What editing software do you use?

DD_Crash · Tuesday at 13:37

It seems that Affinity Photo is gaining some ground with newer members in my camera club. We do have a lot of die hard Adobe fans, but some are showing limited interest in going Adobe free.
What software do you use and do you use any plugins? I mainly use On1photoRAW but sometimes I send an image to Affinity Photo for some work that is easier to do there. I also use the free version of NikEffects, gmic, and Boris Effects Optics.

GMac11 · Tuesday at 20:22

I currently use Adobe but through no loyalty or misguided preference - I had a few stacked deals that kept me going for the past 3 years and I do like some of the AI smarts as well the integration between Lightroom and Photoshop.
That said, my current deal is expiring soon and I’m all for leaving so I’m currently seeking alternatives.
My first option is to go back to Capture One (I have Pro 22) and I have to say I’ve enjoyed using it again. It has all the post processing capabilities I need with the exception of AI masking which is the one AI tool I would miss by leaving Adobe. The novelty of the other AI tools has honestly worn off on me now and I could easily live without them.
The second issue with C1 is that I still need a Photoshop alternative. I own Affinity Photo 1 from my previous stint on C1 so that’s always there but it is getting long in the tooth now.
(For Mac users) I trialled Pixelmator Pro which I was very impressed with and from what I saw of it looks like a bargain at £50 - the noise reduction capabilities are almost worth the fee alone. My only hesitancy with Pixelmator is trying to second guess how long Apple will maintain it now that they own it.

As for plugins, I’ve never used them. No reason for it, I’ve just never bothered.

henry hoov3r · Tuesday at 21:00

Im using Adobe but it runs out next month and I’m definitely going to try out a trial on some of the competitors.

DD_Crash · 2025-09-03T09:59:56+0100

I would recommend giving On1 photoRAW a trial. It can be a bit demanding on old laptops and it does need a graphics card. Lots of useful AI assisted masking, photo management and the the price is a lot less expensive than a DxO photolab +Nik effects. The 2026 version which will be released in October looks like the best yet. (a quick overview but Rod put the wrong date in)

ON1 Photo RAW 2026 announced, available 'this fall' - Life after Photoshop

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henry hoov3r · 2025-09-03T19:22:12+0100

DD_Crash said:
The 2026 version which will be released in October looks like the best yet.

Perfect timing for me. Ill try that one first.

DD_Crash · 2025-09-03T19:36:03+0100

You will be able to get a trial of 2026 in maybe 2 months time but to get an idea you can try 2025 and depending on when you buy you will get a free upgrade to 2026. Several youtube channels give 20% discount codes. Have a look at Scott Davenports website and On1

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