Affinity Photo 1.5 Is Here and It’s Better Than Ever

A couple of years ago, I wrote about a new photo-editing software, Affinity Photo, with the headline: “Move Over, Photoshop—Here’s Affinity Photo.” At the time, the software was only available in a free beta for Mac, but there have been a lot of changes since then with the full launch and, more recently, a huge update to version 1.5 and Windows compatibility. Now that it’s cross-platform (are you listening, Surface Pro users?) and supports new MacBook Pro touch bars, the software has certainly become even more competitive—especially at its you-buy-it-you-own-it $50 price. If you already have a copy of Affinity Photo, version 1.5 is a free—and impressive—update. (Note: you need to update via iTunes.)

Photo courtesy of Affinity Photo

Once you update (or purchase) the software, be sure to download a free set of macros (actions). The ability to record macros is only one of a long list of new features of Affinity Photo 1.5. Other updates of note include:

Full HDR merge and tone mapping. Both work with RAW files, as well as JPEGs and while both work well together, be sure to explore the tone mapping workspace when you need to expand dynamic range for a single image.

Tone Mapping. Photo courtesy of Affinity Photo

Shooting in 360? Check out Affinity Photo’s new 360 editing features.

I especially like the software Focus merge—perfect for macros and excellent for food photography as well. Just open a set of images and let the software align them to get depth of field that otherwise would not be possible.

Focus Merge. Photo courtesy of Affinity Photo

Batch processing and export options improve workflow convenience and speed. Better yet, batch processing allows you to apply multiple macros (actions) and works in the background so you don’t have to slow down while you’re prepping files.

Macros. Photo courtesy of Affinity Photo

You’ll also find lens profiles, improved metadata handling and a clone panel that allows you to store and use an unlimited number of clone brush sources. A new filter makes short work of removing dust, scratches and other imperfections, while there’s a new halftone filter that adds creative options. The list goes on and on.

The image-editing software arena keeps expanding and has become more competitive than before—even for pros. So if you’re looking for a solid, full-featured option, Affinity Photo 1.5 may be the perfect fit.