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9 tools that solve a similar problem. Compare what each costs and what it covers.
A free image editor for retouching and paint
GIMP is free retouching and paint software on its own, without the vector and layout apps that come bundled into Affinity.
Free painting software built for drawing tablets
Krita is built around a drawing tablet specifically, free like Affinity but aimed at painting rather than photo or layout work.
A raw developer that costs nothing
darktable is a free raw developer only, narrower than Affinity's photo, vector and layout apps but built specifically around the raw file.
RAW editing and tethering for professionals
Capture One goes deeper on raw processing and tethered shooting for $18 a month, where Affinity's raw tools sit inside a free, broader suite.
Photo editing and collages in a browser
BeFunky runs in a browser with no install, from $6.99 a month, for quick photo edits and collages rather than Affinity's full desktop suite.
Works with YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, LinkedIn, Pinterest
Free vector drawing that writes plain SVG
Inkscape is a free vector editor that writes plain SVG, for someone who only needs the drawing app and not Affinity's photo and layout pair.
Browser photo editing for a couple of dollars
Pixlr edits photos in a browser from $2 with a free tier, enough for quick fixes without installing the desktop suite.
Raw editing and layers, bought once
ON1 Photo RAW is bought once for $99.99 rather than free, and stays a raw and layers editor rather than adding vector or layout tools.
Raw processing bought once, not rented
DxO PhotoLab is a one-time $149.99 purchase focused on raw processing alone, without Affinity's vector or page layout apps.