Acorn
A native macOS image editor from Flying Meat Inc. that combines layer-based photo retouching, vector shapes, non-destructive filters, and broad export formats in a single-window app without a subscription.
Typical Mac workflow
You open photos or start a blank canvas, organize work in layers with masks and blend modes, then retouch with clone, dodge, burn, smudge, and customizable brushes. Non-destructive curves, levels, and stacked filters let you revisit adjustments later; vector tools handle arrows, Bézier paths, and text on a path for labels and simple layouts. The Command Bar (⌘⇧O) jumps to menu commands or help topics, while Apple Shortcuts, AppleScript, JavaScript, and the acorncli shell tool automate batch crops, exports, and resizing.
Version 8 added AI subject selection, Live Text extraction, data-driven graphics via CSV merge, LUT color grading, JPEG-XL import and export, super-resolution resizing, and layered screenshots. Acorn reads PSD, SVG, RAW, HEIC, WebP, and many other formats, then exports through a live-preview panel to PNG, JPEG, GIF, PDF, and more. ML models for background removal and super resolution download on first use, which keeps the base app smaller for users who skip those features.
Licensing and version 8.6.1
Acorn 8 requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later and runs as a universal binary on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. You buy it once from flyingmeat.com or the Mac App Store (about $29.99 on the App Store) with a 14-day trial on the direct build; there is no subscription. Version 8.6.1, released 3 July 2026, fixes brush-engine problems with canvas selections, older Intel GPUs, and legacy CPU Memory backing settings, corrects overly bright PQ-profile images on the Studio Display XDR, and removes obsolete Renderer and Backing options from the Fussy Stuff settings tab.
