Affinity Photo Alternatives (2026): 10 Photo Editors

Photo editing software has split into two camps. Photographers want RAW processing, presets and a catalogue for thousands of images, while designers and retouchers want layers, masks and precise selection tools.

Below are ten photo editors in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from free open source RAW processors to established desktop editors. Each description comes from the editor's own website, re-checked today. If you're editing images for social media, my guide to the right dimensions for Facebook ad images will save you some resizing.

Decide whether you're mostly processing photos or mostly building images. That single choice rules out half the options straight away.

Photo editors at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the editor's own site describes a free app or free version, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Acorn	Mac image editor	Mac users wanting a simple editor	Trial only
Capture One	Professional RAW editor	Studio and tethered shooting	Trial only
Darktable	Open source RAW editor	Free RAW workflow	Yes
Luminar Neo	AI photo editor	Quick AI-assisted edits	Trial only
ON1 Photo RAW	Photo editor and organiser	Editing and organising in one	Trial only
PaintShop Pro	Windows photo editor	Windows users wanting layers	Trial only
Photoline	Photo and vector editor	Photo, vector and layout in one	No
Photoshop Elements	Consumer photo editor	Guided edits for beginners	Trial only
Pixelmator Pro	Mac photo editor	Polished editing on Mac	Trial only
RawTherapee	Open source RAW processor	Free, detailed RAW processing	Yes

Ten photo editors to consider instead of Affinity Photo

Acorn

Best for: Mac users who want a straightforward layered image editor without a subscription mindset.

Capture One

Best for: Professional photographers who want precise colour, tethered shooting and RAW editing.

Darktable

Best for: Photographers who want a free, open source RAW editor and photo library.

Luminar Neo

Best for: Hobby photographers who want AI tools for skies, portraits and quick enhancements.

ON1 Photo RAW

Best for: Photographers who want RAW editing, layers and a photo organiser in one app.

PaintShop Pro

Best for: Windows users who want a layered photo editor with design tools.

Photoline

Best for: Users who want photo editing, vector editing and text layout in one program.

Photoshop Elements

Best for: Beginners who want guided edits and simple organising for family photos.

Pixelmator Pro

Best for: Mac users who want a polished, Mac-native editor with AI tools.

RawTherapee

Best for: Photographers who want a free RAW processor with detailed control.

What changed with Affinity itself

Before you switch, check what Affinity offers now. Affinity's own site describes a single app for professional design, photo editing and page layout, and says it's free for individuals, with enterprise options for larger teams.

So if you're leaving because of the old separate apps, it may be worth another look first. If you're leaving for RAW processing, cataloguing or a different workflow, the editors here are well worth trying.

Choosing a photo editor

• RAW support: for your camera model.
• Organising: a catalogue if you shoot a lot.
• Layers and masks: for retouching and composites.
• Platform: Mac, Windows or both.
• File compatibility: PSD support if you share files.

Moving your photos to a new editor

1. Export finished images at full quality first.
2. Keep your original RAW files untouched.
3. Check how edits and presets transfer, if at all.
4. Re-create a few go-to presets.
5. Edit one small set before moving your whole library.

Photo editing mistakes to avoid

• Editing originals. Work on copies.
• Over-processing. Subtle edits age better.
• Ignoring colour settings. Calibrate your screen.
• Exporting too small. Keep a full-size master.

If you need ready-made images for social, my done-for-you social media images can save time.

RAW editor or layered editor?

A RAW editor works non-destructively: it stores your adjustments as instructions and leaves the original file untouched, which is ideal when you're processing hundreds of photos from a shoot. A layered editor works more like a canvas, where you combine images, remove objects and add text.

Many photographers use one of each. They do the bulk of their work in a RAW editor, then open a few images in a layered editor for detailed retouching.

Subscriptions, one-off licences and free apps

Photo editors now come in three flavours: subscriptions, one-off purchases and free apps. It's worth deciding which you're comfortable with before you shortlist, because it shapes how you'll feel about the tool a few years from now. A free open source editor won't lock your work away, a one-off licence gives you a fixed version you own, and a subscription keeps you on the newest features.

Whichever you pick, keep your originals in a format any editor can open. That way you're free to change your mind later without losing a single edit you care about.

If you're unsure, start with a free RAW processor for a month. You'll learn exactly which tools you reach for, and that list will make any later choice far easier.

Do you make photo editing software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on Affinity Photo alternatives

If RAW editing is your main job, try the free open source options first. They're capable, and you'll learn what you really need before choosing anything else.

And protect your originals. Whatever editor you use, keep the untouched files backed up in two places.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good alternative to Affinity Photo?

It depends on whether you mostly process RAW photos or build layered images.

Is Affinity free now?

Affinity's own site describes a single app for design, photo editing and layout that's free for individuals.

Is there a free RAW editor?

Yes. Several open source RAW editors here are free.

Can I open Affinity files elsewhere?

Export as PSD or TIFF to keep as much as possible.

Which editor is best for beginners?

Guided editors and simple Mac or Windows apps are easiest to start with.

Do I need a photo catalogue?

If you shoot regularly, a catalogue makes finding and editing images much faster.

Can these editors handle AI tools?

Several include AI features for skies, selections and retouching.

Will my presets transfer?

Usually not directly, so plan to recreate the ones you use most.