We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us

Bitmap image editor.

3.9
Based on 86 user ratesRead reviews & comments
$39.99
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now

Acorn overview

Acorn is a new image editor built with one goal in mind - simplicity. Fast, easy, and fluid, Acorn provides the options you'll need without any overhead. Acorn feels right, and won't drain your bank account.

  • Take screenshots using Acorn and edit them right away.
  • Chain together image filters to create stunning effects.
  • Layer based image editing, an industry standard.
  • Make new images and layers using your built-in iSight.
  • Easy image and canvas resizing, just by changing the size of your window.
  • Take advantage of every pixel of your monitor with full screen image editing.
  • Tablet sensitive for pressure strokes and using the tablet's eraser.
  • Vector shape and text layers.
  • Freeform, elliptical, rectangular, and magic wand selections.
  • Gradients.
  • Create and apply custom text styles.
  • Control opacity and blending modes for each layer.
  • Write plugins using the Python scripting language, as well as in Objective-C.
  • GPU powered. The same graphics card that makes your gaming experience smooth, helps Acorn fly through the toughest of graphics operations.

What’s new in version 7.4.4

Updated on Feb 27 2024

New Stuff
  • Super Resolution ML resizing. This new option in the Image ▸ Resize Image… menu item lets you increase the size of your image up to 4x using Machine Learning. Or is it AI now? I don't know and don't care, but it's pretty awesome! It packs a ton of crazy statistics and math into a simple little dropdown menu. Give it a shot for your photos, you won't be disappointed. (Super Resolution is for MacOS 12 or later only).
  • Stroke Selections! Finally. You can now perform this long requested feature via the Select menu, and even works with Magic Wand selections (MacOS 11 or later only). Change your stroke size, blending, anti-alias or not, and even add a fill.
  • You can now convert Magic Wand selections to shape layers. This is also super awesome! If you've got a fun outline of something that you want to convert into a shape, this is the way. (MacOS 11 or later only).
  • New "Simple Film Grain" filter, which will add a grainy overlay to your image. Just like Grandpa's photos used to have.
  • The Text Palette now shows what the font looks like in the font pop-up menus.
  • Holding down the backslash key ('\') will temporarily switch off any layer filters you have on selected layers.
  • Neat new trick with the Shortcuts Crop action: If you choose "Custom" as the position and put in negative values, the canvas will expand instead of shrink. A negative X value will increase the size on the left, Y on the bottom, Width on the right, and Height for the top.
  • Various little improvements to the File Info window, including shortcuts (Command 1-4) to switch between the sections.
Other
  • Double clicking on a non-bézier shape with the anchor select tool will now convert it to a bézier shape (previously this only worked with the move tool (shortcut key 'v').
  • The tool palette will now dim tools that you can't use in modal operations (such as when cropping, scaling and rotating, and similar operations).
  • A new Shortcuts action to open images in Acorn.
  • Various improvements to Acorn's SVG importer.
  • Tweaks to the Image Resize window.
  • Tweaks to the Image Meta Data window (which you can get to from the File ▸ File Info… menu).
  • The AppleScript command do filter name "Your Filter Preset Name Here" will now work with filter presets as well. This is in addition to the call filter preset with name command. There is a story behind this. It isn't very good.
  • Various little fixes in the French localization, with a big thanks to Corentin Cras-Méneur for finding those.
  • Acorn is now putting PNG data on the clipboard when using ⌘C in addition to TIFF data (it was previously only doing this for Copy Merged - ⌘⌃C).
  • Acorn is no longer declaring itself as the default editor for a couple of file types, including HEIC (sorry about that!).
  • Acorn now shows a warning when trying to open up a EPS file on MacOS 13 or later (Apple has unfortunately removed support from MacOS).
Fixes
  • Fixed a regression from Acorn 6, where you could drag and drop layers to the + button in the palette to duplicate it, as well as dragging it to the trash button to delete it. So those work again, which is awesome and feels nice.
  • Fixed a bug where blendable layer filters wouldn't always blend correctly when you viewed your image zoomed out.
  • Minor Export window improvements and localization fixes.
  • Minor text tool and color picker interaction fixes.
  • Fixed a drawing issue where the canvas was at wackadoodle zoomed out sizes (thanks magic mouse), and trimmed up bitmap layers were leaving little pixel remains behind when you moved the layer with the arrow keys.
  • Fixed a problem where adding a Hue Shift shape processor without changing its default values would cause problems when trying to save your image in the Acorn file format.
  • Fix for a crasher on some Macs when attempting to create Metal Contexts.
View older Acorn updates

Information

License

Shareware

Size

36.8 MB

Developer’s website

https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/

Downloads

103893

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Apple Silicon
  • macOS 10.14 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about Acorn. All reviews will be posted soon.

What customer like

Performance
Price
Value

What needs improvements

Customization

Acorn qualities

Value
5.0
Ease of use
5.0
Features
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Customer support
5.0

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

MacUpdate Comment Policy. We strongly recommend leaving comments, however comments with abusive words, bullying, personal attacks of any type will be moderated.
0.0

(0 Reviews of )

There are no reviews yet
  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Ervins Strauhmanis
Ervins Strauhmanis
May 10 2023
7.4.2
5.0
May 10 2023
5.0
Version: 7.4.2
Acorn is a one-of-a-kind graphics editor and toolkit that can be automated via scripting. It is user-friendly, powerful, slick, and modern — all that compressed into an app that takes up ±50 MB of disk space. That takes some serious engineering and love of own product on the part of app developers. The support is very friendly and responsive too. Two words — highly recommended. Even though I also own Affinity Photo v1 & v2, I find myself using Acorn more then the former.
mugsuk
mugsuk
Jan 27 2023
7.3.2
0.0
Jan 27 2023
0.0
Version: 7.3.2
IMO no better than Seashore (which actually may be better), and is free - give it a go before shelling out cash
Odysseus
Odysseus
Mar 23 2021
7.0.1
0.0
Mar 23 2021
0.0
Version: 7.0.1
How does this compare to Pixelmator Pro?
zlazkow
zlazkow
Mar 22 2021
7.0
5.0
Mar 22 2021
5.0
Version: 7.0
I kept an eye on Acorn for a very long time, while using GraphicConverter. Then few days what suddenly the price dropped. So I immediately grabbed it. It is sill number two behind GC, but has a different structure, I'd say a different character. And it is quite good.
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Mar 22 2021
7.0
4.0
Mar 22 2021
4.0
Version: 7.0
$20 on sale at half price. $40 when the sale is over. Loads of new features. It's always been one of the easiest image editors to use.
dupap56
dupap56
Dec 7 2020
6.6.3
5.0
Dec 7 2020
5.0
Version: 6.6.3
Simple and cute little editor that does the job well.
JohnB7119
JohnB7119
Mar 7 2019
6.3.2
4.5
Mar 7 2019
4.5
Version: 6.3.2
For $30 I don't see how anyone can go wrong with Acorn. It may not do "everything" but it does way more than the price page reflects. Good stuff.
piquadratpi2
piquadratpi2
Jan 7 2019
6.3
5.0
Jan 7 2019
5.0
Version: 6.3
One of my favourite graphic programs. It is fast, small and has many features (more than I could ever use). I use it since years, never have had any problems and it runs on El Capitan, Sierra, high Sierra and Mojave. And the price is really good, compared with other apps like Adobe PS. The support is great, always get an answer after a few hours and they help me really. In short: a real good and cheap program. Thank you.
brightonpete
brightonpete
Jan 6 2019
6.3
5.0
Jan 6 2019
5.0
Version: 6.3
Great graphics app. I've been using this since it first came out.

Support is excellent, even when I ask dumb questions. They answer back right away, probably cursing me for asking such dumb questions. Gotta like that!
Kris-nx
Kris-nx
Oct 9 2018
6.2.2
0.0
Oct 9 2018
0.0
Version: 6.2.2
Acorn was part of a bundle I purchased about 5 years ago. I didn't think I'd use it but installed it to try it out - all these years later it has become my goto image editor. I own Affinity Photo, Pixelmator, and Photoshop (CS6) but I still find myself launching Acorn for quick edits as it has all the tools I need. Its quick, rarely crashes (on me), and just does the job I need done. I rarely reach out to support but the few times I have the turn around was fast and friendly. This, of course, is just my experience with Acorn. I've recommended it to friends - some love it and others have moved on to something else. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Jayaii
Jayaii
Jun 13 2018
6.1.2
0.0
Jun 13 2018
0.0
Version: 6.1.2
Version 6.1.2 was released back in March, yet it's appearing here again with a June release date.
Wonderwarthog
Wonderwarthog
Mar 16 2018
6.1.1
5.0
Mar 16 2018
5.0
Version: 6.1.1
This must be the most underappreciated app for the Mac ever. Acorn doesn't look like much, but when you use it you'll notice how quickly and easily you just get stuff done. All the layer filters for non destructive editing are super handy. The layered screenshot is super cool.
And the developers. Dude. Fling them a bug report and they'll be back to you in no time. I've been put on beta versions just for that so I could test the fixed bug. Flying Meat deserve your money.
RogerKatz
RogerKatz
Dec 5 2017
6.0.3
0.0
Dec 5 2017
0.0
Version: 6.0.3
The current version is 6.0.4
fiery12
fiery12
Jul 27 2017
6.0
5.0
Jul 27 2017
5.0
Version: 6.0
I tried the new Acorn 6 and for me these features immediately stand out:
- Layered screenshots - great feature where you can make a screenshot of your Desktop and hide any window layer you don't like (including Dock, system clock, etc.)
- Anti-aliasing Text
- The new Path Text Tool

These features are missing from Affinity Photo, so Acorn performs better with text. Of course, it misses a lot of Affinity features (i.e. action history), but for its price tag it does a lot.
Masterminter
Masterminter
Jul 26 2017
6.0
3.0
Jul 26 2017
3.0
Version: 6.0
Tried this new version and it still isn't my cup of tea. It doesn't look great and things are confusing. Pixelmator is way more easy to use imo.
ggt667
ggt667
Sep 17 2016
5.5.2
5.0
Sep 17 2016
5.0
Version: 5.5.2
This app is amazing for on screen graphics; especially in combination with Apple's Pixie( There is also https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/14390/pygmy ) Acorn does everything I ever did in Photoshop but better. However when I'm to work with larger images for print I do use Affinity Photo.
Bart-Pans
Bart-Pans
Sep 6 2015
5.0.1
3.0
Sep 6 2015
3.0
Version: 5.0.1
Tried this several times. It far too basic and has an awkward workflow. It just doesn't work like I want it to. Pixelmator is much better imo
Cortig
Cortig
Aug 20 2015
5.0
5.0
Aug 20 2015
5.0
Version: 5.0
Fantastic new version. The version 5 is extremely reactive on my Mac and the shape operations work great for me :-)
zumrywahid
zumrywahid
Apr 20 2015
4.5.4
5.0
Apr 20 2015
5.0
Version: 4.5.4
I love this tool .Someone Please provide me a Reg key.
Psychiatry
Psychiatry
Jul 29 2014
4.5
5.0
Jul 29 2014
5.0
Version: 4.5
Acorn is fantastic for those who want a graphics editor modeled after Photoshop which does 90% of what a person needs without all the heavy duty features and price that Photoshop gives you. I HATE Pixelmator because Pixelmator has too dark of an interface that makes it harder to use and unappealing to start. I would rather use Photoshop any time than Pixelmator. Sure Pixelmator's interface is "cool" but it isn't as useful nor as easy to use as Acorn's interface. Pixelmator also has some arcane ways of doing things. Acorn is much more straight forward to use. For heavy lifting, I love Photoshop. There simply is no other substitute - particularly with the 3rd party plug-ins that GIMP will never have. But for quick rides around town - like on a sports car - Acorn wins. And its price is about the same or less expensive than Pixelmator's price.
Ervins Strauhmanis
Ervins Strauhmanis
Dec 6 2022
7.3
5.0
Dec 6 2022
5.0
Version: 7.3
Craw
Craw
Feb 18 2022
7.1.3
5.0
Feb 18 2022
5.0
Version: 7.1.3
Davebarnes
Davebarnes
Jan 3 2022
7.1.2
3.0
Jan 3 2022
3.0
Version: 7.1.2
pfuzerharry
pfuzerharry
May 13 2021
7.0.3
5.0
May 13 2021
5.0
Version: 7.0.3
dupap56
dupap56
Dec 7 2020
5.0
Dec 7 2020
5.0
Version: null
Aetnaria
Aetnaria
Apr 17 2019
5.0
Apr 17 2019
5.0
Version: null
JohnB7119
JohnB7119
Mar 7 2019
4.5
Mar 7 2019
4.5
Version: null
Kaidoh
Kaidoh
Mar 7 2019
5.0
Mar 7 2019
5.0
Version: null
piquadratpi2
piquadratpi2
Jan 7 2019
5.0
Jan 7 2019
5.0
Version: null
brightonpete
brightonpete
Jan 6 2019
5.0
Jan 6 2019
5.0
Version: null
makareim
makareim
Sep 24 2018
5.0
Sep 24 2018
5.0
Version: null
Wonderwarthog
Wonderwarthog
Mar 16 2018
5.0
Mar 16 2018
5.0
Version: null
tower3120
tower3120
Feb 3 2018
4.0
Feb 3 2018
4.0
Version: null
DonkeyKong
DonkeyKong
Dec 16 2017
2.0
Dec 16 2017
2.0
Version: null
fiery12
fiery12
Jul 27 2017
5.0
Jul 27 2017
5.0
Version: null
Masterminter
Masterminter
Jul 26 2017
3.0
Jul 26 2017
3.0
Version: null
Grug
Grug
Mar 16 2017
5.0
Mar 16 2017
5.0
Version: null
Funjoy
Funjoy
Sep 17 2016
3.0
Sep 17 2016
3.0
Version: null
ggt667
ggt667
Sep 17 2016
5.0
Sep 17 2016
5.0
Version: null
jball0645
jball0645
Jan 25 2016
5.0
Jan 25 2016
5.0
Version: null
SylvainLacroix
SylvainLacroix
Dec 20 2015
3.0
Dec 20 2015
3.0
Version: null
Bart-Pans
Bart-Pans
Sep 6 2015
3.0
Sep 6 2015
3.0
Version: null
Tom-Fulery
Tom-Fulery
Aug 23 2015
3.5
Aug 23 2015
3.5
Version: null
Cortig
Cortig
Aug 20 2015
5.0
Aug 20 2015
5.0
Version: null
zumrywahid
zumrywahid
Apr 20 2015
5.0
Apr 20 2015
5.0
Version: null
Priosantos Jan
Priosantos Jan
Jan 7 2015
3.0
Jan 7 2015
3.0
Version: null
Christel1987
Christel1987
Sep 4 2014
1.0
Sep 4 2014
1.0
Version: null
Psychiatry
Psychiatry
Jul 29 2014
5.0
Jul 29 2014
5.0
Version: null
SoaponaRope
SoaponaRope
Jul 18 2014
4.0
Jul 18 2014
4.0
Version: null
Cyzor
Cyzor
Jun 21 2014
4.5
Jun 21 2014
4.5
Version: null
Baccaroeja
Baccaroeja
Apr 16 2014
1.0
Apr 16 2014
1.0
Version: null
Gary-box
Gary-box
Feb 25 2014
1.5
Feb 25 2014
1.5
Version: null
Waveman
Waveman
Jan 5 2014
2.5
Jan 5 2014
2.5
Version: null
Parkerbennett
Parkerbennett
Dec 7 2013
5.0
Dec 7 2013
5.0
Version: null
WisdomL0RD
WisdomL0RD
Oct 4 2013
2.0
Oct 4 2013
2.0
Version: null
russelladam
russelladam
Aug 15 2013
4.0
Aug 15 2013
4.0
Version: null
Haliomaster
Haliomaster
Aug 13 2013
1.5
Aug 13 2013
1.5
Version: null
-=someone=-
-=someone=-
Jul 19 2013
4.0
Jul 19 2013
4.0
Version: null
MaxWilders
MaxWilders
May 14 2013
1.0
May 14 2013
1.0
Version: null
anonymous-badger-1880
anonymous-badger-1880
May 13 2013
4.0
May 13 2013
4.0
Version: null
$39.99
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now
How would you rate Acorn?
Similar apps
Affinity Photo
Digital editing for photographers and bitmap artists.
Is this app is similar to Affinity Photo? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
14
Upvotes
11
Total score
-3
Downvotes
Seashore
Image manipulator influenced by the GIMP.
Is this app is similar to Seashore? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
3
Upvotes
2
Total score
-1
Downvotes
Diffraction
Intuitive image editor.
Is this app is similar to Diffraction? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
Imagelys Picture Lab
A way of creating an unlimited number of professional quality graphic images in a minimal amount of time.
Is this app is similar to Imagelys Picture Lab? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
Corel Painter
Digital art software featuring realistic painting effects.
Is this app is similar to Corel Painter? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes