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Flying Meat Software has just released Acorn 8, the latest iteration of its beloved image editing software, and it’s packed with features that will delight casual users and professional designers. If you’re a Mac enthusiast looking for a lightweight yet powerful alternative to Photoshop or Affinity Photo, Acorn 8 might be your new favorite tool. Let’s dive into what makes this release so exciting.

What’s New in Acorn 8?

Acorn 8 is more than just an update—it’s a complete overhaul in many areas. Here are some of the standout features:

• Super Accurate Colors: Acorn now supports over 281 trillion colors for standard images and an astounding 79 octillion colors for 128-bit images. This ensures unparalleled color accuracy, making it perfect for professionals working on high-fidelity projects.

• Non-Destructive Editing: The new Levels and Curves tools are non-destructive, meaning you can tweak adjustments without permanently altering your original image. You can even layer multiple Curves filters for creative experimentation.

• Improved Selection Tools: The bitmap selection tools have been completely rewritten to deliver pixel-perfect accuracy, especially on Retina displays. Whether using the Magic Wand or Instant Alpha tools, expect faster and more precise results.

• PDF Import Enhancements: You can now import PDFs with customizable resolution, page selection, and background color options—ideal for seamlessly integrating vector graphics into your projects.

• Vector Tool Upgrades: Shape layers have always been a strength of Acorn, and now they’re even better. You can add text and shapes on top of images while retaining them as editable vector layers for future revisions.

• Speed Boosts: Everything in Acorn 8 is faster, from compositing to filter previews. Tools like Flood Fill and Render Clouds have received performance bumps, ensuring a smoother workflow.

• Multiple Layer Selection: Managing layers has never been easier. You can now select, move, lock, or delete multiple layers simultaneously—saving time on complex projects.

Why Choose Acorn Over Other Editors?

Acorn has carved out its niche as a lightweight yet feature-rich alternative to heavyweight apps like Photoshop or Affinity Photo. Here’s why users love it:

1. Ease of Use: Acorn perfectly balances simplicity and functionality. It’s user-friendly for beginners while offering advanced tools for professionals.

2. Unique Features: Unlike most editors, Acorn excels at tasks like image compression and working with shape layers—features that are indispensable for web designers and graphic artists.

3. Speed & Efficiency: Acorn is optimized for macOS, making it incredibly fast even on older machines. It’s perfect for quick edits without sacrificing quality.

4. Affordable Pricing: While Photoshop requires a subscription, Acorn offers a one-time purchase model, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious users.

5. Community Love: Many Mac users praise Acorn's versatility and ability to complement other tools like Affinity Photo or Pixelmator. It’s often described as the go-to app for quick edits or specific tasks like scaling images or adding text overlays.

Hidden Gems in Acorn 8

Beyond the headline features, Acorn 8 includes several under-the-radar improvements that deserve attention:

• Scripting Support: Acorn offers robust scripting capabilities to automate repetitive tasks for power users.

• Customizable Preferences: Global settings can now be fine-tuned per document, giving you greater control over your workflow.

• Enhanced Cropping Tool: The crop tool has been refined for more intuitive adjustments, perfect for photographers who want to frame their shots precisely.

What Users Are Saying

The community response to Acorn 8 has been overwhelmingly positive:

• A Reddit user shared that they bought Acorn after just ten minutes with the trial version, praising its ease of use compared to Affinity Photo for more straightforward tasks.

• Another user highlighted its unique ability to retain vector layers in its file format, which sets it apart from competitors like Photomator.

Final Thoughts

Acorn 8 is a testament to Flying Meat Software’s commitment to delivering a top-tier image editor tailored specifically for macOS users. Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a seasoned designer, this release offers something for everyone.

If you haven’t tried Acorn yet, now is the perfect time to explore what this gem of an app can do. With its powerful features, blazing speed, and affordable pricing model, Acorn 8 continues to solidify its place as one of the best image editors available for Mac users today.

Ready to elevate your image editing game? Download Acorn 8 and experience the magic yourself!

Acorn 8 | Full Featured Photo Editor for the Mac