# Compositor

> Lightweight, open-source image compositing editor for macOS.

Compositor is a lightweight, open-source macOS app built as a focused alternative to Photoshop for compositing workflows. It provides essential photo manipulation tools—including layers, blend modes, masks, and adjustment tools—in a tiny footprint without subscriptions or bloat.

Website: https://robbietilton.com/compositor

## What it is for

- Composite 3D renders or graphics onto live-action photography
- Clean up and retouch images using clone stamp and spot healing
- Mask and blend multiple photo layers with precise brush controls
- Study or modify native macOS image editor code in Xcode

## Features

- Layer management with folders, clipping masks, and layer masks
- Blend modes and opacity adjustments
- Brushes with customizable size, hardness, and opacity
- Clone stamp and spot healing tools
- Adjustment layers, selection tools, and background removal
- Filters including Gaussian blur, motion blur, grain, and lens correction
- Liquify and smear tools
- Small binary size and native Mac performance

## Pricing

Open source. Free and open source

## Details

- Type: Desktop app
- Category: [Design](https://xiry.app/topics/design.md)
- Open source: yes
- Platforms: macOS
- For: Mac users, digital artists, and designers looking for a lightweight, free compositing tool.
- Alternative to: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator Pro, Affinity Photo
- Tags: photo editor, compositing, macos, open source, design, photoshop alternative

## Why it was saved

- [@robbietilton, 18 September 2026](https://x.com/robbietilton/status/2100946395972976843): Adobe-substitute image editor for compositing, worth trying or studying the source.

## Compare

- [Alternatives to Photoshop](https://xiry.app/alternatives/photoshop.md)

## Related

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- [coolshapes](https://xiry.app/resources/coolshapes): Open-source abstract shapes with grainy gradients for design and dev projects. (Website, Free)
- [Lucide](https://xiry.app/resources/lucide-2127): Open-source, tree-shakable icon library for web and mobile interfaces. (Website, Open source)
- [Coolors](https://xiry.app/resources/coolors): Fast color palette generator, scheme explorer, and contrast tool for designers. (Web app, Freemium)
- [Minimal Product Design Cheatsheet](https://xiry.app/resources/minimal-product-design-cheatsheet): Quick typography, color palette, and iconography reference for clean product interfaces. (Tip, Free)
- [Modulor](https://xiry.app/resources/modulor): Open-source, token-driven design system and Figma UI kit by GR8 Tech. (Website, Open source)

Updated 10 October 2026. Page: https://xiry.app/resources/compositor

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