What editing software do you use?

[DD_Crash]

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]

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]

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]

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

On the same day that DxO released PhotoLab 9, ON1 software has announced the latest version of its own combined photo editing and organising application – ON1 Photo RAW 2026. Unlike PhotoLab 9, it's not available straight away... but the list of new features does look very compelling, with major...

www.lifeafterphotoshop.com

 

[henry hoov3r]

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]

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

Video Library - ON1

Learn how to use ON1 photo editing software applications. Quickly learn the essentials to get up and running with your ON1 app today.

www.on1.com

Free ON1 Photo RAW Tutorials - ON1 Learning Center — Scott Davenport Photography

FREE ON1 Photo RAW tutorials. Get up and running fast. Learn how to process and manage your photos in Photo RAW. Save 20% with my discount coupon code SDP20 at checkout.

scottdavenportphoto.com

 

[And]

PS/ACR/Bridge.

 

[spile]

I use the Affinity Suite - all three

 

[SupraWez]

Was wondering this too, dusted off the old DSLR a short while back and been having a look.

 

[DD_Crash]

I like the tone mapping in Affinity Photo and quite often knock the opacity down when I load the layer into On1 and it gives the image a bit of ummf. I do find the process of using filters and such a bit overly complex so I dont use the Photo Persona much. (I did try but it felt clumsy to use)