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Software · head to head

Lunacy vs Pixelmator Pro

Lunacy logo

Lunacy

Software

Free design software that keeps your flow

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Pixelmator Pro logo

Pixelmator Pro

Software

Professional image editing for Mac

From
$49.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Lunacy has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers; Pixelmator Pro macOS only - no Windows, iPad, or mobile support
  • They diverge on capability: Lunacy covers Vector editing, Pixelmator Pro covers ML-powered editing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lunacy and Pixelmator Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where Lunacy and Pixelmator Pro differ
AttributeLunacyPixelmator Pro
Starting priceFree$49.99/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxmacOS
Founded20162007

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Lunacy

  • Vector editing
  • Auto layouts
  • Components
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Built-in photos & icons
  • AI background remover
  • AI upscaler
  • Sketch file support

Only in Pixelmator Pro

  • ML-powered editing
  • Non-destructive editing
  • RAW support
  • Layer styles
  • Color adjustments
  • Photos app
  • iCloud
  • Apple Silicon optimization

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Lunacy

  • UI/UX designnot Pixelmator Pro
  • Web designnot Pixelmator Pro
  • Mobile app designnot Pixelmator Pro
  • Icon designnot Pixelmator Pro
  • Marketing graphicsnot Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro

  • Photo editingnot Lunacy
  • Graphic designnot Lunacy
  • Digital artnot Lunacy
  • Image retouchingnot Lunacy

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Lunacy

  • Desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
  • Animation capabilities are basic, lacking timeline-based animation editing or spring physics available in modern design tools
  • Paid collaboration features, unlike Figma's free cloud-based team collaboration

Pixelmator Pro

  • macOS only - no Windows, iPad, or mobile support
  • Less comprehensive feature set compared to Photoshop
  • Smaller community and fewer third-party plugins than Photoshop
  • Less suitable for professional print workflows compared to industry standards

Pricing, plan by plan

Lunacy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.

Pixelmator Pro

$49.99/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the Pixelmator Pro review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Lunacy if

  • You need vector editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want auto layouts.
Lunacy review

Choose Pixelmator Pro if

  • You need ml-powered editing.
  • You work on macOS.
  • You also want non-destructive editing.
Pixelmator Pro review

Questions people ask

Is Lunacy or Pixelmator Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. Lunacy starts at Free and Pixelmator Pro at $49.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lunacy or Pixelmator Pro?
Lunacy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Lunacy and $49.99/one-time for Pixelmator Pro.
Does Lunacy or Pixelmator Pro run on more platforms?
Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Pixelmator Pro runs on macOS.
Can I use Lunacy for free?
Yes. Lunacy has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Pixelmator Pro starts at $49.99/one-time.
What is Lunacy best used for?
Lunacy is most often used for ui/ux design, web design, mobile app design, icon design. Of those, ui/ux design and web design are not what Pixelmator Pro is typically brought in for.
What can Lunacy do that Pixelmator Pro cannot?
Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration. Pixelmator Pro covers ML-powered editing, Non-destructive editing, RAW support, Layer styles.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Lunacy: Is Lunacy free to use?

Yes. Lunacy is absolutely free for personal and commercial use. There is no subscription required or trial period limitation.

Source
Pixelmator Pro: Does Pixelmator Pro work offline?

Yes. Pixelmator Pro is a standalone macOS application that works entirely offline with no subscription or cloud connectivity required.

Source
Lunacy: Can Lunacy open and work with Sketch files?

Yes. Lunacy has smooth integration with Sketch files, allowing designers to import and collaborate on Sketch projects without requiring a Sketch subscription.

Source
Pixelmator Pro: What is the price for Pixelmator Pro?

Pixelmator Pro costs $49.99 as a one-time purchase with perpetual license, not a subscription.

Source
Lunacy: Does Lunacy require internet connection to work?

No. Lunacy can work offline, allowing designers to work without an internet connection. It is a desktop application that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Source
Pixelmator Pro: Does Pixelmator Pro support AI-powered editing?

Yes. Pixelmator Pro includes ML-powered features like automatic background removal, smart color adjustments, and ML-based auto-enhancement of photos.

Source
Lunacy: What are Lunacy's hardware requirements?

Lunacy is not demanding on hardware and runs smoothly even on moderate laptops. It has minimal system requirements compared to resource-intensive design tools.

Source
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