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If you’re looking to switch from Adobe Photoshop to Affinity Photo, one of the things that might be holding you back is the possibility of losing Adobe Bridge. As an asset manager, nothing beats Adobe Bridge. But what if you could use the two programs together?
One of the benefits of using Adobe Bridge is how compatible it is with other programs. Not only can it be used with all of the Adobe Suite, but it is useful in managing files from other software such as Affinity Photo as well.
When working with design programs, choosing between two brands is hard, especially if they aren’t compatible. Luckily, this isn’t always the case. Below you’ll find out exactly how to use Adobe Bridge and Affinity Photo together, as well as what alternative asset managers are available.
Can Adobe Bridge Be Used with Affinity Photo?
Though Adobe Bridge is part of the Adobe Suite, that doesn’t mean its usage is confined to only Adobe products. In fact, Adobe Bridge is known for its ability to work with a variety of programs and file types.
Those who use Affinity Photo can easily manage their files within Adobe Bridge. Some of the other non-Adobe programs that can be used with Adobe Bridge include:
- Affinity Designer
- Affinity Publisher
- DxO Photolab
- Luminar
- Topaz Labs
Keep in mind that not all file types will have the same functionality. However, the ability to save, export, and organize Affinity Photo files is capable with Adobe Bridge.
How To Access Affinity Photo from Adobe Bridge
Being able to jump into the editing program straight from Adobe Bridge speeds up productivity and workflow, and is one of the most appealing aspects of the program. While this is a feature designed to move in an out of the different Adobe applications quickly, this can be applied to Affinity Photo as well.
First, you will need to make sure to change the default file associates in the preferences. Then, once you are in Adobe Bridge, simply right-click on the image you would like to edit. Under the “Open With” tab, you should see Affinity Photo listed. Clicking on this will open the photo up in the selected program.
Import Photos in Adobe Bridge
To open files in Affinity Photo from Adobe Bridge, you first need to import the photos into the program. To do this, click “Download Images” in the File menu at the top of the screen.
Once the Photo Download window opens, select the name of the device where the photos will come from. Here is where you will also choose the location where the photo will be saved and the name of the file.
When all of the selections have been made, click “Get Media” and the photos will be imported into Adobe Bridge.
Organizing Affinity Photos As Groups
Organizing photos in Adobe Bridge allows for easy access when searching for files. When an Affinity Photo file is saved in Adobe Bridge, there often isn’t a thumbnail attached to the file. This can make it tricky to figure out which files you’re trying to access.
A quick fix for this is to save a copy of the photo you are working on as a small-sized JPG. Then, in Adobe Bridge, group the JPG and Affinity Photo file together, with the JPG as the cover photo. This will allow you to visually see the file instead of only reading the file name.
Here is an easy-to-follow video on how to get this accomplished.
What Is Adobe Bridge?
Adobe Bridge is a free creative asset manager included with all Creative Cloud memberships. However, you aren’t required to pay for the Adobe subscription to gain access to the program. In fact, Adobe Bridge is free for everyone to use!
As an asset manager, Adobe Bridge helps users to effectively manage, preview, bulk edit, and publish files. Furthermore, the application does more than just organize photographs. It supports a variety of file types and is intended to be used in conjunction with all of Adobe’s applications.
The major goal of the program is to help with file organization by locating assets in multiple storage locations. It also allows file attribute searches, which enables objects to be discovered based on attributes such as rating, file type, or camera settings. There are other elements that assist creative teams and individuals in expediting workflow and streamlining procedures.
While many of the features are designed for use with Adobe products, Bridge is an ideal asset manager for users who work outside of the Adobe suite as well.
Is Adobe Bridge Worth Using?
If you haven’t used an asset manager before, you may be wondering if the software is actually necessary.
Adobe Bridge is a helpful software for anyone who works with a variety of files. The option to display your photos as thumbnails and search for files might help you get back to planning and editing faster as you switch between photographs.
You may also work with other file combinations in different software such as Lightroom, Affinity Photo, Photolab, and others.
Plus, if you’re the type to use various software, Adobe Bridge may be used to browse the information without having to launch the apps.
Is There An Alternative to Adobe Bridge?
If you still aren’t sold on using Adobe Bridge and Affinity Photo together, no sweat! There are plenty of asset manager alternatives to choose from that aren’t involved with Adobe.
Here are some of the most popular creative asset managers:
- IrfanView
- Google Drive
- XnView XP
- FastStone
- ACDSee
- Magix Photo Manager
- ShootProof
- digiKam
Each one of these programs offers a variety of features from sorting and organizing to sharing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an avid user of Adobe Bridge or are simply looking for a way to organize your files, it’s important to make sure that the asset manager and your preferred editing program are compatible. Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of how to make the best of Adobe Bridge and Affinity Photo together.
While you may not have access to all of the features that other Adobe software can use, pairing these two programs is a great way to get the best of both worlds in terms of organizing and editing.
