Serif’s latest update to the Affinity suite—version 2.6—has arrived, bringing a host of new features designed to make your creative process smoother than a freshly rendered CGI scene. This free update is available to all current V2 users and covers Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher. If you own the complete package, remember to update each app individually to enjoy the full spectrum of enhancements.

Affinity 2.6: Smarter Selections, Sharper Workflow

Serif’s Affinity 2.6 update brings machine learning-powered selection tools, an upgraded RAW engine, and workflow refinements across Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher. The ML Object Selection Tool intelligently detects objects, handles multi-part selections, and allows fine-tuned edge matting, working on both image and RAW layers. The ML Select Subject feature automatically isolates primary subjects and can be recorded as a macro for batch workflows. These machine learning tools require Apple silicon (Mac/iPad) or x64/ARM64 architecture (Windows) with updated OS requirements.

Affinity Photo benefits from an updated SerifLabs RAW engine, adding support for new cameras like the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Fujifilm GFX 100S II, Nikon Z 6 III, and Sony ZV-E10 II. Image and RAW layer handling has been improved: Merge Down and Inpainting now apply automatically, while pixel selections can be rasterized, masked, or duplicated with better control. The Flood Select, Marquee, and Freehand selection tools now use Shift to add and Alt to subtract, with anti-aliasing enabled by default. Other refinements include a Live Perspective filter shortcut (⌘/Ctrl + T), a centre-drawn Rectangular Marquee Tool, and better Colour Picker integration.

Affinity Designer and Publisher also receive practical upgrades. The Brush Panel now supports category-based search, making brush selection faster. Right-click options in the Layers Panel add Clear Mask and Fill Mask functions (desktop only), while the Inpainting and Patch tools remember previously used target layers. Multi-page spreads and page management tools in Publisher refine document layout workflows.

Affinity 2.6 is a free update for current V2 users, and the full suite remains available for a one-time purchase of $164.99. With these new AI-driven tools and usability refinements, production artists gain greater control and efficiency—but, as always, testing before deployment in critical projects is advised.

A Nod to Education and Nonprofits

In a move that would make anybody smile, Serif offers the entire Affinity suite free to eligible nonprofits and K-12 educators. This initiative aims to equip the next generation of creatives with professional-grade tools without breaking the bank.

Final Take

While these new features promise to enhance your workflow, it’s wise to test them thoroughly before integrating them into critical projects. After all, even the most advanced tools need a shakedown before the main shoot.

The post Affinity 2.6: Machine Learning Tools to the Rescue first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

The GNU Image Manipulation Program—better known as GIMP—has officially released version 3.0 as a release candidate—a very late beta—two decades after the last major update. The open-source image editor, often compared to Photoshop, introduces long-awaited features and updates aimed at keeping digital artists, photographers, and post-production professionals in the loop. Simplicity and stability are key here, but let’s see if GIMP 3.0 delivers on those fronts.

GTK3: New Looks, Same Roots

The biggest visible change: GIMP now runs on GTK3, a modern graphical toolkit that brings long-overdue improvements to the user interface. Menus look cleaner, icons sharper, and the overall design better fits modern operating systems. That applies across platforms too: Windows, macOS, and Linux users finally share a consistent experience. Of course, ‘consistent’ doesn’t mean revolutionary—expect the familiar GIMP aesthetic with subtle tweaks, not a complete redesign.

Non-Destructive Editing (Kind of)

Non-destructive editing has entered the chat—but cautiously. GIMP 3.0 now supports non-destructive workflows for adjustments like transforms, thanks to updated layer functions. It’s not fully node-based or adjustment-layer driven like Photoshop, but it’s progress. Artists can now tweak edits without permanently altering base pixels, saving headaches during complex edits.

Multi-threading: Faster and (Possibly) Smoother

Performance takes a leap forward with multi-threading support. Tasks like filters and layer operations can now utilize multiple CPU cores, offering a speed boost for heavier projects. While real-time graphics and VFX workflows may still lean on other tools, GIMP 3.0 becomes more viable for quick edits and asset adjustments without endless progress bars. However, the GPU remains unused, so don’t expect hardware acceleration to lighten the load just yet.

Color Management Gets Practical

For professionals, GIMP 3.0 doubles down on color management. It’s now baked into the workflow, ensuring color profiles (like sRGB or CMYK) are properly handled. That’s critical for anyone working across multiple screens or preparing images for print. HDR support is still missing, so you might want to temper expectations if you’re aiming for full-color workflows.

GIMP in the Modern Age?

So, has GIMP kept up with the times? Sort of. The open-source nature still appeals to artists avoiding subscription fees, but tools like Photoshop, Affinity Photo, and Krita maintain their edge for specific needs. Stability remains a priority—fact-check GIMP 3.0’s multi-threaded performance before relying on it for production-heavy edits.

GIMP 3.0 is free to download from the official GIMP website. Pricing remains unbeatable: zero. But as always, free tools come with trade-offs. For artists who want full non-destructive workflows or deep compositing features, GIMP may still feel like an intermediate step.

The post GIMP 3.0 Finally Lands: Has the Free Editor Aged Like Wine? first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Topaz Labs has unveiled Gigapixel AI v8, the latest upgrade to its popular AI-powered image upscaling software. Designed to enlarge and sharpen images for high-resolution needs, Gigapixel AI is particularly useful for professionals dealing with detailed graphics, film sequences, and complex visuals that demand crisp upscaling without pixelation.

With improved real-time image processing, Gigapixel AI v8 processes images up to twice as fast as previous versions, providing greater compatibility across different production workflows. Machine learning continues to be the backbone of Topaz’s software, and this new iteration reflects more refined algorithms that enhance image quality while reducing artifacts and preserving textures in high-resolution outputs.

Redefine Model: Enhanced Detail and Noise Reduction

Gigapixel AI v8 introduces a new Redefine model, aiming to improve both detail retention and noise reduction during upscaling—a critical factor for users in VFX and film production who require accurate reproductions of original image textures. This model focuses on enhancing clarity in highly detailed areas, such as fine textures on materials and backgrounds, while reducing noise in low-contrast zones, delivering a sharper and cleaner look that retains a natural aesthetic. For post-production artists, this means fewer follow-up edits to correct over-sharpened or “over-processed” elements, a frequent issue with upscaling AI.

The Redefine model also works in tandem with the software’s customizable scaling options, allowing users to fine-tune the amount of detail and noise reduction applied. This added layer of control is particularly useful when upscaling diverse assets, from cinematic close-ups to expansive environmental shots. According to Topaz Labs, users can expect more consistent results that are particularly well-suited to compositing workflows where visual coherence between multiple assets is paramount. This makes Gigapixel AI v8 an efficient tool for those looking to balance detail enhancement with image fidelity across a range of production needs.

New Features: Better Face Recovery, Cloud stuff

Gigapixel AI v8 brings notable updates to its Face Recovery model with the new Gen 2 version, now delivering improved upscaling for faces in profile and offering enhancements for challenging details like teeth and eyeglasses. This version also better handles less-defined facial attributes, helping restore obscure faces with minimal detail. Another major addition is the option to render images in the cloud, available with generative AI models, including the Redefine model and the Recover model (first introduced in Gigapixel 7.1 for upscaling extremely low-resolution images). Cloud processing operates on a credit-based system, with costs varying by image size and model used—larger outputs requiring more credits. This setup offers a flexible alternative for users looking to balance local and cloud-based workflows.

Perhaps the most practical addition is the customizable scaling options, enabling users to enlarge images with greater flexibility. Need to convert a single 4K frame to 8K? Gigapixel AI v8 has options for both presets and manual controls, allowing experienced users to fine-tune the results. The manual control, Topaz notes, can be set to adjust parameters like sharpness and noise, allowing for more tailored results when working with different types of assets, from film scenes to animated characters.

AI Quality Control: Results and Reliability

While AI-driven tools offer promising results, Topaz acknowledges that image processing still requires a critical eye. To keep quality at a premium, they recommend that users perform a few test runs on sample projects before committing to full production use. As with any technology, particularly in high-stakes production, it’s advisable to integrate this software carefully to ensure output aligns with professional standards.

Pricing and Compatibility

Gigapixel AI v8 is available for purchase at $99.99. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms, offering flexible integration into various pipelines for photo editors, VFX artists, and color graders alike. For more details, visit Topaz Labs’ official website.

Also: There is a cloud option, for large batches, but that costs “Topaz Credits” – so be aware of the costs!

The post Topaz Labs Launches Gigapixel AI v8 first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.