In this quick tutorial, we'll look at how to flip an image in Affinity Photo. We'll also cover how to rotate an image in Affinity Photo, as well as how to rotate and flip the canvas.
Taking a quick look at Affinity Photo, the "flip image" options can be found in the Arrange menu, but we'll walk through how to use it. Affinity Photo can mirror layer content as well as the entire document, and it can flip layer-specific content too.
Ready to get started?
1. How to Flip an Image in Affinity Photo
Step 1
Using Affinity Photo to flip an image either horizontally or vertically is a common task. For this demonstration, we'll use this photo from Envato Elements. You could use any photo or artwork of your choice—the process will work in the same way.
Begin by selecting the Move Tool in your Tools panel, as highlighted below.
Then, click on your image to select it. Your image must be active and selected in order to flip or rotate it. Notice how my selection is outlined—this is a visual cue to show me that my selection is active.
Step 2
Next, go to the Arrange menu at the top of the software. Take note of the following options here:
- Flip Horizontal: this will flip your selection horizontally.
- Flip Vertical: this will flip your selection vertically.
Simply select the orientation of your choice, and Affinity Photo will flip your selection for you.
Step 3
Next, let's look at how Affinity Photo can flip layer content. We'll need to take a look at the Layers panel. If you're working in a document with multiple layers, you may want to be more specific when you're flipping a selection.
Open the Layers panel by going to Window > Layers.
In this example, I have two layers, each with a different photograph (I added this second photo). Click on the layer with the content you'd like to select. Then, you can follow Step 1 and Step 2 to flip your selection. This would be the same process in Affinity Photo to mirror layer content.
2. How to Rotate an Image in Affinity Photo
Step 1
Next, let's take a look at how to rotate an image in Affinity Photo. Again, you'll want to make sure your image is selected. You can use the Move Tool to click and select your image. You'll know it's selected when you see the highlighted outline around it, as seen below.
Remember to refer to your Layers panel so you select the right content as well.
Step 2
Next, we'll go to the Arrange menu, again, at the top of the software. Take note of the following options here:
- Rotate 90 Degrees Clockwise: this will flip your selection horizontally.
- Rotate 90 Degrees Anticlockwise: this will flip your selection vertically.
Simply select the orientation of your choice, and Affinity Photo will rotate your selection for you. In the below example, the image has been rotated 90 degrees.
Step 3
We can also rotate an image in Affinity Photo by hand. Start by selecting your image with the Move Tool.
Then, place your cursor just outside one of the corner resize handles. You'll notice your cursor looks like a rounded double arrow.
Click and drag to freely rotate your image. Simple deselect when you're done; you can do this by clicking outside of the active area.
3. How to Flip and Rotate the Canvas in Affinity Photo
Step 1
Perhaps you want to flip your entire canvas in Affinity Photo, not just a selection. This would be handy if you want to flip everything in your composition, not just one layer or a select number of layers.
Take a look at the Document menu, at the top of the software. From here, we can choose:
- Flip Horizontal: this will flip your canvas horizontally.
- Flip Vertical: this will flip your canvas vertically.
Note, again, that this flips the entire document.
Step 2
We've covered how to flip the canvas in Affinity Photo. "Rotate canvas" is a simple technique too! Here's how it's done:
Again, click on the Document menu, at the top of the software. We can choose to:
- Rotate 90 Degrees Clockwise: this will flip your canvas horizontally.
- Rotate 90 Degrees Anticlockwise: this will flip your canvas vertically.
Note that this will rotate your canvas, not a specific selection. Your entire document will be rotated.
Now You Know How to Rotate and Flip an Image in Affinity Photo
Using Affinity Photo to rotate the canvas and flip or mirror a selection is simple when you know where to look. These are straightforward actions, but very useful in a wide variety of projects and situations. Good luck with your next design project!
Learn More About Affinity Photo Today
Ready to learn more about Affinity Photo? Make sure to check out these additional Affinity Photo tutorials here at Envato Tuts+. From quick tips to full walkthroughs, there's plenty more to learn. Why not check out another Affinity Photo tutorial today?
How to Blend Images in Affinity Photo
How to Create a Shadow Text Effect in Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo vs. Photoshop: Battle of the Photo Manipulation Software
How to Create an Artistic Painting Effect in Affinity Photo
How to Create a Chrome Text Effect in Affinity Photo
How to Crop, Resize, Sharpen and Export a Photo Using Affinity Photo for Web Use
