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Affinity Photo
by Serif
by Serif
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
We help make selecting a software for your business effortless, economical and efficient.
by Serif
by Serif
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
The typical implementation process for Affinity Photo software involves several steps, which can be summarized as follows:
1. Purchase and Download:
- Users can purchase Affinity Photo for a one-off payment of US$34.99 for either Windows or macOS, or US$9.29 for the iPad version. Alternatively, they can buy the entire suite on all platforms for US$82.99 with the Universal Licence.
- After purchasing, users can download the software from the Affinity website.
2. Installation:
- Once downloaded, the installation process is straightforward and similar to other software installations. Users need to run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation on their respective devices (Windows, macOS, or iPad).
3. Initial Setup:
- After installation, users can launch Affinity Photo and go through the initial setup, which includes configuring preferences and settings according to their workflow needs.
4. Learning and Customization:
- Users can explore the software's features, which include live real-time editing, full RAW development, and a variety of retouching tools. Affinity Photo also offers a large library of brushes and advanced selection refinement tools.
- Customization of the workspace and tools can be done to suit individual preferences.
5. Integration and File Compatibility:
- Affinity Photo is fully integrated across macOS, Windows, and iPad, allowing users to work with the same file across any device. This ensures seamless workflow and file compatibility.
The time it takes to implement Affinity Photo can vary depending on the user's familiarity with photo editing software and their specific requirements. However, the process is generally quick due to the straightforward installation and intuitive user interface. For most users, the entire process from purchase to being fully operational can be completed within a few hours.
Yes, Affinity Photo can be customized to fit specific business needs. Here are several data points that highlight its customization capabilities:
Customizable User Interface
1. Light or Dark Mode: Users can switch between light and dark user interfaces, which can be particularly useful for different working environments and personal preferences[16][20].
2. Custom Toolbars and Panels: Users can create and save their own custom toolbars and panel layouts. This includes the ability to dock or float panels, group and order panels as preferred, and hide or expand panels as needed[16][20].
3. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: Affinity Photo allows users to create and save custom keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up workflow by tailoring the software to individual or team preferences[16][20].
Workflow and Efficiency
4. Batch Processing: The software supports batch processing, allowing users to apply the same adjustments to multiple images simultaneously. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to process large volumes of images quickly.
5. Macros: Affinity Photo can record macros to automate repetitive tasks, which can save time and ensure consistency across projects.
6. StudioLink Technology: This feature allows seamless integration between Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher, enabling users to switch between different types of creative work without leaving the application[14].
Advanced Editing Tools
7. Custom Brushes: Users can create and import custom brushes, which is beneficial for businesses that require specific artistic styles or effects.
8. Adjustment Layers and Live Filters: The software offers a wide range of adjustment layers and live filters that can be grouped, clipped, masked, or blended together to create complex compositions. This flexibility allows businesses to achieve precise and professional results[11].
Integration and Compatibility
9. Plugin Support: Affinity Photo supports Adobe Photoshop-compatible 64-bit plugins, allowing businesses to extend the software's functionality with additional tools and features[12].
10. File Compatibility: The software supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, which ensures compatibility with other industry-standard software and facilitates collaboration with clients and partners[19].
Resource Management
11. Resource Manager: Affinity Photo includes a dedicated Resource Manager for managing linked and embedded images, which helps in maintaining organized and efficient workflows[16].
Licensing and Deployment
12. Flexible Licensing: Affinity offers simple, affordable, and flexible licensing options, including site-wide and at-home access on all operating systems. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with remote or hybrid work models.
13. No Subscription Model: The software is available for a one-time purchase, which can be more cost-effective for businesses compared to subscription-based models[14].
Support and Learning Resources
14. Customer and Tech Support: Priority customer and tech support are available, ensuring that businesses can get help when needed.
15. Learning Resources: Affinity provides a variety of tutorials, quickstart guides, and community forums to help users get the most out of the software[20].
These features make Affinity Photo a highly customizable and versatile tool that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of various businesses, from small startups to large enterprises.
Affinity Photo does not have additional costs such as setup fees, maintenance, or support charges. Here are the key points regarding costs:
1. One-Time Purchase:
- Affinity Photo is available for a one-time payment of US$34.99 for either Windows or macOS, or US$9.29 for the iPad version. The entire suite on all platforms can be purchased for US$82.99 with the Universal Licence.
2. No Subscription Fees:
- There are no monthly or annual subscription fees associated with Affinity Photo. This is a significant advantage over other software that operates on a subscription model.
3. Free Updates:
- Users receive free updates until the next major version release (e.g., from Version 2 to Version 3). This means there are no additional charges for updates within the same major version.
4. Support and Learning Resources:
- Affinity provides a variety of free learning resources, including tutorials, quickstart guides, and community forums. While there is no mention of paid support, the availability of extensive free resources helps users get the most out of the software.
5. Plugin Compatibility:
- Affinity Photo supports Adobe Photoshop-compatible 64-bit plugins, which can be an additional cost if users choose to purchase third-party plugins. However, this is optional and depends on the user's specific needs.
6. Optional Add-Ons:
- The Affinity Store offers various brush packs and other add-ons that users can purchase to enhance their work. These are optional and not necessary for the basic functionality of the software.
Affinity Photo offers a comprehensive range of training and support resources for new users. Here are the key offerings:
Official Learning Resources
1. Video Tutorials:
- Affinity Photo provides a variety of video tutorials on their YouTube channel, covering everything from basic to advanced features. These tutorials are designed to help users master the app, whether they are beginners or experienced photographers.
2. Quickstart Guide:
- A Quickstart Guide is available, offering an overview of the app, its user interface, and key features. This guide is particularly useful for those new to Affinity Photo.
3. Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat-Sheets:
- To help users work more efficiently, Affinity Photo provides keyboard shortcut cheat-sheets. These are incredibly useful for speeding up the editing process.
4. Online Help:
- Detailed online help resources are available, providing in-depth explanations of every feature and tool within Affinity Photo. This can be accessed online or from within the software itself.
Community and Forums
5. Affinity Forums:
- The Affinity forums are a vibrant community where users can ask questions, report bugs, request features, and share feedback. The forums are divided into various sections, including support, learning, and bug reporting, making it easy to find relevant information and assistance.
Third-Party Courses and Tutorials
6. YouTube Tutorials:
- Numerous YouTube channels offer tutorials specifically for Affinity Photo. For example, MJW Media Studios provides a playlist of tutorials for beginners, covering topics such as document setup, interface navigation, and various editing tools.
- Other YouTube channels like Affinity Revolution and individual creators like Abbey Esparza also offer comprehensive guides and tutorials for new users[11].
7. Online Courses:
- Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer paid courses on Affinity Photo, led by top-rated instructors. These courses cover a wide range of topics and are designed to help users enhance their photo editing skills.
Books and Manuals
8. Affinity Photo Manual:
- Books like "The Affinity Photo Manual: A Step-by-Step New Users Workbook" by Frank Walters provide a structured approach to learning Affinity Photo. These manuals are particularly useful for those who prefer a more traditional learning method[10].
Additional Resources
9. Affinity Spotlight:
- Affinity Spotlight is a platform where Affinity shares additional learning resources, the latest news, and insightful articles from the Affinity team and leading creatives. This can be a great source of inspiration and advanced learning.
10. Affinity Store:
- The Affinity Store offers various add-ons like brush packs, which can enhance the user experience and provide additional tools for creative projects[16].
Support
11. Customer and Technical Support:
- Affinity provides customer and technical support for queries regarding billing, refunds, downloads, and licensing. Users can contact support via email for assistance.
These resources collectively ensure that new users of Affinity Photo have access to extensive training and support, enabling them to quickly become proficient with the software.
Affinity has implemented a range of security measures to protect user data. Here are the key security measures in place:
Data Encryption
- Encryption at Rest and In-Transit: Affinity encrypts all sensitive data both at rest and in-transit using robust, industry-leading encryption algorithms. This ensures that data is protected from unauthorized access during storage and transmission.
Network Security
- Isolated Virtual Private Cloud: Affinity's production services run in an isolated Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) on AWS. Only essential network protocols are open at the network's perimeter, minimizing exposure to potential threats.
Access Controls
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Access to internal systems requires multiple authentication factors, including VPN access and device-based authentication tokens. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
- Audit Logs: Any access to customer data, especially when providing support, is exhaustively logged and regularly audited. This ensures that data access is monitored and controlled.
Independent Testing and Compliance
- Penetration Testing: Affinity conducts rigorous annual penetration tests with world-class independent security consulting firms. This helps identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Bug Bounty Program: An ongoing bug bounty program encourages external security researchers to identify and report security issues, further enhancing the security posture.
- Compliance Standards: Affinity is compliant with several stringent global standards, including SOC 2 Type 2, ISO27001, and GDPR. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high security and privacy standards.
Data Segmentation and Retention
- Logical Data Segmentation: Customer data is logically segmented to ensure that data from different customers is never mixed together. This prevents data leakage between customers.
- Data Retention Policies: Affinity's AI subprocessor, Anthropic, retains data only for the purpose of providing specific features and deletes it within 30 days. Affinity also purges or removes customer instance data in accordance with best practices when customers leave the service.
Secure Data Transmission
- Secure Protocols: Affinity uses secure data transmission protocols to encrypt confidential and sensitive data when transmitted over public networks to subprocessors. This ensures that data remains secure during transmission.
Physical and Technical Security Measures
- Strict Security Measures: Affinity deploys strict physical and technical security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized use and access. This includes measures to secure data centers and other physical infrastructure.
Customer Data Ownership and Consent
- Customer Data Ownership: Customers retain ownership of any content generated by Affinity’s AI offerings using their data. This ensures that customers have control over their data.
- Consent for AI Processing: Customer data is processed only when users choose to use Affinity's AI features. This ensures that data is used only with explicit customer consent.
These comprehensive security measures demonstrate Affinity's commitment to protecting user data and maintaining high standards of data security and privacy.
Affinity Photo releases updates regularly, with a mix of major version upgrades and smaller, incremental updates. Here are the details on the frequency and management of these updates:
Update Frequency
1. Major Version Upgrades:
- Major version upgrades, such as from Version 1 to Version 2, occur approximately every four years. For example, the first release of Affinity Photo was in 2015, and Version 2 was launched in November 2022.
- These major upgrades are paid updates, but users are not locked out from using previous versions if they choose not to upgrade.
2. Incremental Updates:
- Between major versions, Affinity Photo releases free incremental updates. These updates include new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. For instance, Version 1 had multiple updates from 1.7.0 to 1.10.6, and Version 2 has had updates from 2.0.0 to 2.5.0[14].
- These updates are typically released every few months, ensuring that users receive regular enhancements and fixes.
Update Management
1. Automatic Updates:
- For users who purchased Affinity Photo from the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store, updates are handled automatically by the operating system. The software checks for updates the next time it is run, and users can also manually check for updates through the respective app stores.
2. Manual Updates:
- Users who purchased Affinity Photo directly from the Affinity Store can manually check for updates within the application. There is an option in the main menu or Help menu to "Check for Updates," which will prompt users to download and install any available updates.
3. Installation Process:
- Once an update is available, users can download the update file (MSI/EXE for Windows or the appropriate installer for macOS). After downloading, they need to open the file to begin the update process[14].
- For iPad users, updates are managed through the iPad App Store, and the process is similar to other iOS app updates.
Community and Support
4. Forums and Community Support:
- The Affinity forums are a valuable resource for users to discuss updates, report issues, and seek advice. The forums have sections dedicated to support, feedback, and bug reporting, making it easier for users to stay informed about the latest updates and get help if needed.
Affinity Photo's policy on data ownership and portability is outlined in their privacy policies. Here are the key points:
Data Ownership
1. Customer Data Ownership:
- Customers retain ownership of any content generated by Affinity’s AI offerings using their data. This ensures that customers have control over their data and its usage.
Data Portability
2. Right to Data Portability:
- Affinity Photo users have the right to data portability, which allows them to receive their personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This right enables users to transfer their data to another service provider if they choose to do so.
- Users can request access to their personal data by sending a request to [email protected]. Affinity commits to processing all reasonable requests for access within a reasonable time period.
Data Access and Transfer
3. Access to Personal Data:
- Individuals have the right to learn whether data about them is found in Affinity's information products and to correct, amend, or delete that information when it is inaccurate. This right applies only to personal data about the individual making the request and is subject to other limitations as defined by law.
- Affinity ensures that personal data is used only for the purpose for which it has been collected and is shared within the organization on a need-to-know basis.
Compliance and Security
4. Compliance with Data Protection Laws:
- Affinity complies with data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that data processing activities are lawful, fair, and transparent.
- The company has implemented technical and administrative controls to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data.
Affinity Photo offers flexible licensing options that can accommodate the scaling needs of organizations. Here are the key terms and options for scaling up or down as organizational needs change:
Types of Licenses
1. Perpetual Licenses:
- Affinity Photo offers perpetual licenses, meaning once purchased, the software can be used indefinitely without additional subscription fees.
- There are different types of perpetual licenses available:
- Universal License: Allows use of any Version 2 Affinity application (Designer, Photo, and Publisher) on all three operating systems (macOS, Windows, and iPadOS).
- Single Application Licenses: Available for macOS, Windows, and iPadOS, each for Designer, Photo, and Publisher.
Volume Licensing
2. Business and Education Licensing:
- Affinity offers volume licensing options for businesses and educational institutions. These licenses can be scaled according to the number of users or devices.
- Volume licenses may come with Version 2 Activation Passwords, which determine the terms of the license, from extended trials to perpetual licenses. Organizations can contact the sales department for assistance with volume licensing.
Campus Licenses
3. Campus Licenses:
- Institutions like LMU München offer the Affinity Suite V2 programs for students and employees via a campus license. This allows the software to be used free of charge for official and study-related purposes.
- Campus licenses are typically managed by the institution's IT department, which can scale the number of licenses based on the number of enrolled students and employees.
Scaling Up
4. Adding More Licenses:
- Organizations can purchase additional licenses as their needs grow. This can be done through the Affinity Store or by contacting Affinity's sales team for volume licensing options.
- The process for activating new licenses involves logging in with an Affinity ID and entering the activation details provided at the time of purchase.
Scaling Down
5. License Deactivation:
- If an organization needs to scale down, licenses can be deactivated. For example, LMU provides instructions for removing campus licenses from devices when students or employees leave the institution or switch to a private license.
- Deactivation involves uninstalling the software and deleting specific folders related to the license on the device.
Flexibility and Support
6. Flexible Licensing Terms:
- Affinity's licensing terms are designed to be flexible, allowing organizations to adjust the number of licenses based on their current needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for educational institutions and businesses with fluctuating user numbers.
- Affinity provides support for managing licenses, including assistance with activation and deactivation, ensuring that organizations can efficiently scale their usage up or down as needed.
The terms and conditions for contract renewal and cancellation for Affinity Photo are outlined in various documents and sources. Here are the key points:
Contract Renewal
1. Automatic Renewal:
- Some agreements, such as the Affinity Group Sponsor Agreement, automatically extend at the end of the initial term or any renewal term for successive two-year periods unless either party provides notice of termination.
2. Renewal Terms:
- The renewal terms for software maintenance agreements can be modified during the renewal process. For example, the software maintenance agreement with Affinity Global Solutions allows for termination by declining to renew the annual subscription[14].
Contract Cancellation
3. Cancellation Policy:
- Users can cancel their orders within a 14-day period after receipt of the product to receive a full refund. This applies to both physical and downloadable products. For downloadable products, users must confirm they have uninstalled the software and deleted the download email with the key before a refund is processed.
4. Termination for Breach:
- The Affinity Licence Agreement states that the license will terminate automatically on any material breach of its terms. Upon termination, users must cease all use of the software.
5. Refund Procedure:
- To request a refund, users need to email their name, order number, and reason for returning the item to [email protected]. For downloadable products, users must confirm uninstallation and deletion of the download email with the key.
6. Termination Without Cause:
- Some agreements allow for termination without cause. For example, the software maintenance agreement can be terminated by the agency upon thirty (30) days written notice[14].
7. Indemnity and Liability:
- The terms of use include indemnity clauses where users agree to indemnify Affinity against certain claims. Additionally, the limitation of liability clauses restrict Affinity's liability for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages.
8. Arbitration and Class Action Waiver:
- Any arbitration under the terms will take place on an individual basis, and class arbitrations and class actions are not permitted. By agreeing to the terms, users waive the right to trial by jury or to participate in a class action.
Miscellaneous Terms
9. Account Management:
- Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of their account passwords. If an account is used in an unauthorized manner, users should immediately change their password and notify Affinity.
10. Data Retention and Deletion:
- Downloadable products remain available to download from the user's Affinity account for as long as the account remains active. If a refund is issued, the product must be permanently removed from all devices and cannot be downloaded again.
Affinity Photo meets several compliance standards to ensure data protection and security. Here are the key compliance standards and measures:
Compliance Standards
1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- Affinity Photo complies with the GDPR, which is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area. This regulation also addresses the transfer of personal data outside the EU and EEA areas.
2. ISO 27001:
- Affinity Photo adheres to ISO 27001, which is an international standard for managing information security. This standard helps organizations keep information assets secure by implementing an information security management system (ISMS).
3. SOC 2 Type 2:
- Affinity Photo is compliant with SOC 2 Type 2, which is a standard for managing customer data based on five "trust service principles"—security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. This standard is particularly relevant for service organizations that handle customer data.
Security Measures
4. Data Encryption:
- Affinity Photo uses robust encryption methods to protect data both at rest and in transit. This ensures that sensitive information is secure from unauthorized access during storage and transmission.
5. Access Controls:
- The software employs multi-factor authentication and strict access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. This includes logging and auditing access to customer data.
6. Penetration Testing and Bug Bounty Program:
- Affinity Photo undergoes regular penetration testing by independent security firms to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. Additionally, a bug bounty program encourages external security researchers to report security issues.
Data Handling and Privacy
7. Data Retention Policies:
- Affinity Photo has clear data retention policies, ensuring that data is only kept for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. This includes the deletion of data within 30 days when it is no longer needed.
8. Customer Data Ownership:
- Customers retain ownership of their data, and Affinity Photo ensures that data is processed only with the customer's consent. This includes the ability to transfer data to another service provider if needed.
By Serif