Archive note — October 23, 2026: This describes a partial workaround for the original Pixelmator on macOS Sonoma 14 in February 2024, not a tested fix for current macOS. The original broad container-deletion command has been withdrawn because it could remove app settings and local data.
I’m a long term Pixelmator user, it has supported me very well during the times I’ve been developing and needed some image trickery.
Until recent it would not start anymore — after I upgraded to macOS Sonoma 14.x. I found out that the product has been revamped to Pixelmator Pro now, but I didn’t want to pay the license again, I’ve one for my current version.
After some long searches in the inter webs fora, I found a reasonable solution.
The original workaround reset Pixelmator’s container data. Before attempting an app-data reset, back up your work and use version-specific guidance from the app’s support team rather than deleting folders with a wildcard command.
Now the app starts again at least, and it saved me another 60 Euros. I’ve still one issue with gradients, when I open the gradients tool, the app crashes, and the same startup problem returns. But so far I can live with that. Somewhere along the way I need to purchase a new license I know, but until then I’m happy to have it back for basic image manipulation and icon creation.