.aff — Affinity File Format
Serif (Europe) Ltd · 2015
An Affinity file (.aff) is a proprietary document format used by Affinity creative software to save layered vector and raster images with full editing capabilities.
Key Features
- Preserves all editable layers and objects.
- Supports both vector and raster graphics.
- Maintains non-destructive adjustment layers and masks.
- Saves project history for advanced editing.
Best For
- Storing complex multi-layered designs.
- Workflows requiring non-destructive editing.
- Saving master files before exporting to other formats.
- Projects that may need future revisions.
Less Ideal For
- Web display (use JPG, PNG, SVG).
- Sharing final, flattened images (use JPG, PNG).
- Small, simple icons (use SVG or PNG).
- Printing proofs that need specific color profiles (export to PDF/X).
Common Use Cases
- Saving ongoing graphic design projects.
- Archiving master files for web or print.
- Collaborating on design work where full editability is needed.
- Creating complex illustrations with multiple elements.
How to Open It
- Open directly within Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, or Affinity Publisher.
- These files are native to the Affinity suite and cannot be opened by standard image viewers.
- Conversion to other formats like PNG or JPG is required for wider compatibility.
What is a .aff file?
The .aff file extension typically refers to files created by Affinity creative software, such as Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher. These are proprietary vector and raster image formats designed to preserve all the editing capabilities of the original project. Unlike flattened image formats like JPG or PNG, Affinity files retain layers, masks, adjustment layers, and other complex editing data, allowing for non-destructive workflows. This makes them ideal for ongoing design projects where future modifications are anticipated.
Programs That Open .aff Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Affinity Designer | Paid | Official |
| Affinity Photo | Paid | Official | |
| Affinity Publisher | Paid | Official | |
| macOS | Affinity Designer | Paid | Official |
| Affinity Photo | Paid | Official | |
| Affinity Publisher | Paid | Official | |
| iOS | Affinity Designer | Paid | Official |
| Affinity Photo | Paid | Official |
How to Convert .aff Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .PNG | Affinity Software Export, Online Converters |
| .JPG | Affinity Software Export, Online Converters |
| .SVG | Affinity Designer Export, Online Converters |
| Affinity Software Export, Online Converters |
Common Problems with .aff Files
Frequently Asked Questions
While '.aff' is a general term for Affinity files, '.afphoto' specifically denotes files saved from Affinity Photo, typically raster-based. '.afdesign' files are vector-based from Affinity Designer, and '.afpub' from Affinity Publisher.
No, you need the corresponding Affinity software installed (Affinity Designer, Photo, or Publisher) to open and edit .aff files. Standard image viewers cannot interpret this format.
The format itself is lossless in terms of preserving editing data. However, the actual image data within can be raster or vector, and the final exported format will determine if it's lossless (like PNG) or lossy (like JPG).
Technical Details
Affinity files are complex binary formats that store not only pixel or vector data but also extensive metadata related to the editing environment. This includes information about layers, masks, adjustment effects, text objects, and their editable properties. The structure is optimized for the specific application that created it, ensuring seamless recall of project states.