"Not a penny. Yes, Affinity is really free" clearly announces the official website for the software suite. "Use all the tools in the Pixel, Vector and Layout studios, plus all the customization and export functions. As much as you want, without restrictions or payment."
It's an announcement that's likely to cause a stir in creative studios. Affinity, well known to graphic designers for its alternatives to Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, is changing course: from now on, all its tools will be available free of charge in a single application. Photo retouching, vector illustration, multipage layout: everything is accessible without a license or subscription.
Canva, an Australian platform primarily known for its online graphic design services for the general public, had acquired Affinity in March 2024, which belonged to Serif, renowned for its Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher software.
Affinity, free and in a single application with Pixel, Vector and Page Setup
Canva today unveils a unified version of this suite with the Pixel, Vector and Layout studios, presented as a professional tool combining photo, vector and layout in a single application, downloadable free of charge for macOS and Windows. The iPad version is currently under development.
The rendering engine, retained from previous versions, is claimed to be capable of handling complex files containing several thousand layers. Real-time display, dynamic filters and intelligent selection functions are also included, with GPU acceleration guaranteed on compatible machines.
Advanced interface customization
The other major evolution concerns the organization of the workstation. Users can fully customize their interface, add or remove modules, combine photo editing, vector or DTP tools, and save workspaces adapted to different types of project. Configurations can be shared between users, facilitating teamwork.
Standard exchange formats are supported, including PSD, AI, IDML, PDF, SVG and TIFF. The tool is therefore compatible with existing Adobe environments.
With a paid AI to Canva extension
This new version also introduces links with the Canva universe, notably through a module called Canva AI Studio. To access these AI functionalities, however, you'll need to get out your bank card and purchase a Canva Premium account.
A new business model for graphics software
Already perceived as a credible alternative to Adobe tools, the Affinity suite has occupied a special place in the graphics software landscape. By becoming completely free of charge, it has taken another step forward.
This change of model breaks with the economic logic that has prevailed until now in the professional sector, where free software remains the exception. The initiative could thus reshuffle the deck, particularly for freelancers, creative studios or structures seeking to reduce their dependence on software subscriptions.
