Affinity Photo ,exe File not Easily Available

[IanYorke]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

 

[Pi lover]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

Looking at file sizes I expect the new version is an add on to existing instead of all new.

Grant.

 

[Annie Ng]

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

While the installation is inside a locked down folder that cannot be browsed normally through Explorer, the installation folder and the EXE are user-readable.

You may try locating the EXE by opening Task Manager, locate "Affinity Photo" and right-click, and you can open the file location.

I just tried this method on my Win11 and located the path of "Photo.exe", and successfully inputted it into PhotoLab 6 (Export to Application).

 

[mapline]

Same here as I added it to XnView mp by use of the task manager.

 

[IanYorke]

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

While the installation is inside a locked down folder that cannot be browsed normally through Explorer, the installation folder and the EXE are user-readable.

You may try locating the EXE by opening Task Manager, locate "Affinity Photo" and right-click, and you can open the file location.

I just tried this method on my Win11 and located the path of "Photo.exe", and successfully inputted it into PhotoLab 6 (Export to Application).

Those options are greyed out on my Win 10 Pro 21H1

Ian

 

[Digital Nigel]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

I did that, but I can't see how to get PL or Faststone to point to that desktop shortcut.

 

[IanYorke]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

Looking at file sizes I expect the new version is an add on to existing instead of all new.

Grant.

Your link gives 404.

Dragging to the desktop creates a .lnk file which is not accessible to applications looking for .exe files

Ian

 

[IanYorke]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

I did that, but I can't see how to get PL or Faststone to point to that desktop shortcut.

It's a .lnk shortcut so not a .exe which programs are looking for.

Ian

 

[Annie Ng]

Those options are greyed out on my Win 10 Pro 21H1

Ian

The EXE is located inside the collapsed "Affinity Photo 2" category. You may expand it to find the actual EXE, or you may locate the EXE in the "Detail" tab of Task Manager.





--
Annie (She / her)
https://www.instagram.com/smallpotato.photography
https://www.smallpotato.photography

 

[apathyman]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

Looking at file sizes I expect the new version is an add on to existing instead of all new.

Grant.

Your link gives 404.

Dragging to the desktop creates a .lnk file which is not accessible to applications looking for .exe files

Ian

You need to delete the full stop at the end of the link.

 

[Pi lover]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

I did that, but I can't see how to get PL or Faststone to point to that desktop shortcut.

Below is a past of the info I was trying to point to. It is in the "Affinity Photo : Layer Effects Fx Multiple Entries NEW FEATURE" link and this post and the one below it give a filename to search for as well.

Grant.

---------------------------------------------

You should be able to drag from the start menu to the desktop to get a shortcut on the desktop or right-click in the start menu to get an option to add a shortcut to the desktop. Microsoft is trying to make this so you don't have to deal with the executable directly.

The Affinity apps are now installed as Windows Store apps which really hides the executable and installs them very differently than regular apps (I have no idea why Microsoft made this so obtuse).

If you search your hard drive for AffinityPhoto2.exe, you will find it and could make a shortcut to it, but you should be able to do what you want directly from the Start Menu without having to manually find the executable.

 

[IanYorke]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

I did that, but I can't see how to get PL or Faststone to point to that desktop shortcut.

Below is a past of the info I was trying to point to. It is in the "Affinity Photo : Layer Effects Fx Multiple Entries NEW FEATURE" link and this post and the one below it give a filename to search for as well.

Grant.

What version of Windows as this doesn't appear to work on Win 10 Pro 21H1.

Ian

 

[Digital Nigel]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

I did that, but I can't see how to get PL or Faststone to point to that desktop shortcut.

Below is a past of the info I was trying to point to. It is in the "Affinity Photo : Layer Effects Fx Multiple Entries NEW FEATURE" link and this post and the one below it give a filename to search for as well.

I've found the exe file, but get this when I try to access it:

 

[IanYorke]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

I did that, but I can't see how to get PL or Faststone to point to that desktop shortcut.

Below is a past of the info I was trying to point to. It is in the "Affinity Photo : Layer Effects Fx Multiple Entries NEW FEATURE" link and this post and the one below it give a filename to search for as well.

I've found the exe file, but get this when I try to access it:

I get the same.

Ian

 

[Digital Nigel]

There is currently an issue in that AP installs as a "Store" app and that means that the expected .exe file is not readily available. This beaks programs that only allow .exe files to be added for extra functionality eg DXO Photolab "Export to Application", hardware devices like the Stream Deck.

Serif are aware of this issue but have disappointedly come back with "it's up to the other people to find a solution".

Our developers have been investigating this, and have confirmed the following:

Certain applications do not like using the generic %LocalAppData% path, instead please try the following:

• Affinity Photo V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsAppsAffinityPhoto2.exe
• Affinity Designer V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityDesigner2.exe
• Affinity Publisher V2:
  C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\AffinityPublisher2.exe

They have also confirmed that these are 'execution alias' .exe files, and some third party applications don't yet appear to be compatible with these - unfortunately it is down to each third party app to support execution alias .exe files when launching external applications.

I hope this clears things up!

I can't see the path for Affinity Photo on my Win 10 Pro machine and I have show hidden files selected in File Explorer, how many can see this path?

This incompatibility breaks the workflow in many instances and I would have hoped Serif would have been more supportive. Certainly worth checking if this will impact you.

Ian

I followed the steps at https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66611241.

Add to Windows Start then the email under this one suggests dragging from the Start button to the desktop.

I did that, but I can't see how to get PL or Faststone to point to that desktop shortcut.

Below is a past of the info I was trying to point to. It is in the "Affinity Photo : Layer Effects Fx Multiple Entries NEW FEATURE" link and this post and the one below it give a filename to search for as well.

I've found the exe file, but get this when I try to access it:

I get the same.

I think Affinity has to fix this or provide a reasonable workround. It's a real pain that I can't add AP2 as an external program for Faststone. That's more of a problem for me than PL.

 

[IanYorke]

I get the same.

I think Affinity has to fix this or provide a reasonable workround. It's a real pain that I can't add AP2 as an external program for Faststone. That's more of a problem for me than PL.

This problem is solvable and people have found some workarounds that work in certain circumstances, however, Serif decided to go the "Store" app route and I agree they should provide an easy solution. Saying other software vendors need to change to match them is what I expect from Adobe. Adobe can get away with this as they have the market clout. Disappointing.



Ian

 

[Digital Nigel]

I get the same.

I think Affinity has to fix this or provide a reasonable workround. It's a real pain that I can't add AP2 as an external program for Faststone. That's more of a problem for me than PL.

This problem is solvable and people have found some workarounds that work in certain circumstances, however, Serif decided to go the "Store" app route and I agree they should provide an easy solution. Saying other software vendors need to change to match them is what I expect from Adobe. Adobe can get away with this as they have the market clout. Disappointing.

I've deferred buying the app or the suite till this is fixed. As far as I'm concerned, this is a non-upwards compatible change.

I'm also disappointed that I have re-specify my preferences, including plug-ins. There should be an option to inherit them from the v1 installation.

 

[IanYorke]

I get the same.

I think Affinity has to fix this or provide a reasonable workround. It's a real pain that I can't add AP2 as an external program for Faststone. That's more of a problem for me than PL.

This problem is solvable and people have found some workarounds that work in certain circumstances, however, Serif decided to go the "Store" app route and I agree they should provide an easy solution. Saying other software vendors need to change to match them is what I expect from Adobe. Adobe can get away with this as they have the market clout. Disappointing.

I've deferred buying the app or the suite till this is fixed. As far as I'm concerned, this is a non-upwards compatible change.

I'm also disappointed that I have re-specify my preferences, including plug-ins. There should be an option to inherit them from the v1 installation.

Yes, I want to support Serif but I am considering doing the same.

Simple programming solution but a major user problem if upgrading doesn't offer a user full functionality with other software/hardware.

Regarding plugins I put all plugin .8bf files into a separate folder so all I had to do was point AP2 at the relevant folder.

Ian

 

[NAwlins Contrarian]

I'm also disappointed that I have re-specify my preferences, including plug-ins. There should be an option to inherit them from the v1 installation.

When I installed Affinity Photo 2 last night, it gave me some option to copy preferences (or something like that) from my Affinity Photo 1.10.5 installation. I chose that option, and it seemed to work. I haven't investigated whether it worked fully.

 

[Digital Nigel]

I get the same.

I think Affinity has to fix this or provide a reasonable workround. It's a real pain that I can't add AP2 as an external program for Faststone. That's more of a problem for me than PL.

This problem is solvable and people have found some workarounds that work in certain circumstances, however, Serif decided to go the "Store" app route and I agree they should provide an easy solution. Saying other software vendors need to change to match them is what I expect from Adobe. Adobe can get away with this as they have the market clout. Disappointing.

I've deferred buying the app or the suite till this is fixed. As far as I'm concerned, this is a non-upwards compatible change.

I'm also disappointed that I have re-specify my preferences, including plug-ins. There should be an option to inherit them from the v1 installation.

Yes, I want to support Serif but I am considering doing the same.

Simple programming solution but a major user problem if upgrading doesn't offer a user full functionality with other software/hardware.

I've now created the batch file as suggested on the Affinity forum, which works, but it seems like a kluge.

Regarding plugins I put all plugin .8bf files into a separate folder so all I had to do was point AP2 at the relevant folder.

Ah, I leave those where they get installed (and possibly updated) by Topaz, etc. It's easy enough to re-do it, but AP2 should offer the option to import such settings from AP1.