Affinity
Reviewed by Alexis Morain · Updated July 11, 2026
Affinity combines vector drawing, photo editing, and page layout in one desktop app. Acquired by Canva, it is now completely free to use.
A professional, complete design suite that's now free, formidable against Adobe for print and image work, as long as you accept a desktop tool rather than a collaborative one.
- Free since late 2025, no subscription
- Vector, photo, and layout in a single application
- AI features reserved for a Canva Pro subscription
Affinity is Serif's graphic design suite, merged since late 2025 into a single application that combines the former Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher. Acquired by Canva, it has become free for everyone.
What Is Affinity Used For?
Affinity covers three disciplines in one piece of software: vector drawing (illustration, logos, icons), photo editing (layers, masks, correction), and page layout (magazines, brochures, multi-page documents). You switch between modes without changing files or tools, which appeals to designers who used to juggle several applications. It's a serious alternative to the Adobe suite, with no subscription, available on macOS, Windows, and iPad.
Affinity vs. Canva and Figma: Which One?
Compared to Canva, its parent company focused on the mass market and templates, Affinity targets professional, precise design work with no compromises. Compared to Figma, centered on interfaces and online collaboration, it remains a desktop tool for print and image creation. The three complement each other more than they compete.
What Are Affinity's Limitations?
AI features are reserved for a Canva Pro subscription. It's a desktop tool, less built for real-time collaboration than web-based solutions, and switching over from the paid version 2 takes some adjustment.
Pros & Cons
- Free since late 2025, no subscription
- Vector, photo, and layout in a single application
- A credible alternative to the Adobe suite
- Available on macOS, Windows, and iPad
- AI features reserved for a Canva Pro subscription
- Desktop tool, not built for real-time collaboration
- Adjustment needed when coming from the old version 2
Key features of Affinity
Vector Drawing
Illustration, logos, and icons
Photo Editing
Layers, masks, and advanced correction
Page Layout
Brochures, magazines, and multi-page documents
Unified App
All three disciplines without switching files
Affinity pricing
Since version 3 (late 2025, 'Affinity by Canva'), the software is entirely free: vector drawing, photo editing, and page layout with no subscription at all, on macOS, Windows, and iPad. Only AI features require a Canva Pro subscription ($15/month). The older paid version 2, with its perpetual license, remains available to those who bought it.
Free plan / trial
The full software is free with no time limit: all three disciplines (vector, photo, layout) are included. Only AI features require a Canva Pro subscription.
Affinity
Vector drawing, photo, and layout · macOS, Windows, iPad · No subscription
0 $
AI via Canva Pro
Canva AI features · Image generation · Canva ecosystem
15 $ per month (Canva Pro)
Pricing verified on July 11, 2026
Try AffinityWho is Affinity for?
Best for
- Designers looking for a subscription-free Adobe alternative
- Professional illustration, photo editing, and layout
- macOS, Windows, or iPad users
Not recommended for
- Real-time collaboration in the browser
- Product interface design centered on the web
Want to try Affinity?
Head to the official site and the current offer.
Frequently asked questions about Affinity
Is Affinity really free?▼
Affinity or Adobe?▼
Is Affinity the same as the CRM of that name?▼
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