Seashore
Robert Engels (originally Mark Pazolli et al.)
Seashore is a free and open-source image editor for macOS, similar to Photoshop/GIMP, but designed to be simpler and easier to use for non-professional users. It supports layers and common image editing features.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Easy to use and simple interface
- Lightweight and fast
- Good for basic image editing tasks
- Free and open-source
Top Dislikes
- Fewer features compared to Photoshop or GIMP
- Outdated interface (sometimes mentioned, but also praised for simplicity)
- Can be unstable in older versions (addressed in recent updates)
Popular Comments
mjpc1003 - Mac App Store
2019-08-12
Delightful to use. This app is splendidly lightweight and quick on its feet. The editing and viewing controls are all ready to hand, but are kept out of the way when you need to focus on the image content. To be honest, a simple app is all I need for working with images, and this fits the bill in a charming and elegant way.
TomEbley - Mac App Store
2024-06-08
Great for small edits. I needed to combine two images and save the result. Completed the work in 5 mins having never used the software before. Worked great, has layers, and you can apply transformations to each layer separately.
DaveinKent - Mac App Store
2019-11-12
Quick and agile. I use this app far, far more than I use the much “bigger” one I also own. For most jobs, it's quicker and simpler to use than anything more sophisticated. Life would be a lot worse without it, to be honest.
Break open - Mac App Store
2023-01-22
Fantastic App. I love Seashore - it's easy to use for most photo editing tasks I need, without Adobe's exorbitant licensing model, and there's an option to support the developer for only $6, which I happily did as it's a no-brainer for me given all I can do with it.
Anonymous - Softonic User
2012-02-19
Slightly odd GUI; no marching ants; primitive color selection... I'm used to Photoshop, Pixelmator, PaintshopPro, and GIMP. This was alien to all and would take a learning curve. Pros: Somewhat good documentation. Somewhat good toolset.
Detailed Review
Seashore is a free and open-source image editor for macOS, positioned as a simpler alternative to more complex programs like GIMP and Photoshop. It's designed for users who need basic to intermediate image editing capabilities without the steep learning curve or extensive feature set of professional-grade software. Seashore is built using Cocoa and is based on the technology of GIMP, utilizing the XCF file format and offering support for other common formats like PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and more.
Standout Features
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, especially for users who find GIMP's interface challenging.
- Layers Support: Enables non-destructive editing and manipulation of different image elements.
- Alpha Channel Editing: Supports transparency, which is essential for web graphics and image compositing.
- Basic Editing Tools: Includes essential tools like brushes, gradients, textures, selection tools, and text tools.
- Lightweight and Fast: Known for its quick loading times and responsiveness, making it suitable for older Macs or quick edits.
- Open Source and Free: Available at no cost, making it accessible to everyone.
Conclusion
Seashore is a solid choice for Mac users seeking a free, easy-to-use image editor for everyday tasks. It's particularly well-suited for users who need a less overwhelming alternative to GIMP or Photoshop for basic photo editing, web graphics, and simple image manipulation. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in professional software, its simplicity, speed, and core functionality make it a valuable tool for non-professionals and those who prefer a streamlined approach to image editing on macOS. Users who need advanced features or are deeply invested in professional workflows may find it limiting, but for the average Mac user, Seashore provides a capable and convenient image editing solution.
