Affinity Photo- Usability suggestions for color adjustments

[velarde]

Hello:

 

Forced myself to work with Affinity Photo over the weekend to do some basic adjustments for some family photos. Doing all the workflow that I usually do in Photoshop. I found out I have all the tools I need but I think the workflow that Affinity has could be MUCH more improved and avoid extra clicks.

 

1. Colour correction as it is now.

Affinity has non destructive Adjustment Layers (You put the most used ones on top of the list). You choose them by going to the menu "Layer/New Adjustment layer" or by using the Adjustment option in the floating tools on the right. ( Image 01)

 

The first thing I usually do is use the "Auto" options for a quick start. But they are nowhere to be found here. Instead they are in the Menu "Filters/Colours", but none of these  "Auto" filters/adjustments are non-destructive, how come? (Image 02)

 

In Photoshop's Camera Raw (or Lightroom) I just choose the white balance option and change it to "auto" there. The sliders move a little and indicate me what was adjusted. I can manually tweak it to my linking and this adjustment is non-destrucitve. I can come back and change it. (image 03) 

 

The way Affinity has it implemented: I need two different tool palettes to play with the White Balance ( and this applies to all main color correction tools). If I click on the "warm" or "cool" thumbnails I get the behavior I was looking for. Affinity shows me adjustments that were made in the floating palette sliders but the information is in two different places. And I don't have an "auto" option there.

 

2. Interface Suggestion

 

(See image 03) Why don't you merge the two tools palettes into one? And add an "Auto" option there.? The "picker" button is really not helpful for new users. Maybe add an icon or different text like "choose white point". You can eliminate the "reset" button" because if you click on the "As shot" thumbnail all changes are reset.

 

These suggestions apply to all the main Colour Tools: Levels, Colours, White balance and Contrast.

 

 

Note: And we REALLY need the "sticky" settings implemented ASAP. First thing I do is crop the images and I need to choose "Original ratio" EVERYTIME. The default is Unconstrained (which I never use...) Do this for 20 pictures or more and it's a hassle... This issue alone is a Major productivity killer...

 

I know this feature is "coming soon" but I believe it's been like a year and still no Sticky Settings.....

 

Thanks for reading this.

 

fjv