Affinity Photo for Mac Overview
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade raster graphics editor available for macOS, designed by Serif as a cleaner, subscription-free alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It offers a comprehensive set of tools to edit, retouch, craft, and combine images using non-destructive workflows, high-performance rendering, and full RAW support.
Affinity Photo for Mac Features
Key features include a full Develop Persona for RAW editing, unlimited layers, live filter stacks, and non-destructive adjustment layers. The software also supports advanced selection tools (Brush, Pen, Magic Wand), inpainting, panorama stitching, focus stacking, and HDR merge. It handles color spaces like RGB, CMYK, LAB, and offers ICC color management. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Affinity Photo for Mac Highlights
Affinity Photo excels with ultra-smooth panning and zoom at 60 fps, immediate live previews, and tool performance that feels fluid even on large documents. Its brush engine allows users to import Photoshop brush sets (ABR), and the software supports modern formats like JPEG XL. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why Choose Affinity Photo for Mac
For macOS users seeking a one-time purchase alternative, this software is compelling. It balances depth and usability—photographers and digital artists can access pro tools without recurring fees. Its tight integration with Apple hardware (Metal acceleration) ensures efficient performance. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Affinity Photo for Mac User Reviews
Macworld: “Affinity Photo is now so similar to Adobe’s software that switching over feels smooth.” :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Fstoppers: “A superb tool — for those focused on adjustment layers and core Photoshop-style workflows, it’s a great deal.” :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Reddit (r/AffinityPhoto): “Big fat yes. AP always seemed more intuitive for me … pay once for a version without subscription.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Affinity Photo for Mac Supported Platforms
macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel Macs). Also available for Windows and iPad via the universal license. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Affinity Photo for Mac Supported Languages
English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and more. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Affinity Photo for Mac License Type
Proprietary commercial license with one-time purchase; no subscription required. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Is Affinity Photo for Mac Open Source?
No, it is not open source—Affinity Photo is proprietary software developed and maintained by Serif (now part of Canva). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Affinity Photo for Mac Minimum Hardware Requirements
• macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
• 1.5 GB free disk space
• Metal-compatible GPU
• Display resolution of 1280×768 or greater
Affinity Photo for Mac Usage Tips
Use Personas to switch contexts (Develop, Liquify, Tone, Export). Enable live filters and adjustment layers for reversible edits. Import ABR brush packs for more flexibility. For large images, use snapshots and history rollback to test alternate edits. Export slices or use export persona for multiple assets in one go.
Affinity Photo for Mac FAQ
Q: Can it open Photoshop PSD files?
A: Yes, Affinity Photo supports PSD import including smart objects (many of them). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Q: Is there subscription or ongoing fee?
A: No, updates within a major version are free—new major versions may require purchase. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Q: Does it support RAW editing?
A: Absolutely—its Develop Persona allows non-destructive RAW workflows. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Q: Is performance good on M1 / Apple Silicon Macs?
A: Yes, the app is optimized for Apple Silicon and Metal acceleration. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Affinity Photo for Mac Summary
Affinity Photo for Mac is a robust, subscription-free alternative to Photoshop tailored for macOS users. It combines professional-level features—such as non-destructive editing, advanced selection and retouching tools, and RAW processing—with polished performance on modern Mac hardware. Whether you’re a hobbyist, photographer, or creative professional, it delivers power and value in one package.