Affinity Photo Review: A Capable Pixel Editor in the Free Affinity App

Affinity Photo was the pixel side of the Affinity line: a layer-based editor with RAW development, retouching, panoramas and HDR merging, sold as a one-time purchase. Like Designer, it now sits inside the single Affinity app, which combines vector, pixel and layout work and is free to download with a Canva account. This review looks at the photo capability as it matters to a working photographer or retoucher, and at how the new distribution changes the decision.

Pixel editing and retouching

Affinity Photo’s core is a layer-based editor that handles the work most retouchers do. Adjustment layers, masks, blend modes and live filters are non-destructive, and the selection and masking tools cover hair, skin and product edges competently. Frequency separation is possible with careful layer setup, and dodge and burn can be done with masks and adjustment layers. The app is fast, and that matters on large files: panning, brushing and filter previews keep up with the work, even on a mid-range laptop.

• RAW development. The develop persona handles a wide range of camera files, with exposure, white balance, lens correction and colour controls.
• Layers and masks. Non-destructive workflows, smart filters and clipping behave as photographers expect.
• Panorama and HDR. Merge tools cover most landscape and interior needs without a separate application.
• Export. Output options cover web, print and archive formats with sensible presets.

Compared with Photoshop

The honest comparison is that Photoshop has more depth and far more third-party support. Its actions, plugins and retouching tutorials are numerous, and its file compatibility with agencies and print shops is the default. Affinity Photo covers much of the same ground for most photographers, and for some tasks its workflow is quicker to learn. Users who depend on specific Photoshop plugins, complex generative features or industry-specific automation will still find Adobe’s ecosystem more complete.

What the Affinity app change means for photographers

The main change is cost and access. The app is free to download, and a Canva account is required. The AI features are reserved for paid Canva customers. For photographers who never used the AI tools, the practical difference is that the professional editor is now available without a subscription. For anyone who valued a one-time purchase and a clear licence history, it is worth reading the current terms and keeping your own backups of files and any presets you rely on.

Learning curve

Affinity Photo is easier to pick up than Photoshop for many basic tasks, because its interface is more streamlined. The learning curve steepens with masks, blend modes and frequency separation, which are the same techniques that take time in any pixel editor. The available tutorial library is smaller than Adobe’s, so you may spend more time working out a technique from first principles or from a few well-chosen videos.

Final verdict

Affinity Photo is one of the strongest alternatives to Photoshop, and for many photographers it is now the most cost-effective professional pixel editor available. It does not match Adobe’s ecosystem, and it is not the right choice if your clients expect Photoshop-specific workflows. For retouching, RAW development and compositing without a subscription, it is an excellent choice. Read our Photoshop review for the comparison point.