In this post, we’ve gathered over 290 free photo overlays that you can use in your photo-editing process and transform into works of art. You might also like our collections of free Photoshop actions or free Lightroom presets. Light Overlays (120 Overlays, Transparent PNG). That’s why rumors of an Affinity Lightroom competitor has many photographers excited. The news comes from a single Tweet posted by Affinity in response to a user’s question. Fortunately, there is a way to utilize the Lightroom Develop Presets you have in programs such as Affinity Photo or DaVinci Resolve, or Photoshop using LUTs, extending the usefulness of the presets you love and depend on, and here’s how. Affinity is a photo editing package, Lightroom is a workflow package, in that it does so much more than just editing images, it's much more powerful than just the develop module. It's a workflow tool, in that it handles everything from importing and organising images to producing final outputs in a number of ways.
Is Affinity a good alternative to Lightroom? Yes is the short answer, but with a few critical caveats, especially if you are used to the speed of Lightroom.
Cost
The main reason people object to buying Lightroom is that it's a subscription. Around £10 a month will get you both Lightroom and Photoshop. With Affinity you just have a one-off payment of around £50.
Speed
I'll get my biggest objection to Affinity out of the way to start with. It is just much, much slower than Lightroom. A 33MB RAW file from my Canon 5DIV takes more than 7 seconds to open in Affinity, and a similar size file from my X-T1 takes more than 13 seconds. I use a Mac Pro - the tower kind, not the laptop. It is very fast, I have plenty of spare hard drive, but Affinity takes a looooong time to process big files. With Lightroom, files open instantaneously. No wait at all - because it isn't loading the whole file, you are just working with a preview.
Photoshop, which needs to open the file from scratch like Affinity rather than working from a preview like Lightroom, takes less than a whole second to get the file ready to work on.
Once your file is open in Affinity, the processing is fast - there's no lags as you wait for edits to show on screen.
Affinity Photo Vs Photoshop Elements
Catalogue
Lightroom is more than just an editor, it's a digital asset manager. It was set up to mimic a photographer's workflow, so you simply work from left to right in the workspace: import, edit, print or share. At the import stage you can add keywords and rate your images. You can view all your images at once, or narrow your search by date, keyword, ranking, kit used, settings used, and more. I use this function daily: I'll search for photos tagged 'Scotland', and shot with my 11-24mm if I need something landscape and wide angle. Or I'll look for anything with a shutter speed of more than 15 seconds if I'm doing a piece on long exposure. None of this is available with Affinity. In this respect, Affinity is much more like Photoshop than Lightroom. It's a photo editor, nothing more, nothing less.
By having to rely on my Mac's folder system to use Affinity, this is how my files show up when I go to open them:
Compare the much more useful view available in Lightroom:
Layers
Affinity has layers, giving you more options than Lightroom (where you are limited to your single photo layer and nothing else - you have to keep dipping in and out of Photoshop if you want to work with layers).
Selections
Affinity is much more sophisticated than Lightroom when it comes to local editing. The selection tools work well, and intuitively, allowing you many more options than the adjustment brush tool in Lightroom.
Getting started
To get started with Affinity, watch the series of video tutorials here: Click for Affinity tutorials
To get started with Lightroom, watch this series of video tutorials: Click for Lightroom tutorials
Conclusion
The actual editing output on Affinity is great - no question that I could use it to get professional quality edits. But if you need to work fast, or work with big files, or need previews, or like the integrated catalogue that Lightroom has, or want uncomplicated non-destructive editing, then Affinity will irritate you. If you just want a non-subscription based editing platform that is powerful and professional, and you're not already used to the speed of Lightroom, you'll be very happy with it.
This review just covers the desktop version of Affinity, but I should add that I love the iPad version of Affinity more than Lightroom mobile, because I don't use the catalogue when I'm working on my iPad, and it is quicker and cleaner to start up. I'll be sticking with Lightroom on desktop and laptop, and switching to Affinity on iPad. You do need to buy Affinity for iPad separately from Affinity for desktop.
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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.
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.
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
Affinity Vs Photoshop
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 Vs Lightroom Ipad
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.