A RAW file preserves more of the image captured and typically gives you more flexibility and leeway when editing. A RAW photo represents the raw data captured by the image sensor before any subsequent image processing. Some cameras also allow you to capture a RAW photo. Some cameras allow you to adjust the settings of this processing, such as exposure or sharpening. When a digital camera captures a photo, the image is recorded by the image sensor and then processed by the camera to generate a JPG file. However, I do not consider layers a mandatory feature, and some of the best photo editors such as Darkroom still offer more than enough features for most users. Whilst using layers can greatly enhance your photo editing capabilities, it is also something most users would not use and it would overly confuse the user interface. Apple Photos has no support for layers, and I doubt if this is something Apple would add. The use of layers typically separates the basic from the more advanced photo editors. Another great advantage of layers is their ability to be turned on and off, allowing you to easily see the effects of each adjustment.Īffinity Photo Layers Detail (Source: Serif) Layers can also be grouped, so similar adjustments, such as dodging & burning, can be grouped. In the example screenshot above from Affinity Photo, multiple layers are used to selectively adjust specific areas of the photo. Whilst this can create larger image files, it also allows you to undo specific adjustments without any impacts on the original image. This provides what is referred to as non-destructive editing, where each layer makes adjustments to the layer below without impacting the original image. You can then make adjustments to each layer to fine-tune the image. Pixelmator Pro Text Tools (Source: Pixelmator) Layer SupportĪ more advanced photo editing technique, using layers allow you to separate and apply multiple adjustments to an image by layering the edits on top of each other. Pixelmator Pro also includes a collection of over 100 brushes, including paintbrushes, watercolors, markers, pencils, crayons, and more. I found them to be comparable to those in Abobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer for all but the most complex of designs. Now, applications like Pixelmator Pro and Affinity Photo combine both photo and vector editing tools.Īffinity Photo Vectors (Source: Serif) Text Design ToolsĮxtending vector graphics further, Pixelmator Pro also includes a comprehensive set of text design tools. Previously the only way to use vector graphics was in separate applications such as Adobe Illustrator. Several photo editing applications now include the ability to add and edit vector graphics. More advanced photo editors include additional adjustments such as selective noise reduction, lens distortion correction, or the removal of haze from landscape photos, as shown below in the screenshot from Affinity Photo.Īffinity Photo Haze Removal (Source: Serif) Vector Graphic Tools
Editing ToolsĪll photo editors provide basic editing tools such as adjusting the exposure, white balance, sharpening, rotation, etc. Let's looks through the criteria we use to evaluate the various photo editors.
I am less inclined to edit my iPhone photos more than basic exposure and cropping adjustments. I find the additional and more refined editing tools in Affinity Photo and Capture One are better suited to enhancing my photography hobby.
I use a combination of Apple Photos, Affinity Photo and Capture One, with Apple Photos being used to manage my photo library and for editing photos taken with my iPhone, and Affinity Photo and Capture One used for photos taken with my mirrorless Fujifilm camera. You may also wish to use several tools, picking the best tool for the specific type of photo edits you wish to make. If you are looking to enhance your photo editing skills and take your photography to the next level, I recommend looking at alternative photo editing tools. However, its range of editing tools does not compare to the more advanced tools available in other applications. I think that Apple Photos is a fantastic application and Apple has been gradually improving it over the years.
#Pixelmator pro and affinity photo for free
You might be asking why, as Apple Photos comes for free with every Mac, you should look for an alternate solution for photo editing?
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