Affinity Photo
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Editing excellence The addition of significant new tools in its recent v1.9 updatemakes Affinity Photo evenmore powerful, delivering exciting levels of creative potential
RIGHT Following the recent update, the Liquify tool can be used non- destructively using a live filter layer BELOW For greater creative control within multi-layered masterpieces, a wide range of blend modes are available, including the new Divide mode
AFFINITY PHOTO BY SERIF has long been a standout option in a sea of photo editing software. It’s designed well, it’s packed with powerful tools and, perhaps best of all, it’s free from ongoing subscriptions. At £48.99, this makes the full version for Windows and Mac a real steal. Recently, the brand has outdone itself on functionality and price. The new v1.9 update has introduced even more features for photographers to enjoy. And to support creatives during the ongoing struggles of Covid-19, Affinity Photo is currently available with a staggering 50% off, pricing the desktop versions at £23.99 and the iPad version at just £9.99. The numbers already suggest there’s a good deal to be had, but it’s the software’s shiny, new toys that add substance to that claim. While Mac users have enjoyed optimal performance for a while, Microsoft users can rejoice at the inclusion of hardware acceleration. This uses a computer’s GPU devices to improve rendering performance considerably throughout demanding operations, such as compositing pixel layers or adjusting layers and live filters. The performance gains are huge and make workflow an undoubtedly smoother process. Serif has also improved usability, thanks to the addition of studio presets. A wide range of the software’s highly customisable interface features can be saved as profiles, either to suit different users or to meet the needs of the varied disciplines within editing.
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One of Affinity Photo’s greatest draws has always been its non-destructive editing through the application of layers. In the latest version, linked layers can be used in all new ways. They can be duplicated, or specific attributes of each layer can be unlinked – this is particularly of use in composite work or extremely
Affinity Photo is a powerful editing software for Windows, Mac and iPad that’s packed with features. The program boasts plenty of highlights: it can process Raw files, stitch panoramas, focus stack and HDR merge, and it has unlimited layers and smart object support. Affinity Photo also functions seamlessly with its sister software programs, Designer and Publisher. And let’s not forget, it has a great outright purchase price. With those credentials, I feel it deserves extra recognition.” Will Cheung–Editor
fine-tuned edits. Conversely, unique attributes from completely unrelated layers can be linked and managed precisely as you wish. Astrophotographers, who may have been reliant on dedicated software previously, can now use Affinity Photo v1.9 to handle their entire workflow. Deep-sky images, including FITS and Raw file formats, can be stacked and further edits can be applied immediately after. When stacking, hot or cold pixels are picked up automatically and column defects can be highlighted manually. There’s also a dedicated background removal filter, which is ideal for removing light pollution, sensor defects and more after stretching the tone.
What’s more, all of this is offered in no less than 32-bit detail. It’s important to note that these new additions are only building upon what was already an extremely capable editing software. Through many past versions, it’s been an asset that has photographers at its very heart, with all the necessary and traditional tools to raise a photographer’s work to new heights. Serif has also thought about the more experimental among us, with countless advanced yet uncomplicated ways to create an image you’re proud of. Affinity Photo v1.9 is a free update for existing users. For newcomers, the ongoing deals mean there’s never been a better time to buy. affinity.serif.com/en-gb/
10 Photography News | Issue 86
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