Many feared that AI might replace jobs, particularly for coders, writers, and photo editors. However, as AI evolves, it's becoming evident that it's here to assist us, providing more opportunities for growth in our fields. As a photographer, there are numerous tasks that, while impressive initially, can become tedious over time—like removing backgrounds, isolating objects, or making minor edits. Pixlr, an AI-powered editor, is designed to simplify these tasks.

I tested its efficiency in handling various editing functions, and in this article, I'll share my experience with this Pixlr review, its key features, and whether it truly lives up to the expectations of being a photographer's dream tool.

Introduction to Pixlr

Pixlr is a strong competitor to many desktop photo editing tools. Not only is it free, but it’s also web-based and offers advanced photo editing features that can rival even the most popular desktop apps. You might think there’s a catch, but unfortunately there isn’t any major one.

Pixlr has a clean and intuitive interface, and with its AI integration, it allows for instantaneous editing without the need to spend time perfecting every detail. This makes it an excellent tool for quick touch-ups for social media, blogs, creating cover photos, thumbnails, hooks, or even just for fun.

Versions:

Pixlr offers five major versions, each designed to perform distinct tasks within its specified tool base:

• Pixlr Editor: An advanced photo editor that provides comprehensive tools for detailed and sophisticated photo editing, allowing users to fine-tune their images with precision.

• Pixlr Express: An AI-powered photo editor that simplifies the editing process, enabling quick and easy enhancements, perfect for everyday photo edits and social media updates.

• Pixlr Designer: A tool focused on template creation and animation, allowing users to design anything from social media graphics to animated visuals effortlessly.

• Remove BG: This tool features an auto AI background remover, which quickly and efficiently erases backgrounds from images, making it ideal for creating clean, professional-looking photos.

• Batch Editor: A bulk photo editing tool that allows users to process multiple images at once, streamlining the editing process for large volumes of photos.

Although it is a web-based tool, there's a convenient option at the bottom that allows you to work offline. This feature ensures you can access essential tools and features even when you're not connected to the internet. While the offline mode offers limited functionality, it provides everything you might need to continue your work without interruption, making it a versatile tool that adapts to your needs regardless of your internet connection.

Pricing:

Pixlr offers three pricing plans in addition to its free, simple photo editing option, catering to different levels of user needs:

• Plus Plan: Ideal for users who just need the basics, this plan is ad-free and allows for unlimited saves. It also includes 80 monthly AI credits, making it perfect for those who want to enhance their photos without dealing with ads. The cost is just $1.99 per month.

• Premium Plan: This popular option provides full access to all premium features across all platforms. In addition to being ad-free and offering unlimited saves, it includes 1,000 monthly AI credits and a private mode for AI generations. Users also gain access to an extensive library of fonts, templates, elements, animations, and more, all for $7.99 per month.

• Team Plan: Designed for collaboration, this plan includes management tools for team members and five premium seats, each with 1,000 monthly AI credits. It’s ad-free, offers unlimited saves, and is perfect for teams working together on creative projects. The cost is $12.99 per month.

Pixlr also offers AI Credits which can be used to generate content across all Pixlr tools. For example, you can purchase 200 AI Credits for just $2.99,. This makes it easy to access advanced AI-powered features without committing to a full subscription.

As someone who frequently edits pictures for my blog, I decided to test Pixlr’s AI features to see if it’s worth your money. It's always best to get a hands-on review of a software tool before diving in and potentially regretting it. I’ll cover all its pros and cons along with key features  so you won’t be caught by surprise and can choose whether it’s the right photo editor for you.

Features of Pixlr

Pixlr has offered a fair reason to be a top choice for many photo editors. I particularly noticed that the feature package offered by Pixlr, both paid and free, supports a wide range of editing needs, making it accessible to users with different skill levels and budgets. The notable features of Pixlr are as:

Key Features of Pixlr

• Pixlr Editor: This tool provides a full suite of basic editing features accessible on the left side of the interface that relatively has a low learning curve. If you're new to this tool,simply hover over the tools to explore their functions. Pixlr Editor lets you use these features for free, no sign-in required.

• Pixlr Express: Pixlr Express is an AI-powered editor with advanced features placed on the left-side panel. Highlights of this tool includes Generative Fill for area filling, Generative Expand for edge extension, Face Swap/AI Avatar for avatars, and Backdrop for background changes. It also offers other major AI photo editor features.

• Multi-Platform Support: Pixlr is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, allowing users to edit photos from different devices.

• Templates and Marketplaces: The software provides multi-purpose templates for social media graphics and ads. The Pixlr Marketplace is noted for offering inspiration and resources for design.

• Cross-Platform Functionality: Pixlr supports PSD and its own PXD file format, preserving layers for later editing. It also has a mobile app, Pixlr M, with comparable options.

• Free and Paid Versions: Pixlr offers a free version that includes many features, though there are ads. There are also paid versions with additional features.

Pros and Cons of Pixlr

I tested Pixlr, and needless to say, I was impressed. However, there were some drawbacks that concerned me a bit, and I think this might be the point where you decide whether this tool is right for you or not.

Pros

• Supports Layers: Pixlr X offers the ability to work with multiple layers, allowing for complex image compositions, similar to what you'd find in more advanced desktop software.

• Advanced Editing Tools: The platform comes with a wide range of tools that go beyond basic editing, including options for tweaking vibrance, highlights, shadows, and applying various filters and effects.

• Clear Interface: The icon-based interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and find the tools you need without feeling overwhelmed.

• Cloud Storage: Pixlr offers cloud storage, allowing users to save and access their projects online, ensuring that work is easily accessible and securely stored.

• Dedicated AI Tools: Pixlr provides separate, specialized tools for major AI tasks, including face swaps, generative fill, and more. These features are dedicated solely to these functions, enhancing editing efficiency and keeping the interface organized.

• Multiple Versions: Pixlr offers various versions (Pixlr X, Pixlr E, etc.), catering to different levels of expertise, from beginners to advanced users.

• Online and Offline Modes: Pixlr operates in both online and offline modes, and it also has a mobile version, providing convenience and flexibility for users who need to edit images on the go or without an internet connection.

• Desktop Version: Pixlr has a desktop version available for download from the Microsoft Store, offering the same suite of tools found in the web version, which enhances accessibility and user convenience.

Cons

• Limited Offline Support: As an online tool, Pixlr requires an internet connection and does not have a full version for offline editing.

• Team Collaboration: Pixlr lacks robust team collaboration features, such as a team dashboard for organizing projects, which is available in competitors like Canva. This can be a limitation for businesses and teams working on shared projects.

How to Get Started with Pixlr for Free?

I often use various photo editing tools to make quick edits to my photos, but the complexity of many image editors can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Even simple tasks like removing backgrounds or objects require a lot of precision and focus. That's why I decided to give Pixlr a try, specifically the Pixlr Express version, which offers a range of AI-powered editing tools. Let's dive into a short tutorial on how to get started with Pixlr and see why it stood out during my full review.

Step 1: To get started with the Pixlr Express version, you can either use their online version available on their website or simply open the Microsoft Store to download the Pixlr Desktop app.

Step 2:  If you are using the web version, there is an additional step; the page will initially appear in Simplified Chinese, so you might need to use Google Translate to translate it into English.

Pro Tip: Try using AIPal, a tool that not only provides free translation but can also act as your AI research assistant and much more when you need it.

Step 3: Now, scroll down to find the different Pixlr versions available. Here, click on the "Pixlr Express" option, where you can find all the AI tools.

Step 4: On the Pixlr Express page, click on "Open an image" to upload the image you want to edit.

Step 5: This will open the image in the Pixlr Express editor, where all the tools will be displayed on the left side pane.

Step 6: To view all the AI tools, click on the "AI Tools" icon.

Tip: If you're having trouble finding the right icon, simply hover over any icon to get a description.

Step 7: All the AI tools provided by Pixlr will now be displayed. Now, simply select any AI tool; let's try using the Generative Expand tool.

Step 8: For some tools, you might need to adjust a few settings, such as for Generative Expand.

Note: Some AI tools will require you to use AI credits. The free version provides 20 free AI credits, after which users will need to subscribe to one of the paid plans.

Step 9: Pixlr will then process your image and apply the selected AI tool. For me, Pixlr expanded the background of my picture and also provided 2 unique variants for me to choose from.

Step 10: Once you have finished editing your image, click on the "store" button at the bottom right corner to begin your download.

Step 11: Pixlr offers various download options, including image resolution and format. Choose your preferred settings and click "Save as".

In this Pixlr review of 2024, I used the editor Pixlr's Express multiple features to extend a photo of my dog. I was generally pleased with the results. The AI-generated images turned out quite well, though there's still room for enhancement. However, as I was using the free version, I faced some limitations: I could only download the edited picture a maximum of 3 times for free. I found this a little restrictive but understandably so because the ads in the free version weren’t very invasive to my editing experience and the paid versions offered an ad-free and saves for an unlimited amount of time.

Best Alternative to Pixlr - WPS Photos

Pixlr is a fantastic web-based option for photo editing, but its reliance on an internet connection can be a drawback when you're in a hurry without access to the web. This is why WPS Photos is a premium photo editor choice for many photographers and professionals. WPS Photos offers a powerful offline alternative with a range of features that cater to both beginners and professionals.

Some of the other key features that stood out to me while using WPS Photos for photo editing we as:

• Advanced AI: WPS Photos leverages cutting-edge AI technology to enhance images automatically, providing smart suggestions and adjustments that save time and improve results.

• Beginner-Friendly: The user interface is designed for ease of use, making it accessible even for beginners who are new to photo editing.

• One-Step Office Suite: WPS Photos integrates seamlessly with the WPS Office suite, allowing for easy access to all your editing and office tools in one place, streamlining the workflow.

• Affordable Pricing: WPS Photos offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on features, making it a budget-friendly choice for professional-grade editing.

• Versatile Functionality: The app provides a wide range of editing tools, from basic adjustments to advanced features, all within one platform, making it versatile for different editing needs.

In general, WPS Office offers a promising photo editor with impressive features, providing solid competition to other tools like Pixlr. Here are the steps to obtain and use WPS Office for free, which can help you avoid the limitations found in Pixlr's free version.

Step 1: Open your browser and navigate to the official WPS Office website.

Step 2: Look for the "Free Download" button in the center of the homepage and click on it to start downloading the installer.

Step 3: After the download is complete, double-click the WPS setup file to open the Installation Wizard.

Step 4: To begin the installation process, check the "Terms and Conditions" box.

Step 5: Once you've agreed to the terms, click the "Install Now" button to start the installation. This process may take a few minutes.

Step 6: After the installation is finished, your WPS AI will be ready to use! You can start editing documents or create new presentations using AI tools.

Basically, WPS AI takes photo editing to the next level, offering intelligent suggestions and automatic enhancements that save time and effort, allowing you to achieve the perfect edit with minimal input. It’s worth giving WPS Photos a shot, so download it today for free.

FAQs:

1. Is Pixlr free for users?

Yes, Pixlr offers both free and paid versions. The free version of Pixlr provides a wide range of features and tools that are suitable for most basic to intermediate photo editing tasks. However, the paid version, Pixlr Premium, offers additional advanced tools, higher resolution exports, and an ad-free experience. The free version is accessible online and is a popular choice for users who need a powerful photo editor without the cost of traditional desktop software.

2. How does Pixlr compare to traditional desktop editors like Photoshop?

Pixlr stands as a strong alternative to traditional desktop editors like Photoshop, offering similar features but with the flexibility of an online platform. It’s ideal for users seeking powerful editing tools without the steep learning curve typical of more complex software. Additionally, Pixlr’s user-friendly interface and accessibility make it a practical choice for beginners and those familiar with photo editing.

Pixlr Review: Essential Insights

Everyone, at least once, has to deal with photo editing, whether it’s for a project report, presentation, or something else, even if photography isn’t your field. Pixlr offers a quick solution for such needs, and even those familiar with advanced tools like Photoshop can find it useful. However in the Pixlr review of 2024, I mention that it is both paid and web-based, which means you can only access it online—a drawback if you're paying for a tool. That’s why I prefer WPS Office as my prime choice, with WPS Photos Editor by my side. Download WPS Office to make your workload a bit smoother.