Affinity

Affinity is a desktop app for vector design, pixel editing and page layout, bringing those creative toolsets together in one place. Individuals can use its Pixel, Vector and Layout tools without payment or tool restrictions, and the free plan includes export tools and Canva integration. A free Canva account is required to download and use Affinity; Canva premium is needed to access Canva AI tools in the app. It runs on Windows and macOS and is optimized for Apple silicon and Intel on macOS. Imported PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can retain their layers and structure. Finished assets can be exported to Canva for live collaboration and campaigns, while designs can also be imported into Cavalry for animation. After download and license activation, the app works offline, but help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools require internet access. It can be installed on as many devices as desired. An iPad version is being built, with no release date announced.

Affinity offers a broad set of desktop design tools without charging individuals for its core creative toolsets. Check the Canva account requirement and online limits for connected features before choosing it.

Affinity suits individuals seeking desktop tools for vector design, photo editing and page layout, as well as people who need to work with supported design-file formats. It is also relevant to users who want Canva integration or offline access after activation.

Overview

Affinity is a desktop design app that brings vector illustration, photo editing and page layout into one workspace. It suits people who need those different creative tools on Windows or macOS, especially individuals who want to work without a software subscription.

Its core tools are free, but downloading and using the app requires a free Canva account. The desktop focus and online requirements for connected features are the main trade-offs.

Key features

Affinity combines vector design, pixel editing and page layout, so a project can move between illustration, image work and document composition in one app. Illustration tools, templates and a brand kit add useful foundations for design work, while generative editing, RAW photo support and batch editing extend its image capabilities.

Imports of PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can retain layers and structure, which makes Affinity a practical option for continuing work created in other design applications. Finished assets can be exported to Canva for live collaboration and campaigns, or imported directly into Cavalry for animation. These integrations are useful handoffs, but they depend on an internet connection for Canva features.

After download and license activation, Affinity works offline. Help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools require internet access; Canva Premium is required for Canva AI tools. Organizations can use SSO through Canva Enterprise or Canva Education. The app can be installed on as many devices as desired, and free updates will add features and improvements.

Pricing

Free — free. The individual plan includes vector design, pixel photo editing, page layout, export tools and Canva integration. Pixel, Vector and Layout tools are available without restrictions, making this a substantial option for individuals who need the core creative toolsets without paying. A free Canva account is required to download and use Affinity; Canva Premium is needed for Canva AI tools.

Canva Education — custom pricing. This plan is for educational institutions, including schools, districts and higher education. Organizations can use SSO through Canva Education.

Platforms

Affinity is available as a desktop app for Windows and macOS. On macOS, it is optimized for both Apple silicon and Intel. The iPad version is still being built, with no announced release date, so it is not the choice for people who need a mobile workflow.

Once downloaded and activated, it does not require an internet connection for use. Online access is still necessary for help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools.

Who it's for

Affinity is best suited to individual designers and image editors who want vector, pixel and layout work in a single desktop app, with support for common layered file formats and no charge for the core toolsets. It is less suitable for iPad-first creatives or anyone who wants Canva AI without a Canva Premium account.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Individuals get vector, pixel and page-layout tools without payment, rather than being limited to a short trial.
• Pro: PSD, AI, IDML and DWG imports can preserve layers and structure, helping users continue work from other applications.
• Pro: The app can be installed on as many devices as desired and used offline after activation.
• Con: A free Canva account is required even for the free individual app, and Canva AI tools require Canva Premium.
• Con: Canva integrations, AI tools, stock libraries, help and lessons need internet access, so not every part of the workflow is offline-ready.
• Con: The iPad version has no announced release date, leaving tablet users without a current Affinity option.

Alternatives

For a different publishing workflow, Flipsnack has a free plan that does not expire and allows five flipbooks of up to 15 pages each, with a 100 MB PDF upload limit and 250 one-time AI credits. Choose it when those defined flipbook limits suit the job better than Affinity's broad desktop toolset.

QuarkXPress is a paid alternative with a free trial and a prepaid annual subscription that renews automatically. Consider it if a paid subscription model is acceptable; Affinity's individual core tools do not require payment.

iStudio Publisher is a macOS publishing alternative with a free download and free trial. It may suit Mac users seeking a publishing-focused option rather than Affinity's combined vector, pixel and layout workspace.

Laidout is free GPL 3.0 software for Linux. Choose it if Linux support is essential; Affinity currently supports Windows and macOS.

VivaDesigner offers a 30-day full-feature trial that continues as a limited free edition. It is an option for readers who prefer trying a full-feature edition before moving to a restricted free tier.

Blurb BookWright is a desktop book-design application with templates, layout suggestions and offline editing. It is worth considering when book design is the priority rather than a general creative toolset.

Megal Publisher has a free web plan for creating and editing publications, opening supported .pub files and saving .mpub projects. Its free Print Preview is watermarked, and printing, PDF creation, export and download are restricted.

PublishMedia has a free starter plan for viewing unlimited Publisher and Office files, with files stored for seven days; editing and export are unavailable on that plan.

Readers comparing categories can also browse Vector Graphics Software, Desktop Publishing Software, Graphic Design Software and AI Photo Editors.

Verdict

Choose Affinity if you want a capable desktop workspace for vector design, pixel editing and page layout without paying for the core individual tools. Its breadth, layer-aware imports and offline use are compelling; look elsewhere if you need an iPad app now or want Canva AI without a Premium account.