Affinity Photo - Detailed Review
Image Tools
Affinity Photo - Product Overview
Introduction to Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a comprehensive raster graphics editor developed by Serif Ltd., available for macOS, Windows, and iPad. This powerful tool is a popular alternative to Adobe Photoshop, catering to a wide range of users, including professional photographers, artists, and hobbyists.Primary Function
The primary function of Affinity Photo is to edit and retouch images with precision and speed. It offers a wide array of tools and features that enable users to enhance images, create multi-layered compositions, and perform advanced photo editing tasks such as RAW processing, color correction, and image stitching.Target Audience
Affinity Photo is targeted at creative professionals and enthusiasts who need advanced image editing capabilities. This includes photographers, graphic designers, artists, and anyone who requires detailed control over their image editing process. The software is particularly popular among small to medium-sized businesses and individuals who prefer a one-time payment model over subscription-based services.Key Features
Multi-Layer Editing
Affinity Photo supports unlimited layers, allowing users to organize and edit their work efficiently. Each layer can be adjusted independently, making it easier to manage complex compositions.RAW Processing and Color Management
The software offers advanced RAW processing capabilities, including support for over 70 camera RAW file formats. It also supports various color spaces such as RGB, CMYK, LAB, and Greyscale, along with ICC color management.Advanced Selection Tools
Affinity Photo includes sophisticated selection tools like the Selection Brush, Magic Wand, and Pen Tool, which enable precise selections even down to individual strands of hair.Live Filters and Effects
Users can apply live filters and effects, which can be grouped, clipped, masked, or blended together to create complex image compositions.Non-Destructive Editing
The software allows for non-destructive editing, ensuring that the original image remains intact while edits are made. It also supports 16-bit per channel editing and 32-bit HDR PNGs.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Affinity Photo is fully compatible across Windows, Mac, and iPad, allowing users to work seamlessly on any device with 100% file format compatibility.Text and Vector Tools
Users can add and edit text in various fonts and work with vector tools to create detailed designs and compositions.Export Options
The software offers flexible export options, allowing users to save images in multiple formats such as PNG, JPG, PSD, and TIFF. Affinity Photo is a versatile and feature-rich image editing tool that provides professional-grade capabilities at an affordable one-time cost, making it an attractive option for those seeking an alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Affinity Photo - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Affinity Photo is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible to both beginners and professional photographers and designers.Layout and Organization
When you open Affinity Photo, you are presented with a well-organized interface. The main areas include:Center Area
This is where your main image is displayed and ready for editing.Left Area
Here, you’ll find the core tools panel, which includes a variety of editing tools such as brushes, selection tools, and more.Top Menu
This section includes menus like Personas, Document, Edit, and Selection, which provide access to different workspaces and functionalities.Context Toolbar
Located at the top adjacent to the menus, this toolbar changes based on the tool you are using, providing relevant options and settings.Personas
Affinity Photo uses a concept called “Personas,” which are essentially different digital workspaces. The most commonly used is the Photo Persona, where you can access core photo-editing tools, including adjustments, layers, brushes, and filters.Panels
On the right side of the interface, you’ll find various panels such as:Color
Layers
Brushes
Adjustments
These panels offer detailed controls and settings for each aspect of your photo editing process.Ease of Use
The interface is relatively straightforward and easy to understand, especially for those familiar with Adobe products. The layout is clean and uncluttered, making it easier to find the tools you need without excessive customization. Basic details of your photo, such as file format, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, are easily accessible from the top bar.User Experience
Users have reported a positive experience with Affinity Photo, highlighting its ease of use and the intuitive nature of the interface. The software is praised for its ability to handle complex edits and photo manipulations smoothly, even with high-resolution images. The integration with other Affinity products, such as Affinity Publisher, is also a significant advantage for many users.Additional Features
Performance
The software is known for its fast and smooth performance.Customization
The interface is customizable, allowing you to show or hide various panels to suit your workflow.Resource Manager
This feature helps manage embedded and external links to imported images and other content within your document. Overall, Affinity Photo’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, efficient, and powerful, making it a viable alternative to other professional-grade photo editing software. Affinity Photo - Key Features and Functionality
Affinity Photo Overview
Affinity Photo is a powerful image editing software that incorporates several key features and functionalities, although the integration of AI is somewhat limited to external plugins. Here are the main features and how they work:Personas
Affinity Photo operates through different personas, each serving a specific purpose:Photo Persona
This is the default persona for general photo editing. Here, you can perform tasks like retouching, cropping, selections, using brushes, and applying vector tools. You can also add adjustments and filters to your images.Liquify Persona
This persona allows you to make distortions and add warping effects to your images, which is useful for creating caricatures or other creative distortions.Develop Persona
Used for working with raw images, this persona provides tools for adjusting and processing raw files before moving to the Photo Persona for further editing.Stock Panel
Affinity Photo includes a Stock Panel where you can search for free and royalty-free images from Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay without leaving the application. This feature is convenient for finding additional resources to enhance your projects.Live Filters
Live Filters in Affinity Photo allow you to apply filters nondestructively. These filters are applied on a separate layer, so they do not alter the original image. Available filters include Blur, Sharpen, Noise, and Lighting, among others.Plugin Integration
While Affinity Photo itself does not have built-in AI-driven tools, it supports plugins that can integrate AI functionality. For example, the Topaz Photo AI plugin can be manually enabled and used within Affinity Photo. Here’s how it works:Enabling the Plugin
You need to enable the plugin in the Preferences menu by allowing “Unknown” plugins.Using the Plugin
Once enabled, you can access the Topaz Photo AI plugin from the Filters menu, which sends the selected image layer to Photo AI for processing and returns the processed image back to Affinity Photo.Export and Import Options
Affinity Photo offers extensive export and import options, including support for various file formats such as PSD, PDF, EPS, SVG, and more. You can export layers, groups, and pages to multiple formats, and even preserve layers in exported TIFF images. This flexibility is beneficial for working with different projects and sharing files across various platforms.Interoperability
Affinity Photo files can be opened in other Affinity products like Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher, and vice versa. It also supports importing and exporting files from Adobe products such as Photoshop (.psd) and Illustrator (.ai), ensuring smooth workflow transitions between different software suites.Conclusion
In summary, while Affinity Photo itself does not have intrinsic AI-driven features, it can be enhanced with AI-powered plugins like Topaz Photo AI, and it offers a wide range of powerful editing tools and flexible file handling options. Affinity Photo - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Affinity Photo generally performs well, especially in terms of filter application. Many filters in Affinity Photo are noticeably faster than those in Photoshop. For example, filters like the zoom or radial blur are rendered almost immediately in Affinity Photo, whereas Photoshop takes significantly longer to process these effects. However, there are areas where Photoshop outperforms Affinity Photo. For instance, Photoshop’s raw editor, particularly the Camera Raw filter, is more efficient, especially on slower hardware. On a mid-range laptop, adjusting exposure in Photoshop’s Camera Raw filter is instantaneous and smooth, while Affinity Photo’s Develop Persona can struggle to keep up.Accuracy
In terms of accuracy, Affinity Photo has some limitations. One significant issue is the lack of certain advanced editing tools. For example, Affinity Photo does not include content-aware editing tools or AI-based noise reduction, which are features available in Photoshop. Additionally, the viewport accuracy in Affinity Photo can be unreliable. Some users have reported that the viewport display may not accurately reflect the final image quality, particularly when using filters or working with vector-based layers. This can lead to overworking an image without realizing it or missing important details.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Asset Management
Affinity Photo lacks a comprehensive asset management system, including features like catalogs, search functionality, rating, and keywording images. This is a significant drawback for users who rely on these features in their workflow.Documentation and Support
The documentation for Affinity Photo is often vague and unhelpful, which can make learning and troubleshooting more difficult.Workspace Customization
There is no option to save custom workspaces or layouts, which is a major inconvenience for many users.Export and Optimization
Unlike Photoshop, Affinity Photo does not have a “Save for Web” feature, making it harder to optimize images for web use efficiently. Users have to use roundabout methods to achieve similar results.Color Selection
Selecting colors from an image is more complicated in Affinity Photo compared to Photoshop. It requires using the Color Picker tool and additional steps to apply the color, which can be frustrating. Overall, while Affinity Photo offers strong performance in certain areas, it has several limitations that users should be aware of, particularly regarding advanced editing tools, asset management, and user interface functionalities. Affinity Photo - Pricing and Plans
The pricing structure for Affinity Photo is straightforward and subscription-free, which can be quite appealing for those looking to avoid recurring costs.
Pricing Plans
Affinity Photo offers two main pricing plans:Basic Plan (Windows and Mac)
- Price: $54.99
- Payment Model: One-time payment
- Features:
- 360 Image Editing
- Batch Processing
- Digital Painting
- Focus Stacking
- HDR Merge
- Panorama Stitching
- PSD Editing
- Raw Editing
- Smart Object Support
- Unlimited Layers
iPad Plan
- Price: $21.99
- Payment Model: One-time payment
- Features:
- 360 Image Editing
- Batch Processing
- Brush Support
- Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts
- Digital Painting
- Focus Stacking
- Full Suite of Selection Tools
- HDR Merge
- Panorama Stitching
- PSB Import/Export
- PSD Editing and Import/Export
- PSD Smart Object Import
- Raw Editing
- Smart Object Support
- Unlimited Layers
Free Trial
If you’re interested in trying out Affinity Photo before purchasing, you can take advantage of a 7-day free trial. This trial is the full version of the software with no feature limitations, and it does not require any payment details. You can use the trial on Mac, Windows, or iPad, and exported images will not have watermarks.Bundle Option
For those who need multiple Affinity applications, there is a Universal License option that includes Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher for all operating systems (macOS, Windows, and iPadOS) for a one-time payment of $164.99. This structure ensures that you can choose the plan that best fits your needs without committing to ongoing subscription fees. Affinity Photo - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Image Library Applications
Affinity Photo can be easily integrated with popular image library applications such as Lightroom, Luminar, Capture One Pro, and ON1 Photo RAW. For example, you can edit images directly from Lightroom by selecting the image, right-clicking, and choosing “Edit In…” followed by selecting Affinity Photo. This integration allows for a smooth workflow between library management and advanced editing.
Compatibility with Photoshop Files and Plugins
Affinity Photo supports opening and saving files in Adobe’s PSD format, which is particularly useful for collaboration with users who prefer Photoshop. However, it does not support importing Photoshop actions; instead, it offers its own macro system for saving a series of steps into a workflow. Additionally, many Photoshop plugins, including the Nik Collection from DXO, are compatible with Affinity Photo, allowing users to leverage their existing plugin libraries.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Affinity Photo is available on multiple platforms, including macOS, Windows, and iPadOS. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that users can work on their projects regardless of the device they are using. The app is optimized for each platform, leveraging native technologies such as Grand Central Dispatch, Core Graphics, OpenGL, and Metal 2 hardware acceleration on macOS and similar optimizations on Windows and iPadOS.
Camera and File Format Support
Affinity Photo has recently expanded its support for over 50 new camera models, including those from Sony, Panasonic, and Nikon. It also supports various file formats, including RAW files, and has introduced support for 32-bit HDR PNGs, making it suitable for high dynamic range graphics and other advanced imaging needs.
Plugin Support and Third-Party Integrations
Affinity Photo supports a wide range of plugins, including those from ON1, which offer advanced editing capabilities such as effects, HDR, and resize AI. These plugins can also work with other applications like Lightroom, Corel, and Apple Photos, or as standalone applications, enhancing the overall editing experience.
Seamless Integration with Other Affinity Apps
Affinity Photo is part of the Affinity suite, which also includes Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher. These applications integrate seamlessly, allowing users to switch between them without losing any work. This integration is particularly useful for professionals who need to work on different aspects of a project, such as graphic design, photo editing, and page layout.
In summary, Affinity Photo offers strong integration with various image library applications, supports a wide range of file formats and plugins, and is compatible across multiple platforms, making it a highly versatile and user-friendly photo editing tool.
Affinity Photo - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for Affinity Photo
Contacting Customer Support
For any queries or issues, Affinity provides several ways to get in touch. You can email the support team directly at `affinity@serif.com` for general inquiries, billing, refunds, downloads, and licensing issues.Forums
Affinity has an active forum where you can ask questions, report bugs, or request new features. This community-driven platform allows you to interact with other users and the Affinity team to resolve issues and share knowledge.Learning Resources
Affinity offers a wealth of learning resources to help you get the most out of their products:Video Tutorials
Affinity’s YouTube channel hosts a range of tutorials, demos, and behind-the-scenes creative sessions for both beginners and advanced users. These tutorials are available for both the desktop and iPad versions of Affinity Photo.Quickstart Guides
These guides provide an overview of the app, its user interface, and key features, making it easier for new users to get started.Keyboard Shortcuts and Gestures
For desktop users, there are keyboard shortcut cheat-sheets, while iPad users can benefit from a guide on gestures to save time while using the app.Online Help
Comprehensive online help resources are available both within the app and on the Affinity website. These resources provide in-depth explanations of every feature and tool.Affinity Spotlight
This is a platform where you can find additional learning resources, the latest Affinity news, and insightful articles from the Affinity team and leading creatives who use the apps.Product Support
For specific issues related to the product, such as bugs or feature requests, you can visit the product support section on the forums or contact the support team via email.Account Help
If you have queries regarding billing, refunds, downloads, or licensing, there is a dedicated section for account help where you can find answers or contact the support team. By utilizing these resources, you can ensure you get the support and information you need to effectively use Affinity Photo and other products in the suite. Affinity Photo - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo, developed by Serif, offers several significant advantages that make it a compelling alternative to other photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop.
Affordable Pricing
One of the most appealing aspects is its one-time purchase price of $54.99, which is a cost-effective option compared to the recurring subscription model of Adobe Photoshop.
Powerful Editing Tools
Affinity Photo is packed with advanced tools, including non-destructive editing, RAW processing, HDR merging, panorama stitching, and focus stacking. These features make it ideal for creating detailed and high-dynamic-range images.
User-Friendly Interface
The software features a unique interface with separate personas (Photo, Liquify, Develop, Tone Mapping, and Export) that help in organizing and focusing on specific tasks. This layout, although unusual, is intuitive and helps in streamlining the editing process.
Fast Performance
Affinity Photo is optimized for speed, handling large files and complex edits with minimal lag, even on less powerful hardware.
Layer Management and Live Filters
It offers robust layer management and live filters, allowing users to apply effects and see changes in real time without altering the original image.
Disadvantages of Affinity Photo
While Affinity Photo is a powerful tool, it also has some notable disadvantages.
Steep Learning Curve
The software has a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners, due to the lack of extensive learning resources compared to Photoshop. This can make it challenging for new users to get accustomed to its features and interface.
Limited Plugin Support
Affinity Photo does not support as many third-party plugins as Photoshop, which can limit its functionality for users who rely on specific plugins for their editing needs.
No Image Organizing Tools
Unlike some other photo editing software, Affinity Photo lacks tools for organizing and managing image collections, which can be a significant issue for photographers with large libraries.
Limited Automation
The software is not as automated as some other photo editing tools, which can be a disadvantage for photographers who need to quickly process large numbers of images. However, it does support using macros for some automation.
Layers Management and UI Differences
While Affinity Photo offers strong layer management, it is not as advanced as Photoshop’s, and the UI and shortcuts are not always a direct comparison to Photoshop, which can cause some confusion for users switching from Adobe products.
Overall, Affinity Photo is a strong contender in the photo editing software market, offering a wealth of features and a cost-effective solution, but it also comes with some limitations that users should be aware of.
Affinity Photo - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Affinity Photo to Competitors
When comparing Affinity Photo to its competitors in the image editing software category, several key points and unique features stand out.
Features and Tools
Affinity Photo is often likened to Adobe Photoshop due to its comprehensive set of image editing tools. Both programs offer limitless layers, support for most raw image formats, pen tools, and advanced selection options. However, Photoshop has a slight edge in terms of the number of features, particularly with its newer AI-driven selection tools like the object selection tool and automatic subject selection, which are not available in Affinity Photo.
Pricing
One of the most significant differences is the pricing model. Affinity Photo is available for a one-time payment of $69.99, making it a cost-effective option. In contrast, Photoshop is part of the Adobe Photography plan, which requires a monthly subscription of $9.99 or an annual payment of $119.88, and it comes bundled with Lightroom.
User Interface and Workflow
Both Affinity Photo and Photoshop have similar user interfaces, but Affinity Photo’s interface is divided into “personas” or workspaces (Photo, Liquify, Develop, Tone Mapping, and Export), which can make the workflow slightly less cluttered. However, Photoshop offers more customization options for workflow automation.
Compatibility and Integration
Photoshop has better compatibility with third-party plugins and deeper integration with other Adobe tools like Lightroom. Many plugins, such as the Nik Collection, are exclusively developed for Photoshop. Affinity Photo, while compatible with some Photoshop plugins, lacks the same level of integration and support for smart objects.
Unique Features of Affinity Photo
Focus Stacking
Affinity Photo’s focus stacking function is highly praised and comparable to specialized software like Helicon Focus, making it a standout feature for macro and astrophotography.
Haze Removal
The Haze filter in Affinity Photo is more advanced than those in Photoshop and Lightroom, offering more adjustable parameters.
Live Luminosity Masks
Affinity Photo makes creating luminosity masks simpler with its live luminosity mask feature, which is more straightforward than the channel mask method in Photoshop.
Undo History
Affinity Photo saves the undo history with the image file, allowing users to revert to any undo stage even after closing the image.
Alternatives and Considerations
For users who need a comprehensive photo management system in addition to editing tools, Adobe Photoshop bundled with Lightroom might be a better choice. However, if cost is a significant factor and you are looking for a powerful editor without the need for ongoing subscriptions, Affinity Photo is an excellent alternative.
If you require advanced RAW development and cataloging, you might consider using Affinity Photo in conjunction with other software like DxO Photolab for RAW development and Excire Foto for AI-based keywording and image management.
Conclusion
In summary, Affinity Photo offers a strong set of features at a fraction of the cost of Photoshop, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize cost savings and do not need the full suite of Adobe tools. However, for users deeply integrated into the Adobe ecosystem or requiring specific advanced features and plugins, Photoshop remains the more comprehensive choice.
Affinity Photo - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Affinity Photo
Is Affinity Photo Good for Beginners?
Affinity Photo is an excellent choice for beginners. It has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features that are easy to learn. There are numerous tutorials available, both within the software and on platforms like YouTube, to help you get started. The software is also relatively lightweight, making it accessible even on slower computers.Should I Get Lightroom or Affinity Photo?
Both Lightroom and Affinity Photo are powerful tools, but they serve different purposes. Lightroom is better for organizing and processing large numbers of photos, making it ideal for managing your photo library. Affinity Photo, on the other hand, is better for detailed image editing and compositing. If you need to focus on fine details and advanced editing, Affinity Photo is the better choice.Is Affinity Photo Better Than Adobe Photoshop?
Affinity Photo and Adobe Photoshop are both excellent image editing software, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Affinity Photo is generally less expensive and has a more intuitive interface. However, Photoshop is more widely used in the professional industry. If cost is a factor and you prefer a more user-friendly interface, Affinity Photo might be the better choice. However, if you anticipate working in a professional environment where Photoshop is the standard, you might want to stick with Photoshop.Do I Need Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher?
No, you don’t need all three Affinity apps. Affinity Photo is a great all-round image editing app, Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphic editor, and Affinity Publisher is a desktop publishing app. You can choose the app that best suits your needs. If you’re primarily interested in photo editing, Affinity Photo alone would be sufficient.Can Affinity Photo Open and Save PSD Files?
Yes, Affinity Photo can open and save PSD files, which are the native files of Adobe Photoshop. This makes it easy to work with files created in Photoshop and transfer them between different applications.What Are the System Requirements for Affinity Photo?
Affinity Photo can run on relatively modest hardware. The minimum requirements include an Intel Core i3 or equivalent CPU, 4GB of RAM, and about 1GB (Windows) to 2.8GB (macOS) of installation space. However, for better performance, especially with large files and multiple layers, it is recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM and a discrete GPU. For advanced users, configurations with Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, 16GB or more of RAM, and a high-end GPU are recommended.Can Affinity Photo Use Photoshop Brushes?
Yes, Affinity Photo can import and use Photoshop Brushes (.abr files), but there are some limitations. The brush attributes in Affinity Photo are different, so some brushes may not work exactly the same way as they do in Photoshop. You may need to reconfigure them after importing.Is Affinity Photo a One-Time Purchase or Subscription?
Affinity Photo is available as a one-time purchase. There is no subscription plan, and you can buy it for $69.99 for the desktop version or $19.99 for the iPad version. A Universal License that includes all Affinity apps is also available for $169.99.Does Affinity Photo Support Layers, Groups, and Blend Modes?
Yes, Affinity Photo supports layers, layer groups, blending modes, and many other advanced features. It includes tools like Liquify, Content-Aware fill, actions, batch processing, and more, making it comparable to Adobe Photoshop in terms of functionality.Is Affinity Photo a Digital Asset Management (DAM) Software?
No, Affinity Photo is not a Digital Asset Management (DAM) software. It does not have file management capabilities such as organizing files, creating folders, collections, or reading and writing metadata. For DAM needs, you would need software like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or Photo Mechanic.How Many Computers Can I Install Affinity Photo On?
You can install Affinity Photo on as many computers as you personally own, but it is platform-specific. For example, if you buy the Windows version, you can install it on all your Windows PCs but not on macOS. However, the Universal License allows you to install the software on both Windows and macOS computers. Affinity Photo - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a formidable and affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop, offering a wide range of advanced features that cater to photographers and graphic designers of all levels.Key Features and Benefits
- Non-Destructive Editing: Affinity Photo provides a non-destructive editing workflow, allowing users to experiment with different adjustments without altering the original image data.
- RAW Processing and HDR Merge: It handles RAW files seamlessly and offers features like HDR Merge and Focus Stacking, which are essential for capturing high dynamic range images and achieving sharp focus across entire scenes.
- Layer-Based Editing: The software includes a powerful layer-based editing system, similar to Photoshop, which enables users to create complex compositing effects and apply selective adjustments.
- Precise Masking and Selection Tools: Affinity Photo features precise masking tools and a brush for making selections, making it easier to blend layers seamlessly and achieve the desired look.
- User-Friendly Interface: Despite its advanced features, Affinity Photo boasts a clear and intuitive interface, making it accessible to both beginners and professionals.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Professional Photographers: With its advanced features like RAW editing, HDR merging, and focus stacking, Affinity Photo is suitable for professional use. It supports PSD files, making it compatible with Photoshop workflows.
- Nature and Landscape Photographers: The software is particularly beneficial for nature photographers due to its landscape enhancement tools, including sky replacement, lens correction, and selective color adjustments.
- Graphic Designers: Affinity Photo’s layer-based editing, blend modes, and filter options make it a great choice for graphic designers looking for an affordable yet powerful image editing tool.
- Beginners: The user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools make Affinity Photo an excellent choice for those new to photo editing, offering a gentle learning curve without sacrificing functionality.
Overall Recommendation
Affinity Photo is highly recommended for anyone seeking a powerful, yet affordable, image editing software. Here are a few key points to consider:- Affordability: It offers a one-time purchase option, which is significantly more cost-effective than subscription-based models like Adobe Photoshop.
- Performance: The software is known for its speed and efficiency, with fast boot-up times and quick task processing.
- Feature Set: While it may lack some of the specialized tools found in Photoshop, Affinity Photo covers most of the essential features needed for professional-grade photo editing.