Powerful photo editing without a subscription – Affinity Photo 2.

🎨 Powerful image editing with no subscription — Affinity Photo 2.

Affinity Photo 2 is the professional successor to the now-retired PhotoPlus and delivers best-in-class advanced image editing — without a subscription. The program is developed by the British company Serif, whose Affinity suite has firmly established itself as the strongest alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Affinity Photo 2 is available for Windows, macOS, and iPad, and has become very popular among photographers, designers, and creatives who want full control over their images without paying monthly fees.


What can Affinity Photo 2 do?

Affinity Photo 2 has everything you’d expect from a modern photo editor — and then some:

  • Non-destructive RAW development (with the new Develop Persona)
  • Advanced layer control, including layer masks, adjustment layers, and groups
  • Live filters and live mesh warp for real-time effects
  • Professional retouching tools (healing, cloning, dodge/burn)
  • HDR merge, panoramas, and focus stacking
  • Macro and batch features for automation
  • CMYK, 32-bit, LAB, and ICC color spaces — suitable for print and professional workflows

The interface is elegant and uncluttered. You switch between functions via the unique “Personas,” which break the workflow into logical steps.


Why choose Affinity over Adobe?

One-time purchase instead of a subscription is the biggest draw. Affinity Photo 2 typically costs under $75 and gives you lifetime access — with free point updates and major discounts on the next version.

You get almost the entire Photoshop package, including PSD compatibility and smart object–like features, without being locked into monthly payments. That makes the app attractive to both hobbyists and freelance professionals.


What about PhotoPlus?

Serif has officially phased out PhotoPlus, and the program can no longer be downloaded safely. Affinity Photo is the official successor and is far superior in features, speed, and future-proofing.


Free alternatives: Anything that matches?

If you’re looking for a completely free alternative, consider:

  • GIMP — Open-source and powerful, but with a steeper learning curve and a less modern interface.
  • Photopea — Browser-based Photoshop clone, ideal for quick tasks but not optimal for large files or advanced work.

None of these quite reach Affinity’s professional level — especially when it comes to performance and stability.


FAQ

Is Affinity Photo 2 a one-time purchase?
Yes, you pay once for a license. There’s also a Universal License that covers the entire Affinity suite (Photo, Designer, and Publisher).

Is it hard to learn?
The app is relatively easy to pick up, especially if you have experience with Photoshop. There are many tutorials in English and Danish.

Does it work on both Mac and PC?
Yes — and even on iPad, where it’s one of the most powerful photo apps on the market.


A modern classic for serious photo editors

Affinity Photo 2 is an obvious choice if you want professional image editing without being tied to subscriptions. It’s powerful, fast, and accessible — and has become a mainstay in many creative workflows worldwide.


Download link:
You can download and buy Affinity Photo 2 via Serif or on Microsoft Store — we link here from Download.dk to the official page.

Serif offers a fully functional trial, which you can download directly from their official website. You don’t need to create an account or enter credit card details — just download and get started.

✅ What do you get in the trial?

  • The full program without limitations
  • All features and tools available
  • Ability to save, export, and work with your own files
  • Support for Windows, macOS, and iPad

📌 Note: On iPad, download the trial via the App Store, where you can activate the free period.

After 30 days, you can choose to purchase the app with a one-time payment, or uninstall it with no commitment.

 

Martin Jørgensen

I create software content and Windows guides for Holyfile.com, focusing on up-to-date recommendations and clear, practical explanations. My goal is to help people choose the right software quickly and safely.

Reviewer’s rating with pros and cons, and user ratings

Affinity Photo 2 delivers everything you expect from high-end photo editing software – without a subscription. It combines professional functionality with excellent ease of use and is the perfect alternative to Photoshop, especially for freelancers, students, and designers on a budget.


Pros:
🟢 One-time purchase – no subscriptions
🟢 Compatible with PSD and print-ready files
🟢 Very fast and stable
🟢 Advanced RAW and layer management
🟢 Works on PC, Mac, and iPad

Cons:
🔴 Not the same plugin ecosystem as Photoshop
🔴 No free version (only a free trial)
🔴 Some features take getting used to

User Rating