If you're looking for a simple but powerful image editor that doesn't scrimp on features, then Acorn is an interesting option.
Acorn excels in keeping things simple and gives you the essential tools to edit images like shapes, text, drawings or gradients. Layers are really easy to add or remove thanks to the plus and the minus buttons at the bottom of the interface. You'll also find that brush strokes in Acorn are surprisingly sensitive according to the amount of pressure you apply them with.
If you're used to the power of Photoshop, however, then Acorn will undoubtedly disappoint. Acorn is aimed somewhere in the middle of those that want powerful features such as filtering and vectoring but without the advanced features you find in high-end image editing apps. However, for those that have found Photoshop's extensive menus frustrating, they may well prefer it.
Acorn 3 looks very much like version 2 but offers considerably more power. These include new layer styles, a new Quick Mask tool and Instant Alpha which works like a magic eraser. The interface remains slick and simple to use though making it a great starting point for anyone too intimidated to use Photoshop.
Acorn is an impressive image editing application that punches above its weight and will certainly give those who have struggled with Photoshop something to think about.
