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Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo
from Wikipedia
Affinity Photo
DeveloperSerif
Initial release9 July 2015; 10 years ago (2015-07-09)
Final release
2.6.5 / 27 October 2025; 3 months ago (2025-10-27)[1]
Operating systemiOS, macOS, Windows
Size994 MB (iOS)
2.85 GB (macOS)
866 MB (Windows)
Available inEnglish, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, Chinese[2]
TypeRaster graphics editor
LicenseProprietary
Websiteaffinity.serif.com/photo/

Affinity Photo is a discontinued raster graphics editor developed by Serif for macOS, Microsoft Windows and iPadOS.

Developed as a successor to Serif’s PhotoPlus and first released in 2015, Affinity Photo was part of a suite alongside Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher, respectively a vector graphics editor and a desktop publishing application.

Affinity used a perpetual license model. In 2025, following the purchase of Serif by Canva in 2024, it was replaced by the freemium Affinity application, bundling raster, vector and layout features together.

Functionality

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Affinity Photo has been described as an Adobe Photoshop alternative, and is compatible with common file formats such as Adobe’s PSD (including Photoshop smart objects).[3][4][5] Functionality includes RAW processing, colour space options, live preview of effects, image stitching, alpha compositing, black point compensation, and optical aberration corrections.[2] Working in Affinity Photo is always live, with pan and zoom at 60 fps and non-destructive editing. It supports unlimited layers and a dedicated workspace for developing RAW photos; as well as RGB, CMYK, LAB, Greyscale colourspaces with ICC colour management and 16-bit per channel editing.[6][2]

Affinity Photo is not an image organiser like Apple Aperture or Adobe Lightroom.[7]

Development

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Affinity Photo icon history
Beta icon
v1 icon
2019 icon
v2 icon

Release

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Affinity Photo began as a raster graphics editor solely for macOS. It was Serif’s second macOS app after Affinity Designer and was similarly built from the ground up to leverage core native technologies, including Grand Central Dispatch, Core Graphics, OpenGL[8] and Metal 2[9] hardware acceleration.[10]

Serif established an R&D team for Affinity Photo in 2009, headed by lead designer Andy Somerfield. A free beta test version was released to the public on 9 February 2015.[11] The initial stable release of Affinity Photo, version 1.3.1, launched on the Mac App Store on 9 July 2015 for macOS 10.7 and later.[12] In August, version 1.3.5 was released providing numerous bug fixes and improvements.[13] Version 1.4, in December 2015, added panorama photo stitching, support for macOS 10.11 El Capitan including six Affinity extensions for Apple Photos,[14] and augmented the languages supported in previous versions (English (US and UK), German, French and Spanish) with Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), and Japanese. Versions 1.4.1 and 1.4.2 in January and June 2016 provided stability and bug fixes, and the app was optimised for macOS 10.12 Sierra with version 1.4.3 in September 2016.[13]

In December, 2016, Serif launched Affinity Photo for Windows and released version 1.5.1 for macOS at the same time,[15] adding a 32-bit RGB editing mode with support for 32-bit file formats and more than 70 new camera RAW file formats, as well as the ability to develop RAW files directly into a 32-bit document. It also added support for the new MacBook Pro with Touchbar.[16]

Affinity Photo for iPad was launched during the keynote at Apple's WWDC in San Jose on 5 June 2017.[17] In September 2017, the iPad version was updated for compatibility with Apple’s new iOS 11.[18] Major updates to Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer were released in November 2017. Affinity Photo 1.6.6 was optimised for macOS 10.13 High Sierra (and Metal 2 acceleration), better integration with Apple Photos, improved Photoshop Plugins support, and added an option to switch between a dark or light user interface.[19] Serif discontinued PhotoPlus in 2017.[20]

In February 2020, version 1.8 added support for Photoshop smart objects in PSD files, and expanded plug-in compatibility, with focus on DxO's Nik Collection of plug-ins.[5] Version 1.9 was released in February 2021, containing performance improvements.[21]

Version 2

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In November 2022, Serif launched the second major version of the Affinity suite. For Photo, it included JPEG XL capabilities, live warping, and non-destructive RAW editing. However, it received criticism online as some users felt the new feature set was not substantial enough to justify a new purchase.[22] This was followed by version 2.1 in May 2023 and version 2.2 in September 2023, adding various UI improvements and support for macOS Sonoma.[23][24] In version 2.4, support for 32-bit HDR PNGs and more camera models was added.[25]

Version 3 and merge into Affinity

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Icon for the combined Affinity v3

In October 2025, Affinity Photo was discontinued in favour of the freemium Affinity by Canva, which has unified the functionality of the three separate Affinity applications.[26][27][28]

Reception

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The macOS version of Affinity Photo was received favourably by professional photographers, and Apple named it as the best Mac app of 2015.[29][30] In 2016, Affinity Photo was awarded the prize for Best Imaging Software by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) at Photokina.[31][32][30] In November 2017, the iPadOS app was named by Apple as its best iPad app of the year,[33][34] and Tom's Guide selected Affinity Photo for their first list of Best Tech Values.[35][36] In February 2019, Affinity Photo received Amateur Photographer's Software of the Year award,[37] followed by Photography News’ Best Software award in March 2019.[38] In 2023, Amateur Photographer presented another award to Affinity Photo for the Photo Editing Software of the Year award.[39]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Affinity Photo is a professional developed by the British software company for macOS, Windows, and platforms. It serves as a comprehensive tool for photo editing and pixel-based image manipulation, offering features such as RAW development, advanced retouching, HDR merging, , and non-destructive editing with unlimited layers and live filters. First released for macOS in July 2015 as a successor to Serif's legacy PhotoPlus application, Affinity Photo expanded to Windows in December 2016 and to in June 2017 during Apple's WWDC keynote. Originally part of the Affinity creative suite—which included separate applications for and Affinity Publisher for layout and publishing, all sharing a unified interface and file format—the tools were relaunched in October 2025 as a single all-in-one Affinity app. Initially offered as a one-time purchase without subscription requirements—priced at around $50–70 depending on the platform—Affinity Photo positioned itself as a cost-effective alternative to . In March 2024, acquired for an undisclosed sum, integrating Affinity's tools into its ecosystem while preserving the perpetual license model. On October 29, 2025, the unified Affinity app—which incorporates photo editing, vector, and capabilities—was made completely free for all users on desktop (macOS and Windows), with the version expected in 2026; optional premium subscriptions unlock additional AI-powered features like generative fill. This shift enhanced accessibility for professionals and enthusiasts, supporting formats including PSD, RAW files from over 300 cameras, and 32-bit workflows in RGB, CMYK, LAB, and color spaces.

Development

Origins and Initial Release

Affinity Photo was developed by , a British established in 1987 and known for its consumer-oriented graphics applications, as a professional successor to its long-standing Windows-based PhotoPlus image editor, which had been part of Serif's Legacy Plus range since the early 2000s. The project represented Serif's strategic shift toward cross-platform tools, beginning with a focus on macOS to compete in the professional photo editing market dominated by . Development efforts culminated in a public beta launch on February 9, 2015, exclusively for macOS, where users could and test the application for free to provide feedback on its raster editing, RAW processing, and non-destructive workflows. The beta generated substantial interest, attracting over 230,000 and praise for its speed and feature parity with established tools, setting the stage for a full release. On July 9, 2015, Serif issued the initial stable version, 1.3.1, for macOS through the and their website, marking Affinity Photo's official entry into the market at a one-time price of $49.99 without any subscription requirements. Expanding beyond macOS, introduced a Windows public beta in November 2016 to broaden accessibility for its traditional user base. The stable Windows release followed shortly after, with version 1.5.1 launching on December 8, 2016, featuring identical functionality to the Mac version, including 32-bit RGB editing and Liquify tools, while maintaining the $49.99 one-time purchase model. In 2017, extended the app to mobile devices with the release on June 5, during Apple's keynote, optimized for touch interfaces and support at an introductory price of $19.99. This multi-platform rollout underscored 's commitment to affordable, perpetual licensing as an alternative to subscription services.

Acquisition by Canva and Merger

In March 2024, acquired , the developer of the Affinity suite including , for an undisclosed amount, marking a significant expansion of Canva's professional design offerings. This acquisition integrated 's team and technology into 's ecosystem, with commitments to maintain the software's independence while enhancing its reach. On October 3, 2025, Affinity announced a temporary pause in sales of its standalone software, including , ahead of anticipated major updates, effectively removing purchase options from its online store and app platforms. This move followed the release of version 2.6.4 on September 23, 2025, which served as the final update for the standalone application. In late October 2025, officially announced the discontinuation of standalone Affinity apps, transitioning them into a unified platform as part of the merger strategy. On October 31, 2025, launched "Affinity by " as version 3.0, a single application that combines the capabilities of Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher, available for free download with premium features unlocked via subscriptions. For existing users, licenses for prior standalone versions remain valid indefinitely, with activation servers and download access preserved, though no further updates will be provided to these installations, potentially limiting compatibility with operating systems or file formats. Users are encouraged to migrate to the new unified app within Canva's to access ongoing development, AI integrations, and cross-platform collaboration tools.

Features

Core Editing Capabilities

The Affinity application's Pixel studio provides a robust foundation for editing, emphasizing non-destructive workflows that allow users to make adjustments without permanently altering original image data. Central to this is its support for unlimited layers, which enables stacking multiple elements such as images, masks, and adjustments while preserving the ability to edit or reorder them at any time. Live previews ensure real-time visualization of changes, including live adjustment layers and live filter layers that apply effects non-destructively with adjustable opacity and . The software includes a dedicated RAW processing engine in its Develop Persona, offering GPU-accelerated tools for developing unprocessed images from supported cameras, with adjustments for exposure, contrast, clarity, and while maintaining non-destructive edits via raw layers. This engine supports RAW files from over 300 camera models, ensuring high-fidelity handling of sensor data before exporting to editable formats. The Affinity application handles professional color workflows through comprehensive support, including RGB, CMYK, LAB, and modes, all managed via ICC profiles for accurate color representation across devices, with full 32-bit workflows available in these spaces. It also facilitates by allowing work with image alpha channels and per-channel blending options, enabling precise control over transparency and layer interactions in composite images, with 16-bit per channel support in RGB, LAB, and for high-precision editing that preserves subtle tonal gradations. For creating expansive scenes, the built-in panorama stitching tool automatically aligns and merges multiple RAW or processed images, applying color and perspective corrections to produce seamless wide-angle composites. Basic tools form the everyday workflow backbone, starting with selection capabilities like the Flood Select Tool for quick color-based isolation and marquee tools for geometric shapes, complemented by the Smart Selection Brush for . Brushes offer a full range of customizable, textured options for and masking, with real-time previews under the nozzle for precise application. Retouching is handled via the Clone Tool for duplicating pixels from a source area and the Inpainting Brush for seamless healing of blemishes, both supporting multiple source options. Adjustment layers provide non-destructive tweaks such as Levels, Curves, and HSL adjustments, allowing targeted modifications to brightness, contrast, and across layers.

Advanced Tools and Compatibility

The Affinity application's Pixel studio provides a suite of advanced tools designed for professional-grade manipulation, emphasizing non-destructive workflows and precision. The software's live effects and filters allow users to apply adjustments such as blurs, glows, outlines, and overlays directly to layers, with real-time previews that update instantly as parameters are modified, enabling iterative experimentation without permanent alterations to the original . The Liquify offers ten specialized tools, including push, twirl, and reconstruct brushes, for reshaping elements like facial features or organic forms through pixel-level distortions. Complementing this, the Warp tool utilizes a mesh-based system for more controlled deformations, such as bending or twisting images to conform to curved surfaces, accessible via the Layer menu for live, non-destructive application. For high-dynamic-range and composite imaging, the Affinity application includes robust algorithms for HDR merging and stitching. The HDR Merge function in the combines bracketed exposures into a single 32-bit linear image, with presets like Natural, Detailed Enhancement, and Dramatic to balance tone and detail, while supporting alignment, de-noising, and tone compression to mitigate artifacts. stitching, handled in the dedicated , automatically aligns and blends multiple overlapping images into seamless wide-angle composites, incorporating options for HDR integration, ghost removal to handle moving subjects, and for cleaner results; for instance, processing three 12-megapixel images typically takes under a minute on modern hardware. As of November 2025, the Affinity application is available on macOS and Windows. The legacy Affinity Photo 2 app for remains available and free, supporting intuitive touch gestures for navigation and editing, such as pinch-to-zoom and two-finger panning, with full integration providing pressure-sensitive input for precise brush strokes, masking, and selections. The new unified Affinity app for is in development. Since October 2025, AI-powered features are available in the Pixel studio for Premium subscribers, including generative fill for expanding or modifying content, background removal, and generation tools, integrated while preserving user privacy by not training on local files. In terms of file compatibility, the Affinity application offers comprehensive support for industry-standard formats, including full and of PSD files that preserve layers, masks, and editable embedded Smart Objects, allowing seamless integration with Photoshop workflows. It also handles 32-bit HDR PNG files with unbounded , retaining transparency and high-fidelity color data for advanced tasks. Unlike digital asset management solutions such as , the Affinity application lacks built-in organization features, focusing instead on editing without tools for cataloging, tagging, or batch importing photos.

Versions

Version 1

Affinity Photo's Version 1 series, spanning from its initial 2015 launch through ongoing updates until 2022, established the software as a robust, cross-platform focused on stability and feature refinement. Initially released for macOS in July 2015, the Windows version followed in late 2016, and the edition arrived in June 2017, achieving near-full feature parity across macOS, Windows, and by the end of that year, including shared file formats and core editing workflows. This parity enabled seamless document interchange between desktop and tablet environments, with the version optimized for input while retaining desktop-grade tools like RAW processing and layer-based . Throughout its run, Version 1 received regular free updates emphasizing performance, compatibility, and workflow enhancements. In February 2020, the v1.8 release introduced support for importing Photoshop PSD files with embedded smart objects, allowing them to be treated as editable embedded documents while preserving layer structures and non-destructive edits. This update also added Canon CR3 RAW file support, improved lens corrections in the Develop Persona, and enhanced metadata editing with user-editable IPTC fields for . The v1.9 update in February 2021 delivered significant performance boosts, including GPU for Windows users (requiring 12.0 support), which accelerated pixel-based operations like filters, adjustments, and painting by up to 10 times. It also enhanced export workflows through consistent RAW processing across platforms via the updated Labs engine, improving and lens corrections for better output quality in formats like and TIFF. Additional refinements included an Persona for stacking and RAW files, along with the new Divide Blend mode for advanced color corrections. Subsequent releases up to v1.10.6 in late 2022 focused on bug fixes and minor enhancements to ensure long-term stability. The v1.10 update in August 2021 re-engineered for up to 10x faster handling of large documents and complex layers, alongside fixes for crashes in text editing, improved panorama stitching, and expanded RAW support for cameras like the . Later patches, such as v1.10.4 and v1.10.6, addressed issues like brush tool inconsistencies, plugin compatibility, and font search crashes on Windows, while adding minor features like support and enhanced de-fringing tools. These updates maintained Version 1's reliability without introducing major overhauls, culminating in a mature product line before the shift to Version 2. Pricing for adhered to a one-time purchase model, starting at $49.99 per platform upon launch and rising to $69.99 by 2021, with no subscription required for updates or future versions within the series. Bundle discounts were offered for the full Affinity suite (Photo, , and Publisher), reducing the combined cost to around $164.99, encouraging adoption across creative workflows. This approach contrasted with subscription-based competitors, appealing to users seeking perpetual licenses with ongoing support until 2022.

Version 2

Affinity Photo Version 2 was released on November 9, 2022, as a major update to the software, available for a one-time purchase price of $69.99, with existing Version 1 owners eligible for an upgrade fee of $40.99 during the promotional launch period. This release introduced a comprehensive UI/UX redesign, featuring a streamlined interface with improved panel , customizable workspaces, and enhanced options to support modern creative workflows across desktop and platforms. The update emphasized performance optimizations, including faster rendering and better resource management, while maintaining the one-time purchase model with subtle integrations for the broader Affinity suite, such as universal licensing across Photo, Designer, and Publisher. Key additions in Version 2 focused on expanding non-destructive editing capabilities and modern file handling. Support for the format was implemented for both import and export, enabling higher compression efficiency and lossless editing for high-quality images. Live warping tools, including the Mesh Warp and Perspective Warp live filters, allowed users to distort and reshape image elements non-destructively, preserving original layers for iterative adjustments in professional compositing tasks. Improved RAW handling introduced non-destructive development, where users could adjust exposure, white balance, and other parameters at any stage without rasterizing the file, enhancing flexibility for photographers processing camera RAW files. These features built on Version 1's foundations by prioritizing efficiency in contemporary editing pipelines, such as HDR workflows and vector-raster hybrids. Subsequent updates to the Version 2 series refined these enhancements through performance tweaks and format expansions. Version 2.4, released on February 28, 2024, added support for 32-bit HDR PNG export, allowing seamless integration with high-dynamic-range pipelines in video and 3D applications, alongside compatibility for over 50 new camera RAW formats. Ongoing patches continued to address stability and minor optimizations, culminating in Version 2.6.4 on September 23, 2025, which primarily fixed bugs related to file handling and cross-platform rendering without introducing major new tools. Throughout its run from 2022 to 2025, Version 2 emphasized robust, subscription-free updates that bolstered its role as a performant alternative for photo editors seeking advanced, non-destructive tools.

Version 3 and Discontinuation

Affinity Photo's development culminated in Version 3, released on October 29, 2025, as part of a unified application simply titled "Affinity" under Canva's ownership. This version marked the end of Affinity Photo as a standalone product, integrating its photo editing capabilities—such as non-destructive RAW development, retouching, and —into a single app that also encompasses vector design and page layout tools previously found in and Affinity Publisher. Files opened from previous versions are converted to a new structure upon saving, which is incompatible with Version 2 apps. The launch emphasized a reimagined interface with GPU acceleration for enhanced performance on complex files, real-time adjustments, and support for industry-standard formats like PSD, AI, PDF, and . Key changes in Version 3 introduced a model, making core features available for free indefinitely to all users with a account, while premium functionalities—such as generative AI tools like Generative Fill—require a Canva Pro subscription costing $120 annually. The unified interface allows seamless switching between photo editing, design, and publishing studios within the same application, eliminating the need for separate downloads or licenses. Technically, the app supports Windows (version 10 or later, including Arm), macOS (10.15 and above, native on and ), and (iPad version in beta early 2026; as of November 2025, remains in development), maintaining cross-platform compatibility but in an integrated format that converts older Affinity files to a new, incompatible structure. The discontinuation of standalone Affinity Photo stemmed from Canva's strategy to streamline its ecosystem, providing broader accessibility to professional-grade tools without upfront costs and leveraging Canva's resources for ongoing enhancements based on community feedback. Previous versions (1 and 2) will no longer receive updates, though their activation servers and downloads remain operational for existing users. This shift positions Affinity as a free entry point into Canva's broader creative suite, prioritizing creative freedom and efficiency over perpetual licenses.

Reception

Awards and Critical Reviews

Affinity Photo has received several notable awards recognizing its innovation and performance in photo editing software. In 2015, it was named Apple's Best Mac App of the Year for its professional-grade tools and seamless integration with macOS. The iPad version earned Apple's App of the Year award in 2017, praised for bringing desktop-level editing capabilities to mobile devices. In 2016, the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) awarded it Best Imaging Software, highlighting its comprehensive feature set as a cost-effective alternative to established competitors. Additionally, Amateur Photographer magazine selected Affinity Photo as Software of the Year in both 2019 and 2023, commending its ongoing updates and value for photographers. Critical reviews have consistently praised Affinity Photo for its affordability and strong compatibility with Photoshop files (PSD), making it an accessible entry point for users seeking to avoid subscription models. For instance, a 2025 PCMag review awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting its one-time purchase price as a major advantage over Adobe's ongoing costs while emphasizing reliable PSD import and export for workflow continuity. Reviewers often highlight its speed in handling non-destructive edits and RAW processing, positioning it as a faster option for routine tasks compared to Photoshop. However, comparisons frequently point out limitations in advanced AI-driven tools, such as generative fill or automated object removal, where Photoshop maintains an edge due to its extensive integrations. Criticisms in professional reviews center on its relatively limited plugin ecosystem and absence of native cloud synchronization prior to the 2024 acquisition by . Experts note that while Affinity supports some third-party plugins, the selection is far smaller than Photoshop's vast library, restricting extensibility for specialized effects or integrations. Pre-merger versions lacked built-in sync features, requiring manual file transfers across devices, which hindered collaborative or multi-platform workflows compared to Adobe's . Despite these shortcomings, reviewers appreciate its core stability and lack of bloat, often recommending it for independent creators prioritizing performance over comprehensive connectivity.

User Impact and Legacy

Affinity Photo has significantly impacted users by providing a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based software like , enabling professionals and hobbyists alike to access professional-grade raster editing tools without ongoing fees. Prior to its acquisition, the software's one-time purchase model attracted over three million users worldwide, many of whom cited frustration with Adobe's subscription pricing as a key reason for switching. This shift democratized advanced photo editing, particularly for photographers handling RAW files, , and print workflows, with users reporting faster processing times and a more intuitive interface compared to legacy tools. The software's reception among users has been largely positive, earning praise for its performance and value, though some critiques highlight limitations in advanced AI features and relative to competitors. In reviews, it has been described as a "mightily competent suite" suitable for a wide range of users, with strong non-destructive capabilities that support both Windows and macOS environments. photographers have noted its role in streamlining workflows, such as 16-bit and CMYK support, leading to increased adoption in freelance and studio settings. Affinity Photo's legacy lies in challenging the dominance of subscription models in creative software, fostering a market shift toward accessible, perpetual-license alternatives that influenced broader industry pricing discussions. It received the TIPA World Award for its comprehensive toolset, comparable to pro-level editors at a fraction of the cost, underscoring its recognition as an innovative entrant in image manipulation. Following Canva's 2024 acquisition of Serif, the software was relaunched in October 2025 as a free, unified app combining photo editing, vector design, and layout features, which propelled unprecedented user growth of one million new users in just six days. This move positioned Affinity as a direct challenger to Adobe's $19 billion Creative Cloud ecosystem, expanding its reach to Canva's 260 million users and ensuring its ongoing evolution as an open, sustainable tool for global creatives.

References

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