rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

I have tried a few applications, but they appear to do more than I need, which tends to make the interface more complex and confusing than I would like. Something to do with age, probably.

I use a MAC with OS10.13.6

I would like to find the simplest  program that will allow me to view RAW (ORF) and JPG files at different magnifications to sort and organize them using keywords. I will be using Affinity to convert and perform PP.

If I don't appear to know what I am talking about please either ignore or ask clarifying questions.

Thanks

Ray

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

You can't go wrong with Lightroom Classic.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I agree 100 percent.

unlucky2 Loc: Hemet Ca.

To do what you asked I use Adobe Bridge and my Google assistant. Bridge does not require importing to a catalog, leaving "ok google" to record location of storage.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Adobe gives Bridge away for free. But, without a Photographer's subscription that include Adobe ACR, will it display RAW images? I don't think it does. The OP wants to view ORF RAWs along with his/her JPEGS.

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Awaiting an answer to bsprague's question regarding Bridge w/o ACR displaying RAW images. Bridge may be the best for me if it does display RAW.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Ray, there are a number of document management applications out there. A good many of them are GNU. The good thing about using one of these is that it isn't tied to any photo editing software.
--Bob

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Me too

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Lightroom Classic sets the standard for single user digital asset management. Some regard using a catalog as a negative thing. Well, the database-driven catalog happens to be the most efficient means of achieving your organizational goals. Most get into trouble with it because they insist on changing nothing about the way they use this type of software, and continue to edit and organize outside of the catalog, then they open Lightroom and discover that things aren't where they thought it should be.

It takes but a small effort to understand that LR is not a "file browser", but rather a database that stores previews of your files for browsing and editing. And if you make changes at the OS level you need to let LR know what you did. Once you get that, then the rest just makes common sense. It's fast, efficient, and a complete solution to file management that is easy to implement - and it is always up-to-date. When you use LR for raw editing and conversion and Photoshop for image finalizing, you have the best the industry has to offer. 9M+ users so they certainly own this market.

dbaird2495

I don't have a Photoshop subscription but use Bridge to do all my keywording. I like it because it allows hierarchy keywording and works like a file manager without having to import. Displays my RAW files fine.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Charlie7

Your simplest option is the Photos application on your Mac. With it you can do everything you are asking and go directly into Affinity from the app. Here is a book on Amazon explaining the app. "The Apple Photos Book for Photographers"

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Another vote for Lightroom. Take some tutorials to properly learn it. I liked Anthony Morganti.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I should add to my post that Bridge works great for RAWs on my computer but that I have the Adobe subscription that updates ACR. Since I have and use Lightroom, I don't use Bridge for anything other than fast viewing.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I use and like Lightroom Classic CC. I manage a small library of about 6000 images. If you wind up using Lightroom, remember, do everything that deals with names and locations of folders and files from within Lightroom and NEVER from within your browser. There are all kinds of books and videos out there if you decide on LR try several methods on a small scale and once you find one you like never change.