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Acorn (software)
Raster graphic editor for macOS

Acorn is a raster graphic editor for macOS developed by August Mueller of Flying Meat Inc, based out of Mukilteo, Washington, United States. Acorn was first released on September 10, 2007 and was built upon the framework of a previous image editing application of Flying Meat Inc., FlySketch.

Acorn makes extensive use of Apple's Core Image framework for its image processing. The native file format of Acorn is .acorn. Acorn combines vector drawing with bitmap editing, and has been described as an alternative to Photoshop. Key features of Acorn include image filters, a custom color picker, a brush designer, and image editing tools such as crop, erase, paint, select, pan, zoom, move, clone, smudge, dodge, and burn.

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Major Features

  • Layers-based editing
  • Layer masks and blending modes
  • Multi-layer screenshots8
  • Nondestructive stackable filters9
  • Curves and levels
  • Multi-stop live gradients
  • Scriptable10
  • Automator support11
  • Built in brush designer to create custom brushes
  • Photoshop brush import
  • Vector shapes, Bézier pen tool, and text tools
  • Shape processor
  • Circle text tool
  • RAW image import
  • Multiple selection tools including quick mask and magic wand
  • Smart layer export
  • Web export
  • Guides, grids, rulers, and snapping
  • Native support for Apple's retina displays
  • Color profile management
  • Deep color image support
  • Documentation online and in ePub format
  • Runs on Metal 212

Version history

VersionInitial Release DateOS CompatibilityNotable Features
1.0 - 1.5.51314September 10, 200710.4 - 10.1015Initial release;16 brush designer,17 fancy crop, open and save JPEG 2000 images
2.0 - 2.6.518September 13, 200910.6 - 10.10 19Layered screenshots, rulers, RAW image support, 64-bit support, touchup tools, JSTalk scripting support, AppleScript support, layer groups, guides and snapping, layer masks, WebP
3.0 - 3.5.220April 12, 201110.6 - 10.10 21Layer styles,22 quick mask, instant alpha,23 live multi-stop gradients, new filters, add/subtract points on Bézier curves, full screen support, autosave and versions, retina canvas support,24 smart layer export, web export scaling, new blending modes 25
4.0 - 4.5.726May 2, 201310.8 - 10.12 27Nondestructive stackable filters,28 curves adjustment,29 vector line join style, multi-layer selection,30 save selection with file, CMYK support when saving as JPEG and TIFF, editable image depth, sharing support, soft eraser, live font updates, live blending updates, share extension for Photos
5.0 - 5.631August 20, 201510.10+ 32Shape processor, nondestructive curves and levels, improved PDF import, Photoshop brush import, image metadata editing, basic SVG support, deep color image support, circle text tool, new color picker, improved color management33
6.0 - 6.3.334July 10, 201710.11+ 35Text on a path, clone tool works across layers and images, new Web Export features, smart layer export settings palette, new Bézier tools, color profiles, make shape from selection 36
7.037March 17, 202110.14+ 38Support for Mac computers with Apple silicon, tabbed document interface, new Export window, animated GIF export, perspective fix and crop tool, new color picker, Spotlight-like command bar39
8.040December 16, 202414+ 41

Reviews and awards

See also

References

  1. Kim, Arnold (September 10, 2007). "New Mac Image Editor Acorn". MacRumors. Retrieved September 28, 2016. http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/10/new-mac-image-editor-acorn-1-0 ↩

  2. Viticci, Frederico (December 18, 2012). "Mac Stories Interviews Gus Mueller". MacStories. Retrieved September 28, 2016. https://www.macstories.net/msinterviews/macstories-interviews-gus-mueller ↩

  3. Lee, Mike; Meyers, Scott (2009). Learn Mac OS X Snow Leopard. New York, NY: Apress. p. 572. ISBN 978-1-4302-1947-7. 978-1-4302-1947-7 ↩

  4. Mueller, August (August 21, 2015). "Acorn, OS 10.11 El Capitan and You". FlyingMeatBlog. Retrieved January 11, 2017. http://www.flyingmeat.com/blog/ ↩

  5. Turbell, Giles (February 21, 2012). "Acorn is a Fine Image Editor for Everyone". CultofMac. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.cultofmac.com/147639/acorn-is-a-fine-image-editor-for-everyone-50-mac-essentials-46// ↩

  6. Friedman, Lex (May 1, 2013). "Review: Acorn 4 adds impressive features and a smart new look". MacWorld. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.macworld.com/article/2036992/review-acorn-4-adds-impressive-features-and-a-smart-new-look.html/ ↩

  7. Chadwick, Danny. "Best Mac Photo Editing Software". TopTenReviews. Archived from the original on 2025-02-20. Retrieved November 7, 2016. https://archive.today/20250220160228/https://web.archive.org/web/20160730121807/http://www.toptenreviews.com/software/multimedia/best-mac-photo-editing-software/ ↩

  8. Girard, David (October 30, 2011). "The seed of something great: Acorn 3.1 reviewed". ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://arstechnica.com/apple/2011/10/the-seed-of-something-great-ars-reviews-acorn-31/3/ ↩

  9. Sumra, Husain (May 2, 2013). "Acorn 4 image editor adds improved speed, enhanced user interface, and more". MacRumors. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.macrumors.com/2013/05/02/acorn-4-image-editor-adds-improved-speed-enhanced-user-interface-and-more/ ↩

  10. Blagdon, Jeff (May 2, 2013). "Review: Acorn 4 flies through image editing with new filter UI, improved speed, and curves". TheVerge. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/2/4292166/acorn-4-mac-image-editor-launched-speed-new-ui-curves ↩

  11. Blagdon, Jeff (May 2, 2013). "Review: Acorn 4 flies through image editing with new filter UI, improved speed, and curves". TheVerge. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/2/4292166/acorn-4-mac-image-editor-launched-speed-new-ui-curves ↩

  12. "Acorn Feature List". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved June 21, 2020. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/ ↩

  13. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  14. Berka, Justin (January 5, 2009). "Mac-based image editor Acorn bumped to version 1.5". ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://arstechnica.com/apple/2009/01/mac-based-image-editor-acorn-bumped-to-version-1-5/ ↩

  15. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  16. Chartier, David (September 10, 2007). "Acorn? The OS X image editor we've been waiting for". ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://arstechnica.com/apple/2007/09/first-look-acornthe-image-editor-weve-been-waiting-for/ ↩

  17. Berka, Justin (January 5, 2009). "Mac-based image editor Acorn bumped to version 1.5". ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://arstechnica.com/apple/2009/01/mac-based-image-editor-acorn-bumped-to-version-1-5/ ↩

  18. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  19. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  20. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  21. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  22. Turnbull, Giles (April 20, 2011). "Acorn image editor updated with new features, special price". CultofMac. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://www.cultofmac.com/91208/acorn-image-editor-updated-with-new-features-special-price// ↩

  23. Girard, David (October 30, 2011). "The seed of something great: Acorn 3.1 reviewed". ArsTechnica. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://arstechnica.com/apple/2011/10/the-seed-of-something-great-ars-reviews-acorn-31/3/ ↩

  24. Sorrel, Charlie (June 22, 2012). "Acorn 3.3 to get awesome 'retina canvas'". CultofMac. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.cultofmac.com/175179/acorn-3-3-to-get-awesome-retina-canvas/ ↩

  25. Smith, Barrie. "Acorn Version 3.5.1 Image Editing Software". DigitalPhotographySchool. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://digital-photography-school.com/acorn-version-3-5-1-image-editing-software/ ↩

  26. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  27. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  28. Friedman, Lex (May 1, 2013). "Review: Acorn 4 adds impressive features and a smart new look". MacWorld. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.macworld.com/article/2036992/review-acorn-4-adds-impressive-features-and-a-smart-new-look.html/ ↩

  29. Blagdon, Jeff (May 2, 2013). "Review: Acorn 4 flies through image editing with new filter UI, improved speed, and curves". TheVerge. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/2/4292166/acorn-4-mac-image-editor-launched-speed-new-ui-curves ↩

  30. Sumra, Husain (May 2, 2013). "Acorn 4 image editor adds improved speed, enhanced user interface, and more". MacRumors. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.macrumors.com/2013/05/02/acorn-4-image-editor-adds-improved-speed-enhanced-user-interface-and-more/ ↩

  31. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  32. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  33. Keller, Joseph (August 20, 2015). "Acorn 5 for Mac arrives to let you take control of shapes". iMore. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.imore.com/acorn-5-mac-arrives-let-you-master-your-shapes ↩

  34. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  35. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  36. "Acorn 6". July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2017. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/blog/archives/2017/7/acorn_6.html ↩

  37. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  38. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  39. Mueller, August (March 19, 2021). "Acorn 7". The Shape of Everything. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://shapeof.com/archives/2021/3/acorn_7.html ↩

  40. "Acorn Release Notes". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. https://secure.flyingmeat.com/acorn/releasenotes.html ↩

  41. "Acorn FAQ". Flying Meat Inc. Retrieved March 20, 2021. http://www.flyingmeat.com/acorn/docs/faq.html ↩

  42. "Acorn image editor worth scooping up". The Houston Chronicle. February 19, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2016. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/drmac/article/Acorn-image-editor-worth-scooping-up-4493361.php?t=3341fe3803b05374ef ↩

  43. Gibbs, Samuel (May 6, 2013). "The 25 Best Alternatives to Photoshop". The Guardian. Retrieved November 7, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/19/25-alternatives-to-photoshop-image-editing ↩

  44. "25th Annual Editor's Choice". MacWorld. December 10, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2016. http://www.macworld.com/article/1144949/editorschoice2009.html?page=2 ↩

  45. Viticci, Frederico (December 17, 2013). "Apple Posts "Best of 2013" iTunes Lists". MacStories. Retrieved September 28, 2016. https://www.macstories.net/news/apple-posts-best-of-2013-itunes-lists/ ↩

  46. Turbell, Giles (February 21, 2012). "Acorn is a Fine Image Editor for Everyone". CultofMac. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.cultofmac.com/147639/acorn-is-a-fine-image-editor-for-everyone-50-mac-essentials-46// ↩

  47. Nelson, Tom (August 29, 2016). "Acorn 5: Tom's Mac Software Pick". LifeWire. Retrieved January 23, 2017. https://www.lifewire.com/acorn-5-toms-mac-software-2259815/ ↩

  48. Lobo, Pedro (July 5, 2013). "Clash of the Image Editors: Acorn vs Pixelmator". MacAppstorm. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://mac.appstorm.net/general/clash-of-the-image-editors-acorn-vs-pixelmator/ ↩

  49. Friedman, Lex (May 1, 2013). "Review: Acorn 4 adds impressive features and a smart new look". MacWorld. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.macworld.com/article/2036992/review-acorn-4-adds-impressive-features-and-a-smart-new-look.html/ ↩

  50. Blagdon, Jeff (May 2, 2013). "Review: Acorn 4 flies through image editing with new filter UI, improved speed, and curves". TheVerge. Retrieved January 9, 2017. https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/2/4292166/acorn-4-mac-image-editor-launched-speed-new-ui-curves ↩

  51. Stewart, Craig (August 4, 2016). "16 essential photo editor apps". CreativeBloq. Retrieved January 9, 2017. http://www.creativebloq.com/software/best-photo-editor-51411752/ ↩