Features Unstable

[C3CDG]

Hi there - I am finding feature on the app not performing properly. For example, when I log in and edit a photo, ending with a Keyline Border, all is fine. However, when I import a 2nd photo and repeat the process, I find that many of the features do not work.

I close down, re-log in and, again, the same process occurs.

This happens on various other features but it is inconsistent.

I also have great difficulty in moving the image across the screen. I slide my hand across the magic mouse, but one the image has moved, I can't get it back again.

Is it me or does this sound like an issue?

I'm wondering if I should remove the App and re-install .

[Alfred]

Thanks to your reference to the use of “the magic mouse” while editing a first and second photo, I infer that you’re using Affinity Photo on a Mac. Are you using the Mac App Store version or the Affinity Store version of the app? What other apps are running at the same time? What are your system specs?

[C3CDG]

1 minute ago, Alfred said:

Thanks to your reference to the use of “the magic mouse” while editing a first and second photo, I infer that you’re using Affinity Photo on a Mac. Are you using the Mac App Store version or the Affinity Store version of the app? What are your system specs?

I have a relatively new iMac. Upgraded about 6 months ago. Operating macOS Big Sur Version 11.2.1

Processor 3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5

Memory 8GB

I installed Affinity Photo from the AppStore.

I store my RAW files on a remote disc and bring them in to work on. I then store the edited images on a different remote disc. I export the edited version in PHOTO. I keep some edited versions in Pictures (which is backed up daily )

Is this the information you needed?

 

[Alfred]

1 minute ago, C3CDG said:

Is this the information you needed?

Yes, thanks. All useful stuff!

Actually, the most useful piece of information you included was not about your OS in particular or your system specs in general, but about the fact that you’re working on files stored on a remote disk. This is not recommended, since Affinity Photo may only partially load the image (for efficient memory usage) and you may end up with a corrupted file if you lose the connection to the remote device. You should therefore copy the entire file to local storage and work from there.

Please post back if you still have similar problems when working on local copies of your image files.

[C3CDG]

None of the files are corrupted at all. I did have that issue once but it was the remote drive. Since then I have new hard drives, new computer and I watch the downloads so I know for sure that there has been no problem losing connection to the remote drive.

I presume by local storage you mean my own computer hard drive but I don't have enough memory for the RAW files.

 

 

[walt.farrell]

1 hour ago, C3CDG said:

I presume by local storage you mean my own computer hard drive but I don't have enough memory for the RAW files.

What sizes are your local hard drives, and how much free space do they have? Some local storage will be required for working on your projects, and perhaps you're running out and having problems because of that?

[C3CDG]

I have a relatively new iMac. Bought it last November. Operating macOS Big Sur Version 11.2.1

Processor 3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5

Memory 8GB

I keep very little stored on the drive. Most big work is stored remotely.

 

[v_kyr]

28 minutes ago, C3CDG said:

I keep very little stored on the drive. Most big work is stored remotely.

Well the fact is more, that due to it's file format and the way Affinity apps incrementally store their files, working directly on remote drives and connections can lead to timeouts if those don't offer a super stable and fast connection. So working directly on an external data storage (network/cloud drives, slow USB drive etc.) isn't recomended and can lead to data lost and blocking during connection transfers.

You best work locally (on your local hd/ssd) with Affinity products and data files (RAW files or whatever). So a more safe workflow would be, to always copy/paste the data (RAW files etc.) you want to work with to your local file system first, manipulate/alter the data as wanted in Affinity on the local filesystem and save it there. Afterwards transfer (copy/move) the local saved data back to the remote storage. - In short, use your remote storage like a backup place, but don't operate/work with Affinity products on that remote storage filesystem directly!

Try that workflow approach out and see if it hopefully enhances the overall stability.

[C3CDG]

I bring the RAW files back into Affinity. My computer is by my router and I have very fast and stable connection.

Of course there are occasions when stability wobbles, but it's very rare.

To be clear, are you saying that I need to export the RAW files onto my desktop first, then into Affinity for editing?

I do appreciate the help.

[v_kyr]

15 minutes ago, C3CDG said:

To be clear, are you saying that I need to export the RAW files onto my desktop first, then into Affinity for editing?

Yes, copy those RAW files you want to work on with Affinity from the remote disk to your local disk. Open them in Affinity from your local disk and also store them back from inside of Affinity to your local disk. - Afterwards either remove/delete the RAW file copies (those are just copies) or transfer them back to your remote storage.

Give it a try and see if it possibly changes something in behavior.