.afphoto — Affinity Photo Document
Serif (Europe) Ltd. · 2015
The .afphoto format is the native, editable document file for the Affinity Photo graphics editor, ideal for preserving layers and complex edits.
Key Features
- Preserves all layers, masks, and adjustment layers.
- Supports non-destructive editing workflows.
- Includes full editing history and undo states.
- Captures all applied filters and effects.
Best For
- Saving work in progress within Affinity Photo.
- Maintaining full editability of complex designs.
- Exporting high-quality images for print after detailed editing.
Less Ideal For
- Directly displaying images on websites.
- Sharing simple photos with people who don't use Affinity Photo.
- Embedding images in documents or presentations for quick viewing.
- Sending images via email due to potentially large file sizes.
Common Use Cases
- Saving complex photo manipulations with multiple layers.
- Working on graphic design projects that require extensive editing.
- Archiving master files for digital paintings and illustrations.
- Collaborating on design projects where layered editing is essential.
How to Open It
- Open the .afphoto file directly within Affinity Photo on Windows, macOS, or iPad.
- If you do not have Affinity Photo, you may need to export the file to a more common format like JPG or PNG first.
- Some third-party viewers might offer limited preview capabilities, but full editing requires Affinity Photo.
What is a .afphoto file?
The .afphoto file format is the native document format for Affinity Photo, a powerful raster graphics editor designed for creative professionals. It preserves all layers, masks, adjustment layers, filters, and other editable elements of your artwork, making it ideal for ongoing projects. This format ensures that you can return to your work at any time and continue editing with the full range of features available in Affinity Photo. It is not typically designed for direct web use or simple image sharing, but rather as a master file for complex graphic design and photo manipulation.
Programs That Open .afphoto Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Affinity Photo | Paid | Official |
| macOS | Affinity Photo | Paid | Official |
| Android | Affinity Photo | Paid | Official |
| iOS | Affinity Photo | Paid | Official |
How to Convert .afphoto Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .PNG | Affinity Photo Export, Third-party converters (limited) |
| .JPG | Affinity Photo Export, Third-party converters (limited) |
| .TIFF | Affinity Photo Export |
Common Problems with .afphoto Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, .afphoto is a proprietary format specific to Affinity Photo and is not widely supported by other image viewers or editors.
Yes, if you have the Affinity Photo app installed on your iPad or Android tablet, you can open and edit .afphoto files.
.afphoto saves all your layers and editing information for continued work, while .jpg is a flattened, compressed format for final output or sharing, losing editability.
Technical Details
Affinity Photo files are proprietary and typically stored in a binary format. They employ a structure that allows for the non-destructive editing of images, retaining information about each layer, mask, adjustment, and filter applied. While the exact internal structure is not publicly documented, it is optimized for performance within Affinity Photo and supports a wide range of advanced image manipulation capabilities.