Affinity Photo vs Photoshop: The Ultimate Comparison
When it comes to photo editing, Affinity Photo vs Photoshop is a debate that continues to dominate the industry. Both tools specialize in raster-based editing, excelling in photo retouching, image manipulation, and handling raster graphics rather than vectors.
Adobe Photoshop, launched in 1990, has become a household name and is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive and powerful image editing tools available. Part of Adobe’s extensive app ecosystem, Photoshop remains its flagship product and arguably its most iconic offering.
On the other hand, Affinity Photo, developed by Serif, entered the scene in 2015 as part of the Affinity suite. With the release of Affinity version 2 in 2022 and its acquisition by Canva in 2024, the software gained significant momentum.
Interface
Photoshop boasts one of the most recognizable interfaces in the image-editing world. Its layout has become so iconic that many alternatives, like Photopea, mimic its design almost exactly. With its familiar and intuitive structure, Photoshop’s interface is easy to navigate and fully customizable to suit individual preferences.
Affinity Photo‘s interface closely resembles Photoshop’s, featuring layers on the right and a toolbar on the left. Like Photoshop, it includes optional panels for additional tools. However, these panels are nested within the right-hand side, requiring users to manually switch between them instead of viewing multiple at once—an extra step that may feel limiting for some workflows.
Photoshop, on the other hand, allows extra tools to open in small, movable windows, letting users display multiple tools simultaneously. This flexibility is useful for complex projects or when frequently switching between tasks.
RAW Photo Editing
Photoshop doesn’t natively support RAW file editing, but it seamlessly integrates with Adobe Camera Raw, a powerful plugin. This plugin allows users to edit RAW images directly within Photoshop, offering non-destructive editing by applying changes as a Smart Object in the layers panel. Additionally, you can edit Lightroom photos in Photoshop with the same workflow, making it a versatile option for RAW photo editing.
Affinity Photo, on the other hand, provides native RAW file editing within its Develop Persona. It offers both non-destructive and destructive editing, requiring manual toggling between the two modes. While the functionality is convenient, Affinity’s RAW development tools aren’t as advanced as Photoshop’s Camera Raw, meaning users may achieve better results using other software for RAW photo processing.
AI Features
Photoshop leads the pack when it comes to AI-powered tools. Between 2023 and 2024, Adobe introduced dozens of AI features to Photoshop, significantly enhancing its capabilities. Many of these leverage integrated machine learning and neural networks to streamline traditionally time-consuming tasks, such as smart selection and neural filters. In addition, Photoshop’s generative AI tools stand out, offering groundbreaking ways to manipulate images.
With Photoshop’s generative AI, you can add entirely new elements to your images or remove unwanted ones with ease. You can even expand image borders and fill in gaps creatively, limited only by your imagination. However, these features require an internet connection to function.
In contrast, Affinity Photo currently lacks AI tools across its suite. However, with its 2024 acquisition by Canva—an innovator in AI-driven design—the future could hold exciting changes. As of early 2025, though, Affinity Photo remains AI-free.
Extra Tools and Features
Photoshop includes some vector features, such as the Shape Tool, though they don’t rival vector-specific software like Adobe Illustrator. For a more seamless experience, you can import vector graphics created in Illustrator directly into Photoshop.
While Photoshop isn’t primarily designed for video or animation, it offers the ability to create short GIFs or animations—complete with audio—using either a video or a frame animation timeline. Though specialized video editing apps deliver better results for complex projects, Photoshop’s animation tools are handy for creating fun, scrapbook-style animations or short GIFs.
Affinity Photo, by comparison, focuses more narrowly on photo and image manipulation, offering fewer extras outside its core functions. It doesn’t include animation tools, and its Brush Tool is fairly basic, with a limited brush library. However, plugins are available to expand its functionality if needed.
Affinity does feature a Pen Tool and Shape Tool for drawing, with a standout feature: a custom QR Code Tool. This unique tool allows you to embed URLs directly into QR codes you create—something Photoshop doesn’t natively support.
And, What About the Price?
Photoshop operates on a subscription-based model. It offers several subscription options. The standalone Photoshop app costs $22.99 per month, but the Photography plan, which includes both Photoshop and Lightroom, is available for $19.99 per month. Photoshop is available for Windows, macOS, and iPadOS, as well as through a browser. A 7-day free trial is available for new users.
Affinity Photo offers a more straightforward, one-time purchase model. Each app in the Affinity suite—Photo, Designer, and Publisher—is priced individually at $69.99. If you want access to all the apps on both desktop and tablet, a universal license is available for $164.99. For iPad users, each app is priced at $18.49.
Good to know: Affinity also offers a generous 90-day free trial before purchase, which is a significant perk for those looking to test the software. However, it’s unclear how long this extended trial will remain available.
In Conclusion: Affinity Photo vs. Photoshop
Both Affinity Photo and Photoshop excel in different areas, catering to distinct user needs. Photoshop remains the industry leader with its advanced AI features, powerful RAW editing tools, and animation capabilities, making it ideal for professionals seeking versatility.
Affinity Photo, while lacking some of Photoshop’s high-end features, offers a solid, affordable alternative with a user-friendly interface and essential editing tools. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, one-time purchase without sacrificing performance, Affinity Photo is a strong contender.
The choice ultimately depends on your workflow and budget—both tools have earned their place in the image-editing world.
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For quick edits, conversions, or even generating new AI images, don’t forget about Img2Go!
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