Serif is rolling out significant changes across its popular graphic design software suite, Affinity, with a particular addition aimed at improving workflows for VFX (Visual Effects) and 3D artists.
Affinity V2.2, a free update to Serif’s comprehensive creative package, now includes support for the color management solution OCIO v2. This solution is already employed by industry giants such as Adobe, Autodesk, and Krita. The addition of OCIO v2 support further solidifies Affinity’s reputation as one of the top alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.
While Serif is not venturing into the realm of VFX or 3D modeling software, the company states that designers can utilize “config files, including the more advanced features available in OCIO v2.” This addition is part of a broader set of new tools and quality-of-life enhancements integrated into the creative suite.
What’s New in Affinity V2.2?
As the name suggests, this is not the first major update to the Affinity V2 package, which encompasses Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, and Affinity Designer—each of which earned Editor’s Choice awards in reviews.
In addition to OCIO v2 support, users will enjoy new features across Windows, Mac, and iPad versions. These include keyboard shortcuts for the pixel brush tool in Photo and Designer, along with long-press shortcuts that temporarily switch users to the selected tool until the shortcut key is released.
Affinity Publisher, Serif’s Desktop Publishing (DTP) software, now enables users to add cross-referencing links and define custom text variables as fields, facilitating the addition of new fields and assignment of relevant values.
For enhanced performance and productivity, both Designer and Publisher introduce two new view modes, allowing users to switch between viewing projects in grayscale or hiding effects entirely. This feature is especially beneficial for those working on complex designs with numerous effects and layers.
These improvements are just a glimpse of what Affinity V2.2 has to offer. The full list of enhancements can be found here.
Serif CEO Ashley Hewson commented on the release, stating, “Once again, we’re delivering a free update that continues to add and enhance some of Affinity’s most popular tools, ensuring the constant optimization of workflows for our growing user base.”
Additionally, Serif teased that this update is part of its ongoing plans, hinting at another substantial update on the horizon, which will mark an ambitious step forward in its product portfolio. Given that Affinity V2 was initially launched in November 2022, users can anticipate these new features in the near future.
