Acorn review

Acorn is a long-running Mac image editor from Flying Meat and the cheapest paid option on this list, at $29.99 on the Mac App Store. Flying Meat states plainly that Acorn does not use a subscription. Version 8 adds Synth Fill and a Healing Brush for removing objects, subject selection with background removal, a Live Text tool for copying text from images and LUTs for color grading. It supports unlimited layers with more than 25 blending modes, Levels and Curves, clone, dodge and burn, and text on paths for simple logo work. Data Merge automates personalized graphics, and Apple Shortcuts support helps with repeated tasks. File support covers JPEG-XL, WebP, animated GIF and animated PNG. The limits are clear: it runs only on Macs with macOS 14 or later, and it has fewer high-end tools than Pixelmator Pro or Affinity. Flying Meat also sells it directly through its own store, where sale prices sometimes apply.

Who it is for

Mac users who want a low one-time price

Price

$29.99 one-time on the Mac App Store.

Acorn 8 Image editing for humans Only for Mac $29.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Synth Fill and Healing Brush to remove objects
• Subject selection and background removal
• Unlimited layers and over 25 blending modes
• Data Merge for automated personalized graphics
• Imports and exports JPEG-XL, WebP, animated GIF and animated PNG

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: One-time purchase with no subscription, according to Flying Meat
• Strength: Universal binary for Apple Silicon Macs
• Strength: LUT color grading and Apple Shortcuts integration
• Weakness: Mac only
• Weakness: Acorn 8 requires macOS 14 or later
• Weakness: Fewer advanced tools than Affinity or Pixelmator Pro

Key facts

• Price: $29.99 one-time (Mac App Store)
• Subscription: None
• Platform: macOS 14 or later
• Blend modes: Over 25

Where it ranks

Acorn is No. 6 in our Best Photoshop Alternatives verdict.