Core image-editing workflow
Work with layers, blend modes, selections, channels, quickmask, and layer masks in a single document-oriented editor.
Mojave Paint
Mojave Paint is a native macOS image editor for Apple Silicon with layers, selections, channels, filters, adjustments, and shortcut-driven editing. Export unlocked by $9.99 one-time purchase.
Overview
Mojave Paint is a native macOS image editor for Apple Silicon. It is positioned as a familiar, shortcut-friendly alternative to more automated image tools, with an emphasis on deterministic, manual editing rather than AI-generated effects.
The app focuses on the core parts of bitmap editing: layers, blend modes, selections, channels, painting, transforms, filters, adjustments, and document tabs. The site says the free download is fully featured except for Export, which is unlocked by a $9.99 one-time purchase.
Features
Tabbed document handling
Open multiple documents in tabs, reorder them, drag tabs to new windows, and spring between tabs by dragging layers or pixels.
Editing and retouching tools
Use the paintbrush, pencil, gradient, text, free transform, crop, image/canvas resize, and adjustment tools for common editing tasks.
Filters, adjustments, and layer styles
Apply filters and adjustments, including recent support for layer styles such as drop shadow, stroke, bevel and emboss, and glow effects.
Shortcut-driven workflow
Choose from keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures for canvas navigation, tool behavior, selection changes, and layer management.
Export and service connectivity
Export is described as a paid feature, and the site also mentions connecting to external services.
Use cases
Manual image editing
Edit raster images with layers, masks, selections, channels, and adjustment layers when you want a desktop editor instead of an automated or AI-centric tool.
Shortcut-based workflows
Move quickly through common tasks using keyboard modifiers, mouse gestures, and shortcuts for zooming, panning, cropping, selection changes, and layer operations.
Multi-document editing
Work across multiple open files in tabs, drag documents between windows, and spring between tabs while moving layers or selections.
Image refinement and composition
Apply non-destructive-style editing operations such as transforms, adjustments, filters, and layer styles to refine artwork or photo edits.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built specifically for Apple Silicon and macOS 15 Sequoia.
- Covers a broad set of bitmap-editing tasks, including layers, masks, selections, channels, transforms, filters, and adjustments.
- Supports familiar keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures for efficient editing.
- Tabbed documents and spring-loaded tab behavior support multi-document workflows.
- The free download is described as fully featured apart from Export.
Cons
- No dark mode is offered; the author describes the interface as a neutral 'toasted light mode' instead.
- The app is not complete yet, according to the about page.
- The pricing page was unavailable in the source capture, so some purchase details are only confirmed from the home page.
FAQ
What are the system requirements?
Mojave Paint is built for macOS and requires Apple Silicon as well as macOS 15 Sequoia.
Is Mojave Paint free?
The site describes a free download that includes all features except Export. Export is unlocked with a $9.99 one-time purchase.
What kind of product is it?
The product is a native macOS app focused on image editing with layers, selections, channels, filters, adjustments, text, and painting tools.
How do you work efficiently in the app?
The manual emphasizes keyboard modifiers, mouse gestures, and familiar shortcuts for navigation, tabs, layers, selections, and tools.
Does it support dark mode?
The about page says there is no dark mode and explains that the interface uses a neutral 'toasted light mode' instead.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Image editor
- Platform
- macOS
- Hardware support
- Apple Silicon
- System requirement
- macOS 15 Sequoia
- Domain
- mojavepaint.app
- Export
- $9.99 one-time purchase to unlock
Mojave Paint Alternatives
Pixelcut
Pixelcut is an AI photo editor for product images, social content and video assets. Free and paid plans; mobile app and browser access for individuals and teams.
Petalica Paint
Petalica Paint is a web service for automatic line-art coloring and tracing drawings from photos, with commercial use allowed under stated terms.
Wearvue AI
Wearvue AI generates personalized outfit previews from a photo, refines styles for any occasion, and shows similar real products to shop.
Upscale.media
Upscale.media is an AI image upscaling and enhancement tool by Pixelbin that sharpens low-resolution images in the browser, with bulk processing and API support.
Free Online AI Image Enlarger
Free browser-based AI image enlarger by PhotoAid for upscaling JPEG, WEBP, and PNG photos, especially portraits, without heavy blur.
Magic Eraser
Magic Eraser is an AI-powered tool that allows users to quickly remove unwanted objects, people, text, and blemishes from photos with ease.