raw file editing

[clickconfused]

Hello, I've just downloaded an Affinity Photo trial. I have a question about raw file editing. I've watched some of the tutorials and searched the forum for information.

Is it correct that there is no way to use the develop persona without it changing my original raw file permanently? I've never used photoshop or lightroom. I've only used the basic Nikon software that I got with my camera. I don't understand much of the technicalities in the replies to other forum questions on non-destructive edits. I don't want to start experimenting with using Affinity until I'm sure I understand this point. Please can someone point me to a very basic explanation.

Thanks.

[Fixx]

The point is that you cannot change the raw file. Destructive editing with AP means AP prepares a copy of your photo when you develop your raw file. You have then to save that new file in affinity format or export it if you want to use some common format. Original raw is safe anyway.

[Pšenda]

Destructive and non-destructive technique are used only in APhoto. They have nothing to do with the source (raw) file, until you overwrite it with new content.

[MEB]

Hi clickconfused,

Welcome to Affinity Forums

No, Affinity Photo doesn't change the RAW file in any way. It simply loads the data from it so you can develop the image as you wish using the controls provided in Develop Persona. It then converts/moves it to Photo Persona (when you press the Develop button in Develop Persona) where you are "forced" to save the image as a new .afphoto file (our native format) or export it to one of the usual formats (JPG, PNG, TIFF etc). The RAW file is never touched/overwritten or anything similar.