Typically, when uploading an image to the internet, it's best to compress it so it loads faster when viewed online. This flexibility allows you to open a range of files and save your work in a way that optimizes your images. (Image credit: Affinity) Affinity Photo review: Compatibility and export optionsĪffinity Photo is compatible with RAW, JPG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, PSD and PDF files as well as more obscure file types. However, Affinity Photo currently does allow you to view EXIF information for photos, which helps you remember when a photo was taken and what resolution and shutter speed it was taken with. Like Photoshop, which uses an exterior photo organizing program, Affinity Photo has its own separate app to help organize photos. You can browse through image files on your computer, but there isn't an advanced image search function or a ranking system, which means you'll spend more time trying to track down a specific image with this software than other photo editing applications. Programs like Affinity Photo and Photoshop weren't designed to have built-in organizing systems. Again, this is more tailored towards advanced editing, and beginners may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of options. In terms of photo enhancement tools, you get some great photo stitching options, a full 32-bit workflow for HDR images (and things like 3D software images), and 360 photo editing too. For example, you can set it up so that when you click on the Brush tool, the Assistant automatically optimizes the layer type and applies the specified tool settings. When you click on it, you're able to create presets for specific tools. One helpful feature Affinity offers is its Assistant button, which appears as a tuxedo icon. Ideal if you're looking to create a brand-new image from your photos, but less useful if you're just trying to make your pictures look as amazing as possible. Much like other pure photo editors, Affinity Photo lets you work in layers: you can create mask layers, rearrange layers, and choose between vector or raster layers. While most of the tools are here, it's intimidating for beginner users, and unless you're a serious hobbyist or a pro, you won't get the most out of Affinity's features, and may find them overwhelming. We found these features quite easy to use, and they produced top-notch effects, although some feel a little basic next to what you get with the latest version of Photoshop. It also includes more advanced tools like a cloning stamp, batch processing, font effects and lens distortion correction. Affinity Photo comes with all of the basic editing tools you'd expect: red eye removal, cropping, selection, painting and drawing tools, and vector shape tools.

Affinity photo editor