Seashore is a free pixel-based image editor for Mac users. While there are quite a few free image editors for Windows users there is less of a selection for OS X, though GIMP, probably the best known of the free image editors, is also available for Mac users. Seashore, however, has the appearance of a native Mac application and offers a generally more cohesive user experience.
Highlights of Seashore
Some of the key features of Seashore include:
- A very clear and coherent user interface
- Support for multiple layers
- Blending modes for layers
- Good range of tools
- Simple image enhancement features
- Small range of image effects
- Comes with PDF user manual
- Can use GIMP brushes
Why Use Seashore?
As mentioned earlier, there are not many options for free pixel-based image editors if you're a Mac user, so the fact that it is available may be enough for some Apple Mac users.
However it is suitable for making a range of image adjustments to improve digital photos, such as changing image contrast and brightness. The provision of layer blending modes means these can also be used as a way of strengthening the appearance of your digital photos.
The inclusion of a number of painting tools and a basic text tool, means that simple posters or leaflets could feasibly be produced using Seashore.
The Limitations of Seashore
Seashore does offer users a pretty convincing set of tools for a free Mac pixel-based image editor, but there are a few aspects that mean it isn't the most powerful option on offer. Firstly, it should be noted that the application is still in development and so may still be subject to some unexpected bugs, but this isn't really that uncommon in free software.
One fairly significant shortcoming is that while users can use layers and combine them in creative ways with a range of blending modes, there is no layer mask feature, which more experienced users may miss. Another frustrating issue for me is the apparent omission of an opacity control for the Clone tool which makes it a bit heavy handed in use and lacking the fine control often required to blend cloned areas into the original image. Photographers may further lament the lack of Dodge and Burn tools, but using layers and painting away areas allows similar effects to be achieved.
System Requirements
Seashore 0.5.0 requires Tiger (OS X 10.4.11) or later, while the earlier version of 0.1.9 is compatible with Panther, Tiger and Leopard (10.3 – 10.5).
Support and Training
Within the Help menu of Seashore, there are options for Seashore Help and Seashore Effects Guide which open PDF manuals that between them cover most of the tools and features of this free pixel-based image editor. Further help may be found at the Seashore forum, though it doesn't appear to be the most active community with more than two years between the third and fourth threads when I looked, though it's possible any questions you have may have already been covered in earlier posts.
Seashore can be downloaded from the official Seashore website.