Affinity

Overview

Affinity is a desktop creative app that combines vector design, pixel editing and page layout. It suits individuals who need several kinds of creative tools in one workspace, especially those moving between illustration, image editing and designed pages. Its breadth and unrestricted free core are compelling; the Canva account requirement and lack of an announced iPad release are important caveats.

Illustration tools, templates, generative editing, RAW photo support and batch editing broaden its reach beyond layout and vector work. It can also import PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files while retaining layers and structure, which may help preserve existing project organization when switching tools.

Readers focused on a particular design discipline can also browse Vector Graphics Software, Desktop Publishing Software and Graphic Design Software.

Key features

• Vector, pixel and page tools: The three toolsets share one app, making Affinity a practical fit for people whose work spans illustration, image editing and page composition. It is less compelling if the priority is a single narrowly defined workflow.
• Layer-aware imports: PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can retain layers and structure on import, a useful bridge for projects originating in other creative apps.
• Canva and Cavalry workflows: Finished assets can be exported to Canva for live collaboration and campaigns, and designs can be imported directly into Cavalry for animation. Canva AI tools require Canva Premium, so the free plan does not unlock that part of the workflow.
• Offline desktop work: After download and license activation, the app works without internet access. Help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools do require a connection, so offline use does not cover every feature.
• Organization access: Organizations can use SSO through Canva Enterprise or Canva Education. Multiple device installs are allowed, which is useful for people working across devices, though the app itself is currently desktop-only.

Pricing

Free — free. Individuals can use Vector design, Pixel photo editing, Page layout, export tools and Canva integration without payment or restrictions on the core creative toolsets. This is unusually straightforward for someone who needs the app's main creation and export capabilities; a free Canva account is still required to download and use Affinity. The free plan does not include Canva AI tools, which require Canva Premium.

Canva Education — custom pricing. This plan is for educational institutions, including schools, districts and higher education. It is the relevant route for institutional use rather than an individual looking for a different free tier.

Affinity receives free updates with new features and improvements. No separate paid individual plan is needed for the listed core tools; organizations considering education access should assess Canva Education for their institutional needs.

Platforms

Affinity is available on Windows and macOS, with support optimized for both Apple silicon and Intel Macs. It can be installed on as many devices as desired. The iPad version is still being built, with no announced release date, so people who need a current tablet version should look elsewhere.

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

Who it's for

Affinity is best suited to individuals who want vector illustration, pixel editing and page layout in one desktop app without paying for the core tools. It also makes sense for creators who need to bring in layered files from other apps or pass completed designs into Canva or Cavalry. It is a weaker fit for iPad-first users, and people who want Canva AI features must budget for Canva Premium.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Vector, pixel and layout tools are available together at no cost for individuals, reducing the need to choose separate apps for those tasks.
• Pro: PSD, AI, IDML and DWG imports can preserve layers and structure, helping keep complex source files organized.
• Pro: Offline desktop use and installs on as many devices as desired suit work that moves between locations or computers.
• Con: A free Canva account is required even though the core Affinity tools are free, adding an account dependency to setup.
• Con: Canva AI tools require Canva Premium, so the no-cost offer does not extend to those capabilities.
• Con: There is no announced iPad release date, ruling it out for people who need tablet availability now.

Alternatives

Lunacy is worth considering if Linux or web access matters more than Affinity's combined desktop toolset; its free plan caps cloud documents and editors/exporters at 10 each and keeps version history for 30 days.

Amadine is a better candidate for iPad or iPhone use, with a free version that is fully operational on those devices, though exporting, printing and image tracing require purchase.

Drawtify may suit someone who wants a web-accessible vector editor with templates and folders; its free plan limits image uploads to 40 MB and exports to SD images, alongside PDF export.

Inkscape is an alternative for readers seeking a free, open-source vector graphics editor on Linux, macOS or Windows.

Linearity Curve offers a free plan with 250 lifetime credits, one basic brand kit and 5GB of cloud storage, making it a possible fit for users who value that credit-and-storage model.

Sketchpad is another option for an online drawing editor, with premium features also offered.

Tilda is relevant when the task is building a website: its free plan covers one website with key blocks, while Personal costs $15 a month and adds full access to blocks and a custom domain.

Vecteezy is an alternative to consider for image or video downloads, with image-only, video-only and unlimited all-access plans.

Verdict

Choose Affinity if you want a capable set of vector, pixel and layout tools together on Windows or macOS without paying for the core app. Its strongest case is the combination of breadth, file compatibility and offline use; look elsewhere if you need an iPad app now or want Canva AI without a Canva Premium subscription.