Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a raster graphics editor for Windows developed by Serif, designed to handle everything from basic photo touch-ups to complex multi-layered compositions.

Tailored for photographers, designers, and creative professionals, Affinity Photo combines robust features with a sleek user interface and remarkable performance.



Key Features

• Non-destructive live filter layers
• Real-time editing and instant preview
• Unlimited layers with advanced layer controls
• RAW image processing
• HDR merge and panorama stitching
• Frequency separation and inpainting tools
• Focus stacking
• 360-degree image editing
• Batch processing
• PSD, PNG, JPG, TIFF, GIF, PDF, and other format support

User Interface

Affinity Photo sports a clean, modern interface that’s both intuitive and highly customizable. It uses "Personas" (modular workspaces) for different editing modes—Photo, Liquify, Develop, Tone Mapping, and Export—making complex tasks more accessible.



The UI is highly responsive and optimized for both mouse and stylus workflows.

Installation and Setup

Installing Affinity Photo on a Windows PC is straightforward. After purchasing the software via the Affinity website or Microsoft Store, you can download the installer and activate the software with your license key. No subscriptions or online account linking is required.

How to Use

Once installed, users can open images directly or import RAW files. The Develop Persona is used for initial RAW processing, after which users can switch to the Photo Persona for detailed editing.



Tools like selection brushes, clone stamps, and live filters allow for high-precision work, and layers and masks provide powerful compositing capabilities. Exporting is seamless with multiple format options.

FAQ

Is Affinity Photo a one-time purchase?
Yes, it’s a one-time payment with free updates for the current version.

Does Affinity Photo support Photoshop files (PSD)?
Yes, it opens and exports PSD files with high fidelity.

Can it handle RAW image editing?
Absolutely. It includes a full-featured RAW processor in the Develop Persona.

Is there a mobile version?
Yes, there is an iPad version, but no Android support as of now.

Does it support plugins?
Yes, many Photoshop-compatible plugins work with Affinity Photo.



Alternatives

Adobe Photoshop – Industry standard, subscription-based

GIMP – Free, open-source, less polished UI

Corel PaintShop Pro – Similar feature set, Windows-only

Pricing

Affinity Photo is available for a one-time purchase of approximately $69.99, often discounted during seasonal sales. No monthly fees or subscription required.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11 or Windows 10
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• CPU: Windows-compatible 64-bit processor
• GPU: DirectX 10-compatible graphics card
• Disk Space: 1 GB for installation

PROS

• Affordable one-time purchase
• Professional-grade editing tools
• Wide format support
• Fast and responsive performance
• Non-destructive workflow

CONS

• Limited third-party plugin ecosystem
• No Android or web version

Conclusion

Affinity Photo is a stellar choice for Windows users seeking a high-powered, budget-friendly alternative to Photoshop. With a wide range of features and no subscription strings attached, it’s a compelling tool for hobbyists and professionals alike. While there’s a bit of a learning curve, the value it provides is hard to beat.

Note: 10 days trial version.

Also Available: Download Affinity Photo for Mac