Win32 not supported

[daved163]

Absolutely gutted that Affinity doesn't support Windows 32 bit. There a many photo enthusiasts (as opposed to professionals) who can't easily justify (to their partners!) endless expense on gear and it is often forgotten that the computer is just another item in a fairly long list that must be funded. I run a quad Xeon that is plenty fast enough for my needs, but manufacturers keep forcing me upgrade (which I can't afford) or I must forget about the most recent software, which seems to be all 64 bit.

My question: Can Affinity be compiled for 32 bit or does it use hardware/OS features that 32 bit machines/OS don't have? If the former, then please do it! If the latter, can you consider a 32 bit version?

Here's hoping, because I used Serif years ago and quite like the company ethos. I ran with Photoshop for several years then swapped to Corel but to be honest I dislike them both and have been looking for a viable alternative for a long time.

 

[Mark Ingram]

Hi, we only make a 64bit application currently. If you have a quad Xeon, then you have a 64bit CPU, you just need to install a 64bit version of Windows. Is that possible for you?

[daved163]

Thanks for the swift reply. In theory I could change to Windows 64bit, but it would mean disturbing a reliable machine with lots of software on it and also buying a new copy of Windows. As it happens, I like Win7 (with Classic Shell) and consider any later version would be a retrograde step in terms of performance, stability and useability. (Yes, I do have a machine with Windows 10 and I absolutely hate it.) Have you seen any copies of Windows 7 for sale lately? :) I stuck with 32bit Windows when I installed this machine years ago in order to ensure smooth running of the software I used then, and it hasn't let me down since.

The point I wanted clarifying is this. Many developers compile for the current OS versions and leave out legacy versions simply to avoid potential compatibility issues. The fact that (in theory) the code can be compiled to run perfectly on the older OS is seen as a lesser priority than an easy life. However, this approach does disenfranchise a certain section of the potential consumer base. Including me.

The question still remains. Can Affinity be compiled for 32 bit and if so will you do it?

[SrPx]

Actually you will need to put aero for the application to be able to launch. (so, no classic shell)

In 64 bits versions of Windows applications requiring quite some memory, like any handling images, do work much better, as can handle more memory. Today 64 bits applications are pretty reliable. Is not like at its beginning.

[NFG]

With Windows 7, the key you use to activate the OS is valid for either 32bit or 64bit installations.  You don't need to purchase a new copy of Win7.