{
  "@context": [
    "https://schema.org",
    {
      "nuanyue": "https://www.nuanyue.com/ns#"
    }
  ],
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "@id": "https://www.nuanyue.com/software/acorn/#software",
  "name": "Acorn",
  "description": "Mac image editor from Flying Meat with non-destructive filters, vector tools, RAW import and a wide export format list, sold as a one-time purchase.",
  "url": "https://www.nuanyue.com/software/acorn/",
  "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.nuanyue.com/software/acorn/",
  "operatingSystem": "macOS",
  "applicationCategory": "DesignApplication",
  "publisher": {
    "name": "Flying Meat",
    "url": "https://flyingmeat.com/"
  },
  "sameAs": [
    "https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/",
    "https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acorn-8/id6737921844?mt=12&uo=4"
  ],
  "softwareVersion": "8.6.3",
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "29.99",
    "priceCurrency": "USD"
  },
  "nuanyue:record": {
    "schemaVersion": 1,
    "id": "software:acorn",
    "slug": "acorn",
    "name": "Acorn",
    "type": "SoftwareApplication",
    "entityType": "image editor",
    "description": "Mac image editor from Flying Meat with non-destructive filters, vector tools, RAW import and a wide export format list, sold as a one-time purchase.",
    "shortDescription": "Mac image editor with non-destructive filters, sold outright.",
    "answer": "Acorn is an image editor for the Mac from Flying Meat, aimed at editing rather than at being a full design suite. It works with layers and non-destructive filters, imports RAW images as 32, 64 or even 128 bit data, and includes vector tools for stars, arrows, Bézier curves and boolean operations alongside a large set of photo effects. Version 8 adds machine-learning features: AI subject selection, Live Text that detects text in an image, and Super Resolution resizing. It exports to JPEG, JPEG-XL, PNG, HEIC, WebP, TIFF, PSD, PDF and SVG, and it can be automated through AppleScript, JavaScript, Automator and Apple Shortcuts. It requires macOS 14 or later and costs $29.99 as a one-time purchase. It suits Mac users who want a capable editor without a subscription.",
    "page": "https://www.nuanyue.com/software/acorn/",
    "dataUrl": "https://www.nuanyue.com/data/software/acorn.json",
    "categories": [
      "design"
    ],
    "tags": [],
    "platform": [
      "macOS"
    ],
    "minOsVersion": "macOS 14",
    "architecture": [],
    "featured": false,
    "pricing": "one-time",
    "pricingDescription": "$29.99 for a single licence, or $19.99 each when buying two or more. The vendor states plainly that there is no subscription: you buy a thing and you get a thing.",
    "price": {
      "amount": 29.99,
      "currency": "USD"
    },
    "currentVersion": "8.6.3",
    "openSource": false,
    "website": "https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/",
    "appStore": "https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acorn-8/id6737921844?mt=12&uo=4",
    "download": "https://flyingmeat.com/download/Acorn-8.6.3.zip",
    "developer": {
      "name": "Flying Meat",
      "website": "https://flyingmeat.com/"
    },
    "icon": "/apps/acorn.png",
    "features": [
      "Layer-based editing with non-destructive curves, levels and filters",
      "AI subject selection that isolates subjects in an image",
      "Live Text tool that detects and copies text found in images",
      "Super Resolution machine-learning image resizing",
      "Data merge that populates text boxes and images from a CSV file",
      "RAW import at 32, 64 or 128 bit",
      "Vector tools including stars, arrows, Bézier curves and boolean operations",
      "Over a hundred photo effects, including tilt shift, vignette and gradients",
      "Text on a path and a circle text tool",
      "Look-up tables for colour grading, and JPEG-XL import and export",
      "Smart layer export at 1x through 5x, similar to slicing",
      "Scriptable through AppleScript, JavaScript, Automator and Apple Shortcuts"
    ],
    "useCases": [
      "Editing a photo with non-destructive adjustments that can be reverted later",
      "Isolating a subject automatically instead of tracing it by hand",
      "Producing 1x to 5x exports for an app from one layered document",
      "Batch processing images through Automator or Apple Shortcuts"
    ],
    "formats": [],
    "integrations": [],
    "pros": [
      {
        "text": "Uses non-destructive curves, levels and filters, so adjustments can be reverted without losing quality.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "Imports RAW images at 32, 64 or even 128 bit for editing directly.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "Exports to a wide range of formats including JPEG-XL, HEIC, WebP, PSD, PDF and SVG.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "Smart layer export produces 1x to 5x assets from one document, similar to slicing.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "Can be automated through AppleScript, JavaScript, Automator and Apple Shortcuts.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "Is a one-time purchase with no subscription.",
        "status": "verified",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ],
    "cons": [
      {
        "text": "Requires macOS 14 or later, so older Macs need the previous major version instead.",
        "status": "verified",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "Closed source, so the application cannot be audited.",
        "status": "verified",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "It is an image editor rather than a design suite, so it does not cover page layout.",
        "status": "derived",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "text": "Photoshop file support is described by the vendor as opening layered PSDs to the best of its ability, not as full compatibility.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ],
    "whoIsItFor": [
      "Mac users who want a capable editor without a subscription",
      "People who automate image work with AppleScript or Shortcuts"
    ],
    "notFor": [
      "Anyone who needs a full layout and page design suite — Acorn is an image editor",
      "Users on macOS 13 or earlier, since Acorn 8 requires macOS 14 or later"
    ],
    "limitations": [
      "Acorn 8 requires macOS 14 or later; the vendor offers Acorn 7.4.6 for macOS 10.14 and newer, and that older version accepts Acorn 8 registration numbers",
      "Closed source, so the application cannot be inspected",
      "Apple Silicon support is not explicitly stated in the sources Nuanyue tracks, though the app uses Metal 2",
      "Photoshop files are opened as well as the application can, which the vendor states as a limitation rather than a guarantee"
    ],
    "firstUse": {
      "installation": {
        "value": "Downloaded from flyingmeat.com; the vendor also publishes a legacy build for older macOS versions.",
        "status": "verified",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      "firstLaunch": {
        "value": "A registration number is entered to unlock the application; no account is required.",
        "status": "derived",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      "systemIntegration": {
        "value": "Automates through AppleScript, JavaScript, Automator and Apple Shortcuts, and exports through a dedicated export window.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      "appleSilicon": {
        "value": null,
        "status": "unknown"
      }
    },
    "updates": [],
    "faq": [
      {
        "question": "How much does Acorn cost?",
        "answer": "Acorn 8 is $29.99 for a single licence, or $19.99 each when you buy two or more.",
        "status": "verified",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "question": "Does Acorn use a subscription?",
        "answer": "No. The vendor states the philosophy directly: you buy a thing, you get a thing.",
        "status": "verified",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "question": "Which macOS version does Acorn 8 need?",
        "answer": "Acorn 8 requires macOS 14 or later. If you are running an older system, Acorn 7.4.6 requires macOS 10.14 or later and will accept Acorn 8 registration numbers.",
        "status": "verified",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "question": "Can Acorn open Photoshop files?",
        "answer": "Yes, with a caveat the vendor states itself: Acorn will open a layered 32-bit PSD to the best of its ability, rather than guaranteeing full compatibility.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "source": "official",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ],
    "relationships": [
      {
        "target": "pixelmator",
        "type": "alternative",
        "reason": "Both are Mac image editors sold as one-time purchases, but Pixelmator Pro is now an Apple product on the App Store while Acorn is an independent app from Flying Meat.",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "target": "gimp",
        "type": "alternative",
        "reason": "Both are general-purpose image editors, but GIMP is free and open source and cross-platform while Acorn is a paid Mac-only application built on native frameworks.",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "target": "affinity-designer",
        "type": "similar",
        "reason": "Both handle vector and raster work, but Affinity is now a free suite covering design, photo and layout while Acorn is a focused paid Mac image editor.",
        "verifiedAt": "2026-10-05T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ],
    "sources": [
      {
        "id": "acorn:app-store",
        "type": "app_store",
        "url": "https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acorn-8/id6737921844?mt=12&uo=4",
        "title": "Acorn on the Mac App Store",
        "trustLevel": "A",
        "accessedAt": null
      },
      {
        "id": "acorn:official",
        "type": "official_website",
        "url": "https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/",
        "title": "Acorn — official website",
        "trustLevel": "B",
        "accessedAt": null
      },
      {
        "id": "acorn:developer",
        "type": "developer",
        "url": "https://flyingmeat.com/",
        "title": "Flying Meat — developer website",
        "trustLevel": "B",
        "accessedAt": null
      }
    ],
    "claims": [
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.isA",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "isA",
        "value": "image editor",
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.supportsPlatform",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "supportsPlatform",
        "value": [
          "macOS"
        ],
        "status": "verified",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.officialWebsite",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "officialWebsite",
        "value": "https://flyingmeat.com/acorn/",
        "status": "verified",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.listedInCategory",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "listedInCategory",
        "value": [
          "design"
        ],
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.pricingModel",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "pricingModel",
        "value": "One-time purchase",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:app-store",
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.price",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "price",
        "value": "USD 29.99",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:app-store",
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.developedBy",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "developedBy",
        "value": "Flying Meat",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:developer",
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.ownership",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "ownership",
        "value": "Third-party product — not published by Nuanyue",
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.currentVersion",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "currentVersion",
        "value": "8.6.3",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:app-store",
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.hasFeature",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "hasFeature",
        "value": [
          "Layer-based editing with non-destructive curves, levels and filters",
          "AI subject selection that isolates subjects in an image",
          "Live Text tool that detects and copies text found in images",
          "Super Resolution machine-learning image resizing",
          "Data merge that populates text boxes and images from a CSV file",
          "RAW import at 32, 64 or 128 bit",
          "Vector tools including stars, arrows, Bézier curves and boolean operations",
          "Over a hundred photo effects, including tilt shift, vignette and gradients",
          "Text on a path and a circle text tool",
          "Look-up tables for colour grading, and JPEG-XL import and export",
          "Smart layer export at 1x through 5x, similar to slicing",
          "Scriptable through AppleScript, JavaScript, Automator and Apple Shortcuts"
        ],
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.usedFor",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "usedFor",
        "value": [
          "Editing a photo with non-destructive adjustments that can be reverted later",
          "Isolating a subject automatically instead of tracing it by hand",
          "Producing 1x to 5x exports for an app from one layered document",
          "Batch processing images through Automator or Apple Shortcuts"
        ],
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.audienceFor",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "audienceFor",
        "value": [
          "Mac users who want a capable editor without a subscription",
          "People who automate image work with AppleScript or Shortcuts"
        ],
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.audienceNotFor",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "audienceNotFor",
        "value": [
          "Anyone who needs a full layout and page design suite — Acorn is an image editor",
          "Users on macOS 13 or earlier, since Acorn 8 requires macOS 14 or later"
        ],
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.limitation",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "limitation",
        "value": [
          "Acorn 8 requires macOS 14 or later; the vendor offers Acorn 7.4.6 for macOS 10.14 and newer, and that older version accepts Acorn 8 registration numbers",
          "Closed source, so the application cannot be inspected",
          "Apple Silicon support is not explicitly stated in the sources Nuanyue tracks, though the app uses Metal 2",
          "Photoshop files are opened as well as the application can, which the vendor states as a limitation rather than a guarantee"
        ],
        "status": "editorially-reviewed",
        "sourceIds": [],
        "lastVerified": null
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.advantage.0",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "advantage",
        "value": "Uses non-destructive curves, levels and filters, so adjustments can be reverted without losing quality.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.advantage.1",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "advantage",
        "value": "Imports RAW images at 32, 64 or even 128 bit for editing directly.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.advantage.2",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "advantage",
        "value": "Exports to a wide range of formats including JPEG-XL, HEIC, WebP, PSD, PDF and SVG.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.advantage.3",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "advantage",
        "value": "Smart layer export produces 1x to 5x assets from one document, similar to slicing.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.advantage.4",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "advantage",
        "value": "Can be automated through AppleScript, JavaScript, Automator and Apple Shortcuts.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.advantage.5",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "advantage",
        "value": "Is a one-time purchase with no subscription.",
        "status": "verified",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.drawback.0",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "drawback",
        "value": "Requires macOS 14 or later, so older Macs need the previous major version instead.",
        "status": "verified",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.drawback.1",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "drawback",
        "value": "Closed source, so the application cannot be audited.",
        "status": "verified",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.drawback.2",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "drawback",
        "value": "It is an image editor rather than a design suite, so it does not cover page layout.",
        "status": "derived",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      },
      {
        "id": "software:acorn.drawback.3",
        "subject": "software:acorn",
        "predicate": "drawback",
        "value": "Photoshop file support is described by the vendor as opening layered PSDs to the best of its ability, not as full compatibility.",
        "status": "developer-stated",
        "sourceIds": [
          "acorn:official"
        ],
        "lastVerified": "2026-10-05"
      }
    ],
    "lastUpdated": "2026-10-07T00:00:00.000Z",
    "lastReviewedAt": null
  }
}