In October of 2025, I posted a "master list" of my macro categories. There were 6 downloads listed, most of which contained more than one category of macros helping users do things such as add specific types of masks, create customizable vignettes, color grade, and add a large number of "specialized looks". You can find that Master List by clicking the link below.
Click Here for Seth's Resources Master List
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With this post, I am adding one additional macro, called "Orton Effect v2." It is an alternative method of creating the Orton Effect which adds blur and glow to your image, largely favoring the highlights. (This seems to be more in keeping with the original intention of Michael Orton, the creator of the original effect.)
The macro, which is attached as a Zip file below, can be downloaded and imported into the Macro panel (NOT directly into the Library panel). It must be un-zipped first, and then you can use the "Import" button on the top, left of the Macro panel to bring the macro into Affinity. You can "Play" it from there and, if you like it, use the "Add to Library" button to save it into the category of your choice in the Library panel.
Please note that I created this macro using version 3 of Affinity. As such, it will probably be incompatible with earlier versions (Affinity Photo 2 on the desktop and iPad, specifically).
Once an image is open, click on the Orton Effect v2 macro to run it. You will be presented with a dialog box asking you for 2 settings. First, set the amount of blur. (A good starting point is to enter the number of megapixels on your camera sensor. You can change this setting at any point.) Second, choose the overall strength of the effect. The macro should default to 75%, but you can override this at any point also.
Once you click Apply, the macro creates a Group layer called Orton Effect (v2) at the top of your layers stack. Inside it, there is another group called Highlights Glow, which adds a warm glowing light to the highlights. There is also a Curves layer named "Shadows Contrast" which restores some darkness and contrast to the shadows. The entire effect can be turned on and off by clicking the "visible" icon on the main group - Orton Effect (v2). And, obviously, you can tweak any of the layers inside of the effect to your liking.
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As with all of the macros I have submitted over the years, please remember that I am one person with one computer. This allows me to test on a limited number of images. There is no way to have foreseen all possible scenarios. I believe (but obviously cannot guarantee) that you will be happy with the results.
If you like the macro, please keep it and enjoy it. It is yours to use freely, both for personal and commercial purposes. What I ask in return is simply this: leave a comment below, letting me know if you’re using the macro and (hopefully) that you’re enjoying it. Remember that we users benefit from each other’s knowledge. Never forget to “pay it forward” and contribute to the forum in whatever ways you can.
Here is the macro for you: