Skip to main content

Affinity (.af) file support in Capture One

Sergi Salillas
  • Updated

Capture One 16.7.7 introduces support for Affinity file format (.af) to enable a smooth workflow between the two applications. You can import finished Affinity files into Capture One and export images for further editing in Affinity Photo.

Note
This feature is currently available on macOS with Apple Silicon (M-series chips) only. Affinity 3.2 or later is required.

 

Importing Affinity Photo files

Affinity files (.af) can be imported into Capture One as rendered images.

  • Files are imported as flattened images
  • Layers, adjustments, live filters, and masks are not preserved as editable elements
  • Embedded resources and RAW processing are fully rendered
  • Color profiles are supported
  • 8-bit and 16-bit files are supported, with bit depth preserved where possible
Note
For the best round-trip compatibility with .af files, always flatten complex Live Pixel Layers/Live Filter Layers (like Dust & Scratches) into standard Pixel Layers. This ensures that the Capture One rendering engine accurately reflects your Affinity Photo edits.
The list of Live Filters can be found here. 

This allows you to bring final Affinity edits back into your Capture One catalog or session for further organization or export.
 

Exporting to Affinity Photo

You can export images from Capture One to Affinity format using Export, Edit With, or Open With.

  • Export to .af in 8-bit or 16-bit
  • Exported files retain image data, color profiles, and basic metadata
  • When using Edit With / Open With, the following can be included:
    • Guides
    • Overlays
    • Annotations
    • Watermarks (Export only)
    • Masks (as alpha channels)

This enables a round-trip workflow between Capture One and Affinity Photo.
 

Availability limitations

If you see an error indicating unavailable recipes, ensure that you are using a Mac with Apple Silicon and that the selected export format (Affinity) is supported on your system.


 

Use case

The Affinity format is suitable for workflows involving Affinity, particularly for exchanging final image results between applications.

You can send images from Capture One to Affinity Photo for advanced editing and then re-import the final result into Capture One for cataloging, delivery, or batch export.

For best results, use Affinity formats when exchanging final image outputs between Capture One and Affinity Photo.

Related articles