📸 Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo, developed by Serif, is a professional photo editing software positioned as a strong alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It is designed for photographers, digital artists, and graphic designers who need powerful editing tools without the burden of a subscription model.
Affinity Photo provides a comprehensive set of features for photo retouching, image composition, digital painting, RAW editing, HDR merging, panorama stitching, and batch processing. It supports both raster and vector workflows, making it versatile for a wide range of creative tasks.
The software is available on Windows, macOS, and iPad, offering desktop-class editing capabilities across platforms. Its non-destructive editing, adjustment layers, advanced selection tools, and customizable brushes make it a favorite among professionals seeking precision and affordability.
✅ Pros
One-Time Purchase
No subscription required—affordable pricing compared to Adobe Photoshop.
Professional Editing Tools
Advanced features like RAW editing, HDR, panorama stitching, focus stacking, and batch processing.
Non-Destructive Editing
Supports layers, masks, and adjustment layers for flexible workflows.
Cross-Platform Availability
Works on Windows, macOS, and iPad, with consistent features across devices.
High-Performance Engine
Optimized for speed and capable of handling large files and complex edits smoothly.
Customizable Brushes and Painting Tools
Suitable for digital artists and illustrators as well as photographers.
Broad File Format Support
Compatible with PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, PDF, SVG, EPS, and more.
Regular Updates
Serif provides frequent updates to improve performance and add features.
Great Value for Professionals and Hobbyists
Offers Photoshop-level power at a fraction of the cost.
❌ Cons
Smaller Ecosystem
Fewer plugins, tutorials, and third-party integrations compared to Photoshop.
Learning Curve
Some tools and workflows may feel less intuitive for beginners.
No Cloud Collaboration
Lacks real-time collaborative editing, unlike Figma or Adobe's Creative Cloud.
Industry Standard Limitations
While powerful, Photoshop still dominates industry workflows, which may affect compatibility in team environments.
Less Focus on Vector Graphics
Vector tools are present but less advanced than Affinity Designer or Illustrator.
Limited Mobile Options
The iPad app is excellent but still not as seamless as desktop for heavy workflows.
📝 Conclusion
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade photo editing and digital art tool that delivers Photoshop-level power at an accessible one-time cost. It excels in RAW processing, HDR, photo retouching, and digital painting, making it suitable for photographers, artists, and designers alike.
However, its smaller plugin ecosystem, lack of cloud collaboration, and limited industry dominance may make it less appealing in collaborative or enterprise environments.
Overall, Affinity Photo is best for freelancers, hobbyists, and professionals who want a powerful and affordable alternative to Photoshop, especially those who value cross-platform editing and non-subscription pricing.