How Pixelmator Pro exports failed with error -50 and the temporary files cleanup that allowed batch processing to complete 

Pixelmator Pro is a favorite tool for many creators. It’s packed with features, sleek, and makes editing images a breeze. But sometimes, even the best tools hit a bump in the road. Imagine you’ve set up a big batch export, hit go, and bam — Error -50 flashes across your screen.

TL;DR: Pixelmator Pro may throw an error -50 during batch exports due to a buildup of temporary files. This can clog the system and confuse the app. Cleaning out these temp files helps restore order. After that, batch processing runs smoothly again.

So, what is Error -50 anyway?

Error -50 is not very descriptive. It’s like your computer saying, “Oops, something went wrong — figure it out!” Technically, it’s a macOS system error. It often means an operation can’t be completed due to a file system issue. Annoyingly vague, right?

In the case of Pixelmator Pro, this error tends to pop up during batch exports. Let’s say you’re exporting 50 edited photos at once. Midway through, Pixelmator Pro chokes, gives the error, and stops. Frustrating!

What causes this error in Pixelmator Pro?

After some sleuthing (thank you, forums and logs!), the culprit was found: temporary files.

When Pixelmator Pro processes files, it creates temporary data in the background. These files are usually self-cleaning. But sometimes, they pile up like dishes in the sink. Then, when you go big on a batch export, Pixelmator Pro gets overwhelmed trying to manage all of them.

Imagine trying to pack your suitcase, only to find it’s already full of stuff you left in there a month ago. That’s what it’s like for Pixelmator dealing with these temporary files.

How to fix Error -50

Time to clean house! Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Quit Pixelmator Pro completely. Make sure it’s not running at all.
2. Open Finder and use Cmd + Shift + G.
3. Type in: ~/Library/Caches
4. Look for folders related to Pixelmator Pro.
5. Delete those temporary files. Don’t worry, this won’t affect your actual projects.
6. Also, check the folder: /private/var/folders. These can hold junk files too.

After cleaning temporary files, restart your Mac for good measure. Now, launch Pixelmator Pro again and try the batch export. It should work like a charm!

Why does this work?

Think of your Mac like a kitchen. Every time Pixelmator cooks up an image, it leaves a few crumbs. If no one sweeps, the crumbs grow into a mess. Once you put that broom to work (i.e. delete temp files), the kitchen becomes clean and efficient again.

This cleanup helps Pixelmator run with less confusion. There are fewer leftover files to manage, and the system doesn’t get tripped up looking for files that don’t matter anymore.

Batch processing tips for Pixelmator Pro

Now that your batch export is back in action, here are a few tips to make it smoother:

• Break up large batches: Instead of exporting 100 images at once, try 20 at a time.
• Restart in between: If you’re doing multiple sessions, restarting Pixelmator helps clear fresh temp files.
• Use consistent formats: Mixing RAW, JPEG, or PSD in one batch can add complexity.
• Clear Cache Weekly: Make it a habit to clear your temporary files every week or so.

These habits can prevent future issues. Plus, you get to feel cool for maintaining your creative tools like a pro.

Is this a bug in Pixelmator Pro?

Maybe. Or maybe it’s just how macOS handles temporary files and app memory. Either way, it’s not just you. Many users have faced the same issue and found this cleanup method works.

Still, the Pixelmator team does regular updates, so it wouldn’t be surprising if a future release handles this problem automatically. Until then, a little hands-on care goes a long way.

Need for a cleanup tool?

If you’re tackling tons of media daily, consider using cleanup apps like:

• CleanMyMac X
• OnyX
• DaisyDisk (to visualize file clutter)

These apps can automate the cleanup and monitor system health. If you’re not super techy, these tools can be life (and creativity) savers.

The joy of smooth exporting

There’s something so satisfying about watching a progress bar complete without interruption. No errors, no crashes — just pure productivity. When Pixelmator Pro exports without hiccups, you can get back to what matters: making awesome stuff.

So now you know — if Error -50 ever interrupts your workflow again, you’ve got the upper hand. Clean up those dusty old files, restart, and batch to your heart’s content.

Final thoughts

Even the best software needs a little maintenance. Pixelmator Pro is no exception. Temporary files are like crumbs — easy to ignore until there’s a pile. But with a bit of cleanup, everything runs smoother. And when things run smooth, creativity flows.

Happy exporting! May your batches be error-free and your images brilliant.