Affinity Photo Gimp

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Photoshop is to photo editing what Xerox is to photocopying. Beyond the professionals who use the program, the word itself has become part of the popular lexicon and is often used as a verb, as in, “Can you Photoshop this to make it look better?” More often than not, when flipping through the pages of a magazine, the images you see were once opened in Photoshop.

  1. Affinity Photo Gimp 比較
  2. Affinity Photo Vs Gimp Reddit
  3. Affinity Photo Actions

Affinity Photo and Photoshop have a lot in common, including non-destructive layer editing and both RGB and CMYK color spaces. Right off the bat, however, there are clear differences between the programs — because while Photoshop costs $10 a month, Affinity Photo has a one-time fee of $50. Affinity Photo and GIMP have similar interfaces and adopt Adobe Photoshop’s UI graphics style. You have the screen on the left with the tools and on the right with additional screens. Both editors have customizable interfaces that allow you to alter, hide, or display panels of the GUI theme and place them on the screen anywhere you want. Affinity Photo vs GIMP When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Affinity Photo easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with Affinity Photo overall. Reviewers felt that Affinity Photo meets the needs of their business better than GIMP. What Affinity Photo also does, is non-destructive editing, which is a huge plus for me. So if you're ok with a slightly different workflow (which in my opinion is way better the GIMP's workflow) you can defenitely use Affinity Photo. Maybe try its testing version, which is.

But while Photoshop may be the industry standard, it’s not the only serious photo editor around. Photoshop remains king for many of the most advanced uses, but programs like GIMP, Affinity Photo, PaintShop Pro, and Pixelmator can offer lower prices and simpler user interfaces — and still complete on many features.

While there are many Photoshop alternatives out there (including these free photo editing programs), the programs that can truly stand up to Photoshop alternatives aren’t basic web-based tools and include things like layers and masking. Here are the best Photoshop alternatives for the photographers looking to do more than crop and resize and image.

At a glance:

The best Photoshop alternative: Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo

  • No subscription
  • Clean design
  • Lightweight program
  • Available on iPad

Photoshop

  • Includes Lightroom
  • More advanced features

Affinity Photo and Photoshop have a lot in common, including non-destructive layer editing and both RGB and CMYK color spaces. Right off the bat, however, there are clear differences between the programs — because while Photoshop costs $ 10 a month, Affinity Photo is a one-time fee of $ 50. That means Affinity users can pay once and be done, whereas Photoshop users will lose access to the program if they cancel their subscriptions — but they are also automatically kept up to date with the latest version without any additional upgrade fee. While Affinity Photo’s incremental updates are free, moving from version 1.0 to 2.0 will not be.

As the newer program, Affinity Photo launched with a cleaner, more modern design — many users say that the program feels more like using a mobile app. Coincidentally, Affinity Photo is available for the iPad, but it does cost $ 20 regardless of whether or not you also buy the desktop version. Adobe says they are working on an iPad version of Photoshop, but beyond a hands-off preview of an early development build, there’s no sign of it yet.

The developers at Affinity Photo know that the program is competing directly with an industry-standard, so the company has worked to include all the major features that Photoshop is known for. The two programs aren’t identical, but Affinity Photo still includes many of the more advanced tools, like photo merging for HDR composites, panoramas, and focus stacking. Layers and masking are also a big part of the app.

Photoshop, however, still has some perks over Affinity. Color tools are more advanced, layers are more easily resized, and EXIF data can be edited, for starters. Photoshop also has a more familiar interface for experienced editors, a plethora of tutorials, and plenty of plug-ins. Likely the biggest perk for Photoshop is the easy integration with the RAW editor and organizer Adobe Lightroom, which is included in the subscription price when you sign up for the Photography Plan. Serif, Affinity’s parent company, also offers Affinity Designer and Publisher, but doesn’t have a RAW management program to compete with Lightroom.

The best free Photoshop alternative: GIMP

Gimp

  • Free
  • Lightweight program
  • Includes most basic and mid-level editing controls
  • Customizable

Photoshop

  • Non-destructive adjustment layers
  • More advanced tools
  • Frequent updates
  • Cost includes Lightroom, cloud storage

While there are a handful of free Photoshop alternatives, the open source program GIMP comes closest to Photoshop’s advanced tools. As an open source program, GIMP is free to download for Mac, Windows and Linux.

GIMP, which stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, has several of the same tools as Photoshop. Layer editing is possible, which allows GIMP to do more than just a basic crop and color edit. Many advanced edits, like local adjustment, blemish corection, and object removal, can be easily tackled inside the open source program. While other free programs will crop, recolor and apply filters, GIMP offers enough advanced tools to be considered a true Photoshop competitor.

Of course, a free program is never on par with a paid industry standard. While GIMP contains most of the same most-used tools, it’s lacking a few features. The healing brush, for example, has one option where Photoshop’s brush has four. GIMP also does not have non-destructive adjustment layer editing, where the changes can be reverted or altered later without affecting the rest of the edit. GIMP also tends to be behind Photoshop’s latest new tools, with some new options not arriving to the free program to years later. GIMP also isn’t as much of a graphic design program as Photoshop — CMYK support, for example, is not included.

The GIMP user interface is either great or not so great, depending on how you look at it. As an open source format, the UI isn’t as professional and sleek as Photoshop’s. However, since there aren’t quite as many tools, the program can feel slightly less daunting, and also allows for more customization options.

GIMP can’t replace every Photoshop feature exactly, but it’s the open source program that comes the closest to the Adobe powerhouse, with a free price tag. Learn more about how it compares in our Photoshop versus GIMP comparison.

The best Photoshop and Lightroom alternative: Corel PaintShop Pro

Corel PaintShop Pro

  • Windows Only
  • Cheaper, with no subscription
  • Multiple interface modes

Photoshop

  • More high-end tools and content-aware tools
  • More tutorials and plug-ins
  • MacOS and Windows

Corel PaintShop Pro is a Photoshop alternative that’s also tied to a Lightroom alternative called AfterShot Pro. Like other competitors, Corel is aiming for the users frustrated with having to pay a monthly fee by offering a one-time price. When bundled with AfterShot Pro, Corel PaintShop Pro is $ 100, with upgrades for current users at $ 80. Unlike Photoshop, however, PaintShop Pro is a Windows-only program.

Corel PaintShop Pro is the company’s more advanced photo editor, but attempts to bridge the gap between being easy to use to use and having advanced features using an Essentials panel. This mode is designed for beginners, while if you need more advanced tools, they are accessible simply by switching the mode. That option can make PaintShop Pro easier to dive into for beginners, while offering room to grow.

While PaintShop Pro contains a number of the same tools as Photoshop including layer-based editing, Photoshop is still the best for the content-aware adjustments. Photoshop has tools like the Face-Aware Liquify, while offering a more robust Content-Aware Fill over Corel’s Magic fill, which helps fill in areas of an image based on the surrounding content. Adobe Camera RAW also has more tools than the RAW converter included with PaintShop, though that’s not as much of an issue if opting for the bundle that includes AfterShot. PaintShop, however, does have some options not part of Photoshop, including being bundled with PhotoMirage to animate a still photo and auto paint to instantly convert a photo into a style of painting or other artwork.

The best Photoshop alternative for ease of use: Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator

  • MacOS Only
  • Simple interface
  • iCloud compatible
  • Cheaper

Photoshop

  • Includes Lightroom and Adobe Camera RAW
  • Supports HDR, GIFs, actions
  • Supports CMYK
  • More advanced tools
  • MacOS and Windows

One of the top-rated desktop image editors in the Mac App Store, Pixelmator Pro is a MacOS-only editor that’s billed as a set of “professional image editing tools that anyone can use.” The streamlined program doesn’t quite have all the power of Photoshop, but easily rises above other beginner-friendly editing apps. Because it’s designed from the ground up for the Mac, Mac users will instantly feel at home inside the simple user interface while also enjoying features like seamless integration with iCloud. And unlike Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro costs just $ 40 as a one-time download.

Despite the lower price, Pixelmator Pro still includes a wealth of different photo editing tools. It of course covers the basics like cropping, exposure adjustments, and color correction, but also includes several more advanced features. Layers are included — and non-destructive — along with brush tools and retouching tools as well as compatibility with common file types like PSD, PNG, HEIF, and TIFF.

While Pixelmator Pro isn’t a beginners-only simplified photo editor, Adobe Photoshop still wins out in a few areas when it comes to accomplishing more complex edits. Pixelmator Pro doesn’t support creating GIFs, and while you can manually merge HDR images, there’s no auto-align feature like there is in Photoshop. A few time-saving features such as actions are also missing, which, in Photoshop, let you record your workflow and apply it to future images. And as more of a photo editor than graphic design tool, Pixelmator doesn’t support a CMYK workspace.

Like with many other competing models, Pixelmator Pro is also missing a Lightroom alternative, giving another perk to Photoshop. Unlike the original Pixelmator, Pixelmator Pro does support working with RAW files, however, which is why the Pro version is worth $ 10 more and is a better Photoshop alternative.

Do you really need Photoshop?

While the first and longest-standing photo and graphics program, Photoshop is no longer the only major photo editor. Photoshop maintains its title as an industry standard and, more often than not, includes the most advanced features. If you want the most photo-editing tools with graphic design options mixed in, Photoshop is still the one to beat. While the subscription is a turn-off for many, Photoshop comes bundled with Lightroom for just $ 10 a month, which we think is a very fair price.

That doesn’t mean Photoshop is the best photo editor for everyone, however. If you don’t need to do much beyond crop, correct colors, and adjust a few blemishes, you can save a ton of cash by opting for a Photoshop alternative. Other programs are often easier to learn, because when you ditch the more advanced tools, the program feels less daunting. Affinity Photo is the best paid Photoshop alternative, and we particularly like that it has an iPad version. PaintShop is among the best for Windows users that also need a RAW processor and organizer. Pixelmator is an excellent option for MacOS users who wants an approachable but powerful app, while GIMP is available for Linux in addition to MacOS and Windows — and carries an unbeatable price.

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In the world of photo editing, users are always looking for the best overall software package they can get their hands on. This package looks different for everyone based on their own needs, but in general, it should combine features with performance. Serif’s flagship software, Affinity Photo comes very close to being the best in the business based on this criteria.

Serif Affinity Photo goes beyond a normal photo editor by allowing users to perform Photoshop-like tasks as well. So if you want to edit your Raw photos or create your HDRs and then draw on these pictures, Affinity Photo allows you to do so. Some of the highlight features of the software are its ability to handle Raw files very well, merging HDR files, playing with Focus Stacking, digital painting, working in layers, and even working with 360-degree images.

Affinity Photo Gimp 比較

Photo

The Battle with Lightroom and Photoshop

Because of all these features, Affinity Photo is often compared with Adobe’s Lightroom and Photoshop, and it is even considered as the better overall option by many. That is because, let’s say you like to first edit your Raw files in Lightroom and then Photoshop the pictures separately. You would have to jump between two programs in order to do that, but with Affinity, you can do both types of editing within the same software. That is why Serif’s product wins for many people in an Affinity Photo vs Photoshop battle.

Anyway, the Affinity Photo editor has its place in the systems of many photographers around the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best photo editor software out there. You may have different needs from your Raw photo editor or might want the best free photo editor for mac instead. That is why, we have compiled a list of the best Affinity alternatives you can use, depending on your particular needs.

1. Luminar

As far as Raw photo editors go, Luminar is the best Affinity alternative you can get. It is the perfect balance between features, performance, and ease of use. With this photo editing software, you have access to everything from Raw editing, working in layers, editable filters, selective adjustments, and even a library that is easier to use and maintain than many other Windows photo editors.

Perhaps the best thing about Luminar is the value you get for the amount you pay. It’s a much more affordable Affinity alternative than many others on this list, making it one of the top choices for people look for software like Affinity.

2. Aurora HDR

If your ideal Affinity alternative is great at creating HDR images, then Aurora HDR is worth serious consideration. This HDR software comes packed with tools and controls tailored to creating exceptional HDR photos. You can use this photo editor software not only to merge images together but also to edit them to your heart’s content. There are professionally-developed presets that can give the perfect base to your HDR files, allowing you to edit quickly and more efficiently. So, if your focus is on HDR photography, Aurora HDR will give you much more control than Affinity Photo.

3. DarkTable

If you would rather use the best free photo editor for Mac or Windows, you should take a look at DarkTable. It is an open-source, free to use Raw editor that focuses on simply processing raw files non-destructively. There’s not much else you can do, however, so if you’re looking for Affinity Photo alternatives that can match it feature-for-feature, this one isn’t it.

4. GIMP

Yet another free photo editor for Mac and Windows, GIMP has been one of the more popular free options among photographers. It goes toe to toe with the likes of Affinity Photo and Photoshop as far as features and controls are concerned. The only thing that holds it back is that its interface is a little difficult to get used to. However, if you’ve been stuck in an Affinity Photo vs. Photoshop circle, maybe you should give GIMP a try.

5. DxO Photolab

Another photo editor focusing on Raw editing, DxO PhotoLab comes from a company that has developed lens correction profiles for a long time. PhotoLab is a smart photo editor in that it fixes many of the common issues with photos that are generated because of camera hardware. These issues includes the likes of chromatic aberration and vignetting. This ability makes using this program easy and quick, allowing users to achieve natural-looking results with a little amount of manual editing. But perhaps the one reason it can’t be named as the best photo editing software for Windows or Mac is because it has a hard time handling files from Fujifilm cameras – some of the most popular ones among photographers these days.

6. Corel PaintShop Pro

If Affinity Photo editor was to have an alternative that matched its combination of photo processing and creative editing, Corel PaintShop Pro was made as that alternative. The new update to the editor brings an improved design, a cleaner interface, and more tools to help photographers make the most of their photos. If you want your photo editor to do what the likes of Affinity Photo and Photoshop can do, then Corel PaintShop Pro is a worthy choice.

7. CyberLink Photo Director

One of the common Affinity Photo reviews is that the software is that it is easy to use, and Photo Director 10 by CyberLink achieves that very well. It can help you edit your Raw files, work in layers, and much more in a logical, easily usable interface. It also boasts Artificial Intelligence features now, making it even more attractive to those new to photo editing or those looking for a quick way to edit photos. So, if you have a modern computer with capable hardware that can handle it, Photo Director 10 is one of the best photo editing software for Mac and Windows.

8. ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate is a great Affinity alternative for those just getting into the world of photo editing. It offers a very good library which makes it easier to catalog images and decent Raw editing capabilities. You can also work in layers, even though this isn’t the program’s strong suit. It’s not as polished as other Window photo editors, which makes it suitable for use only for hobbyist photographers rather than professional ones. Still, it’s a good overall package that may suit the needs of most beginner photographers.

9. Phase One Capture One Pro

Capture One Pro has long been in the race for the title of the best photo editing software for Mac and Windows, and it is right up there with the top editors. This editing program is geared more towards Raw editing than anything else like digital painting etc. However, if Raw editing is what you need your Mac photo editor to do, then Capture One is a definite recommendation. With it, you’ll be able to do pretty much everything you could want a Raw editor to do, from setting the white balance to adjusting the colors. The only downside of using this program is that it can be a little difficult to get used to at first.

Affinity Photo Vs Gimp Reddit

10. LightZone

Yet another free photo editor for Mac and Windows, LightZone can achieve quite a lot. It’s a Raw editing software that has existed for a number of years and improved ever since. You can use one of various ‘Styles’ the program offers to give your photos a quick makeover, or you can go deeper with the control and try one of the many controls such as Relight, Color Balance, Noise Reduction, Red Eyes, and more. It’s not as capable as Affinity Photo, but it’s not bad at all considering that you can start using it for free.

11. Acorn

If you feel like you use Affinity for just the basics of photo editing and don’t need its very advanced features, then the much more affordable Acorn might be a better fit for your needs. It comes in a simple package that keeps things easy and straightforward. It does have editing tools that are very good at what they do, but it doesn’t offer advanced controls that may intimidate most casual users.

12. RawTherapee

If you find something like Photoshop for Mac or Windows too complicated and unnecessarily packed with tools, and would rather have something that focuses only on processing Raw files without any extra features, then RawTherapee needs to be on your list of software to try. It is free too, so you should have no hesitation in taking it for a whirl before you spend any money on another program.

13. ON1 Photo RAW

Often touted as the best photo editing for Windows and Mac, On1 Photo RAW comes with all the tools you would need. It has very good masking tools, HDR controls that increase its versatility, quick rendering, and much more that makes it a solid Affinity alternative. This software has been going head to head with the likes of Lightroom and Capture One Pro for some time now as well, so it’s no surprise that it’s on our list. The only thing to watch out for while using On1 is the sometimes sluggish interface.

14. Zoner Photo Studio

If it’s a Windows 10 photo editor you’re looking for that includes smart features to help people edit their photos quickly, then Zoner is worth a shot. As far as Affinity alternatives go, Zoner is a very capable one unless you’re someone that uses too many presets. Zoner comes with not only editing tools like layer control and selective editing but also brings smart tools to the table which aim to enhance certain aspects of your photos automatically. Before you try it though, you should know that it has an annoying subscription-based payment model like that of Lightroom’s. If you’re okay with that though, Zoner might be the way to go.

15. Befunky Photo Editor

Some people get tired of figuring out which the best Mac photo editor is or which Microsoft photo editor they can use. For those people, an online photo editing and graphic design solution like Befunky might be perfect. Since it’s online, it works on both platforms and can be used without having to pay anything. With Befunky, you can get really creative with your photos. You can change the colors in them, make them transparent, and even turn them into pieces of art using effects. What makes Befunky an Affinity alternative is its inclusion of graphic design tools in the same editor. Adding text to photos, making your own wallpaper, and using vector graphics for your digital art has never been easier than with Befunky. It’s not an advanced photo editor that could give competition to the likes of Photoshop but for a free option, it sure does offer a lot.

16. Fotor Photo Editor

If you want an iPad photo editor that can also work as an Apple photo editor on your Mac, then Fotor is a good choice as far as free options go. Like Befunky, it allows you to edit photos as well as make a different kind of design projects. Fotor also comes with different templates for your designs, whether you want to make a greeting card or a poster. The photo editor inside of it is basic, but it does offer control over your exposure, colors, and more. It’s not a Raw editor, but if you just want to add some pop to your photos or use a filter to make them look different, Fotor will do just fine.

17. Pixlr Photo Editor

Widely popular as a photo editor app, Pixlr also has a fully developed web version that is free to use. When you open Pixlr, you are likely to be overwhelmed by the number of tools it offers. Everything like exposure control, color correction, filters, sharpening, and blur effects are present, which are enough to satisfy most moderate photo editing needs. It doesn’t have super advanced tools like layer control etc. but what it does have is very good for a large number of people who just want quick edits and aren’t necessarily looking for the best Mac photo editor or something.

18. Polarr Photo Editor

A prime example that a free photo color editor doesn’t have to be basic, Polarr is one of the best free, online editors you can use. It is available for Mac and Windows as well as Android and iOS. Polarr is packed with features that are geared to satisfy not only casual photographers but also professionals. It comes with not only basic exposure tools but also advanced ones like masking, smart editing, batch exporting, blending modes, and a number of local adjustments. All of this makes Polarr much more than a free editor. It makes it better than Apple’s own photo editor as well as Windows’. And if you’re more into photography than digital design, then it definitely makes it a worthy alternative to Affinity as well.

19. Photopea Photo Editor

If Photoshop is your ideal alternative to Affinity but you don’t want to pay the price for it, then Photopea is the best free online clone you’ll find. It is almost an exact copy of Photoshop’s design and also comes with some of its advanced tools. You can work in layers, use a heal tool to fix blemishes, and even bring your PSD files into it and work on them. With Photopea, your quest to find the best Mac or Windows photo editor that looks like Photoshop and gives Affinity a run for its money might just end.

Affinity Photo Actions

And with that, we conclude our list of the best Affinity Photo alternatives you can use. There is no doubt that the software being contested here is a great all-rounder itself, bringing photo editing features as well as graphic design prowess to users. But despite almost every Affinity Photo review being positive, there is no harm in trying out alternatives that might serve your needs better or for a lower price. So, before you make any choice and spend money on it, give a few of these alternatives a try and see if something works for you better than Serif’s offering.