First Impressions: Trying Out Affinity Photo 3
I’ve recently been testing Affinity Photo 3, comparing it to the previous version, Affinity Photo 2, which I’ve used for quite a while. As with any major software update, there’s definitely a learning curve, some tools work a little differently, and a few workflows have become more complex. But overall, it’s an interesting upgrade with a lot of potential.
Getting Used to the New Workflow
One of the first differences I noticed is how certain basic functions are now accessed. For example, in Affinity Photo 2, resizing a document was a simple matter of going to Document > Resize. In Affinity Photo 3, that same feature now sits under Document > Setup > Resize. It’s a small change, but one that makes you pause and re-learn your way around the menus.
That said, once you start exploring, you’ll notice that many tools remain familiar, just with a few tweaks here and there. A number of the existing tools, like healing and chromatic aberration correction, have been noticeably improved, delivering smoother and more accurate results. Others behave much the same as before, which helps ease the transition.
Interface and Icon Updates
One thing that caught my attention immediately: the tool icons are no longer in colour. Personally, I think that’s a bit of a shame. The coloured icons made it easier to identify tools at a glance, especially when working quickly. However, I do have to admit that the new monochrome icons are cleaner and more consistent in appearance. They also make the workspace look more professional and modern and in practice, the tools themselves are easier to manage.
Learning Curve and Resources
The biggest challenge so far has been simply adjusting to the new layout and structure. Affinity Photo 3 feels more sophisticated, and with that comes added complexity in some areas. I’m hoping that, just like with version 1, the developers will release a comprehensive official guidebook for version 3. The book for Affinity Photo 1 worked quite well for Affinity Photo 2, I’d say about 60% of it still applies to version 3, but roughly 40% is now outdated or irrelevant due to new features and changed workflows.
For now, it’s a case of practice, patience, and experimentation. The more I use it, the more comfortable I’m becoming with the new setup, and the results are definitely worth the effort.
The Biggest Change: The All-in-One Suite
Perhaps the most significant change in Affinity 3 is that it now integrates Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher into one unified suite. You can seamlessly switch between the three programs without needing separate licenses or installations, which is a huge advantage for anyone who works across photography, design, and layout.
Even better, the suite itself is currently free to use. The only subscription component comes with the new Canvas AI tools, which are optional. I haven’t tested the AI features yet, so I can’t comment on how effective or useful they are, but it’s great to see Serif offering creative users this level of flexibility without forcing them into a full subscription model.
Real-World Use: My Lone Tree Image
One of the first real projects I used Affinity Photo 3 on was a RAW edit of a lone tree landscape photo. The base edit was done in Capture One Pro, where I handled colour balance, exposure, and initial adjustments. From there, I moved into Affinity Photo 3 for detailed work, things like local contrast, edge refinement, and final polishing.
For the menu background, I switched over to Affinity Designer, which gave me precise control over vector elements and layering. Then I finished the final layout in Affinity Publisher. This ability to flow between the three programs so seamlessly was a real time-saver and made the creative process smoother than ever.
Verdict: Do I Like It?
Yes, I do. Despite the changes and the initial frustration of re-learning some tools, Affinity Photo 3 has won me over. It’s a more powerful and capable version of a tool I already trusted, and it continues to deliver professional-quality results.
I still have plenty to learn, and that’s actually part of the fun. Discovering new ways to refine my workflow and make the most of the tools keeps the process engaging and rewarding.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re already happy with Affinity Photo 2, there’s no urgent need to switch. It’s still an excellent and capable piece of software. But if you’re curious about the new integrated suite, or you want to explore the latest improvements to editing and performance, then Affinity Photo 3 is well worth a look.
It’s free to use (with optional AI subscriptions for Canvas), and it’s clear that Canvas has put a lot of effort into improving both functionality and cross-application workflow. For anyone serious about photography, design, or publishing, or simply wanting to push their creative boundaries, it’s an exciting evolution of an already great tool.
FYI. At the time writing this I have no affiliation or connection with Canvas or Affinity.
Lone Tree
