemium
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Product Insights

  • Enhanced Creativity: Photoshop provides a wide array of tools and features that allow users to bring their creative visions to life, from intricate photo manipulations to stunning digital paintings.
  • Professional Quality: The software's advanced capabilities ensure that users can produce high-resolution, print-ready images suitable for professional use in marketing, advertising, and publishing.
  • Time Efficiency: With features like batch processing and automated actions, Photoshop helps streamline repetitive tasks, saving valuable time for designers and photographers.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Photoshop's use of layers and masks allows for adjustments and edits without permanently altering the original image, providing flexibility and peace of mind.
  • Versatile File Compatibility: The software supports a wide range of file formats, making it easy to import and export images for various purposes, from web design to print media.
  • Precision and Control: Tools like the Pen Tool and Smart Guides offer unparalleled precision, enabling users to create detailed and accurate designs and selections.
  • Extensive Learning Resources: Adobe offers comprehensive tutorials, forums, and support, making it easier for users to learn and master Photoshop, regardless of their skill level.
  • Integration with Other Adobe Products: Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Illustrator and InDesign, enhances workflow efficiency and project consistency.
  • Customization Options: Users can tailor their workspace and tools to fit their specific needs, improving productivity and comfort during long editing sessions.
  • Advanced Retouching Capabilities: Photoshop's retouching tools, such as the Healing Brush and Clone Stamp, allow for precise corrections and enhancements, making it ideal for portrait and fashion photography.
  • Creative Filters and Effects: A vast library of filters and effects enables users to experiment with different styles and moods, adding unique touches to their projects.
  • Scalability for Different Projects: Whether working on a small social media graphic or a large billboard design, Photoshop's tools and features scale to meet the demands of any project size.
  • Collaboration Features: Cloud documents and shared libraries facilitate collaboration among team members, ensuring consistency and efficiency in multi-person projects.
  • Regular Updates: Adobe frequently updates Photoshop with new features and improvements, ensuring that users always have access to the latest tools and technologies.
  • Global Industry Standard: As the industry standard for photo editing and graphic design, proficiency in Photoshop is a valuable skill that enhances career opportunities and professional credibility.
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  • Cost-Effective: Pixlr offers a free version with robust features, making it accessible for individuals and small businesses without a large budget for software.
  • Ease of Use: The intuitive interface allows users of all skill levels to quickly learn and navigate the software, reducing the learning curve associated with photo editing.
  • Cloud-Based Access: Being a web-based application, Pixlr can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, facilitating remote work and collaboration.
  • Time Efficiency: With a variety of pre-made templates and one-click tools, users can complete complex editing tasks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional software.
  • Versatility: Pixlr supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, PNG, and JPEG, ensuring compatibility with other software and ease of file sharing.
  • Advanced Editing Tools: Despite being user-friendly, Pixlr includes advanced features like layers, masks, and blending modes, catering to professional needs.
  • Regular Updates: The software is frequently updated with new features and improvements, ensuring users have access to the latest tools and technologies.
  • Community Support: A large user community and extensive online resources, including tutorials and forums, provide valuable support and inspiration.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Pixlr works seamlessly on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering flexibility for diverse user environments.
  • Security: As a cloud-based service, Pixlr employs robust security measures to protect user data and privacy, giving users peace of mind.
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  • Layers: Allows for non-destructive editing by stacking multiple elements in a single image.
  • Selection Tools: Includes the Magic Wand, Lasso, and Quick Selection tools for precise area selections.
  • Adjustment Layers: Enables color and tonal adjustments without altering the original image.
  • Brush Tool: Offers customizable brushes for painting and retouching with various textures and effects.
  • Clone Stamp Tool: Copies pixels from one part of an image to another, useful for removing imperfections.
  • Smart Objects: Embeds images or vector graphics in a way that preserves their original quality when transformed.
  • Filters: Provides a range of effects like blur, sharpen, and distort to enhance or stylize images.
  • Pen Tool: Creates precise paths and shapes, essential for vector-based design and complex selections.
  • Content-Aware Fill: Automatically fills in selected areas by analyzing surrounding pixels, ideal for removing unwanted objects.
  • Text Tool: Adds and customizes text with various fonts, sizes, and styles directly onto images.
  • Layer Masks: Controls the visibility of different parts of a layer, allowing for seamless blending and compositing.
  • Blend Modes: Alters how layers interact with each other, offering creative options for combining images.
  • History Panel: Tracks and allows undoing multiple steps, providing flexibility in the editing process.
  • Actions: Automates repetitive tasks by recording and replaying a series of steps, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • 3D Tools: Enables the creation and manipulation of 3D objects and scenes within a 2D workspace.
  • Camera Raw: Processes raw images with advanced controls for exposure, color balance, and detail enhancement.
  • Liquify Tool: Warps and reshapes image areas, useful for retouching portraits and creating artistic effects.
  • Artboards: Manages multiple layouts within a single document, ideal for web and app design projects.
  • Vector Shapes: Draws and edits scalable shapes and paths, essential for logo design and illustrations.
  • Export Options: Supports various file formats and export settings, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices.
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  • AI-Powered Tools: Leverage artificial intelligence for tasks like background removal and photo enhancement, streamlining complex edits.
  • Layer Support: Utilize multiple layers to create intricate designs and composite images, similar to professional-grade software.
  • Wide Range of Filters: Apply various artistic filters to transform the look and feel of your photos with just a few clicks.
  • Advanced Color Correction: Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and more to achieve the perfect color balance in your images.
  • Text Overlay Options: Add customizable text to your photos with a variety of fonts, sizes, and styles to choose from.
  • Brush Tools: Use different brush types and sizes for detailed editing, including retouching and painting effects.
  • Photo Collage Maker: Create visually appealing collages with pre-designed templates and customizable layouts.
  • Object Cloning: Duplicate objects within your image seamlessly using the clone stamp tool.
  • Blending Modes: Experiment with various blending modes to achieve unique visual effects by combining layers.
  • History Tool: Easily revert to previous states of your project with a detailed history panel, allowing for non-destructive editing.
  • Customizable Workspace: Tailor the interface to your workflow by rearranging panels and tools to suit your preferences.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Edit photos on-the-go with Pixlr's mobile app, offering a similar feature set to the desktop version.
  • Template Library: Access a wide array of templates for social media posts, presentations, and more, simplifying the design process.
  • Export Options: Save your work in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, and PSD, to meet different project requirements.
  • Web-Based Platform: Use Pixlr directly in your web browser without the need for software installation, ensuring accessibility from any device.
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Product Ranking

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Photo Editing Software

#3

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Photo Editing Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Basic Editing Tools
Security
Advanced Editing Tools
Platform Capabilities
User Interface and Experience
Basic Editing Tools

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Photoshop
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Advanced Editing Tools Basic Editing Tools Collaboration Platform Capabilities User Interface And Experience 96 100 75 91 91 77 94 64 77 75 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Photoshop and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Photo Editing Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Basic Editing Tools and Security.

Analysts' Pick Award
Basic Editing Tools Award
Security Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Industry Standard: Photoshop is widely recognized as the go-to software in various creative industries, ensuring compatibility and smooth collaboration on projects.
Comprehensive Toolset: From basic adjustments to advanced manipulations, Photoshop offers an extensive array of tools catering to virtually every photo editing and graphic design need.
Powerful RAW Processing: Photoshop provides robust tools for adjusting RAW files, giving photographers extensive control over image parameters from the outset of their workflow.
AI-Powered Features: Features like Neural Filters leverage artificial intelligence to enable complex edits and achieve stunning results with simplified workflows.
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Intuitive Interface: Pixlr is known for its user-friendly design, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate and edit photos efficiently.
AI-Powered Tools: Features like background removal, object removal, and generative fill are powered by AI, enabling quick and efficient edits, particularly useful for tasks like product photography or social media content creation.
Cost-Effective Solution: Pixlr offers a free version with a range of features, making it a budget-friendly option for businesses or individuals looking for basic to intermediate photo editing capabilities.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Accessible on various platforms, including web browsers, desktops, and mobile devices, Pixlr provides flexibility for users to edit photos on the go or from different workspaces.
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Subscription-Based Model: Unlike a one-time purchase, the subscription model means ongoing costs for users, which can be a deterrent for budget-conscious businesses.
Steep Learning Curve: Photoshop's extensive features come with a price - mastering its interface and tools takes time and effort, potentially hindering productivity for new users.
Limited Native RAW Editing: Requiring a separate plugin (Adobe Camera RAW) for native RAW image editing can be seen as an unnecessary hurdle compared to software with built-in RAW support.
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Limited Free Saves: The daily cap on free saves can disrupt workflow, especially for businesses that frequently edit images.
Intrusive Ads: Ads in the mobile app can be distracting and impact user experience, particularly for professionals working on client projects.
Format Changes: Recent updates to the platform's layout and functionality have been met with criticism, potentially impacting user familiarity and efficiency.
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Can Photoshop really shop 'til it drops when it comes to features? User reviews from the last year suggest a resounding "yes," with many considering it the undisputed king of image editing. Users consistently highlight its unparalleled power and versatility as major strengths, particularly praising the depth and breadth of its toolset. For instance, the AI-powered features like Generative Fill and Neural Filters are often lauded for their ability to achieve complex edits with surprising ease, setting Photoshop apart from more streamlined alternatives like PhotoWorks. While Photoshop's subscription model and steep learning curve are commonly cited drawbacks, users generally agree that the investment is justified for professionals and serious hobbyists who require the utmost control and precision in their work.

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Is Pixlr a picture-perfect solution for all your photo editing needs? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag. While Pixlr is often lauded for its user-friendly interface and robust features, some users have voiced concerns. Pixlr is praised for its intuitive design, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. Its extensive toolkit, including layers, filters, and AI-powered features, rivals those found in more expensive software like Photoshop. This makes Pixlr a compelling alternative for budget-conscious users seeking professional-grade editing capabilities. However, the limitations on free saves and the presence of ads, particularly in the mobile app, have left some users feeling frustrated. A key differentiator for Pixlr is its cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to seamlessly switch between the web-based platform and mobile app. This flexibility is particularly valuable for users who require on-the-go editing capabilities. However, some users have reported performance issues and a less intuitive editing experience following recent updates. Overall, Pixlr is best suited for individuals seeking a user-friendly and feature-rich photo editing software without the hefty price tag of professional-grade alternatives. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive toolkit make it ideal for both casual users and professionals working with a limited budget. However, users seeking advanced features and an ad-free experience may find the premium version a worthwhile investment.

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