Affinity, a strong competitor to Adobe’s popular photo and design software, is now available for free. The company has combined its photo editing, vector graphics, and page layout tools into one streamlined app. This free version is available on Windows and macOS, and an iPad version is planned for release soon.
Since Canva bought Affinity last year, they’ve kept their word and maintained the software’s features and overall experience. You aren’t forced into a limited version – you can download and use all of Affinity’s tools without ever needing a subscription if you prefer.
Canva offers an optional Premium subscription that gives you access to AI-powered tools within Affinity, but it’s not required. I was already using Affinity Photo, and I’m really enjoying this new combined app, particularly for editing photos.
This is a stark difference from Adobe’s approach. Photoshop costs $23 a month with an annual subscription, or $35 if you pay monthly. Plus, Adobe charges a fee if you cancel an annual plan early. Considering Adobe’s already criticized pricing, Affinity’s decision highlights just how unreasonable it seems.
Affinity becomes free forever
The new Affinity app combines everything you need for graphic design in one place. It handles vector graphics, pixel editing, and page layout, and includes features like RAW photo development, filters, and tools for working with large batches of images. Plus, it’s designed to be fast and fluid, so even complicated projects feel easy to work on.
The program works with common design files like PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, and TIFF. You can easily share your work by exporting directly to Canva, or simply export it as a standard file. Some users have reported needing to create a Canva account manually, but I was able to sign up using my Google account – it seems to automatically create a Canva account using my Google information, similar to other services.
AI-powered tools are available within Canva, but they’re exclusively for those with a Premium subscription. Importantly, Canva has confirmed that work created in Affinity is *not* used to improve its AI features. This is a significant point, especially considering the recent criticism Adobe received regarding similar issues. Adobe had to revise its terms of service and assure users that it doesn’t use their content to train its AI models either.
Adobe’s subscription squeeze and failed Figma play
As a researcher looking into subscription models, I’ve found that Adobe’s Creative Cloud offers access to all of their creative tools for $59.99 per month with an annual commitment. The good news is they offer a 14-day free trial – you can cancel within that period without any charges. However, if you cancel after the initial 14 days, you’ll be charged 50% of the remaining amount on your contract as a cancellation fee.
As an analyst, I’ve found that customers have the option of a month-to-month plan. While it does come with a higher monthly cost, the benefit is that you won’t be penalized with early termination fees if you decide to cancel.
It’s disappointing, because Adobe’s software is truly top-notch and often leads the industry. People aren’t upset with the tools themselves, but with how much they cost and the rules around using them.
Adobe tried to buy Figma for $20 billion, but the deal fell through in 2023 because regulators in the UK and EU investigated it. This created an opportunity for competitors like Canva and Affinity to expand, and now Affinity is offering its software for free, which makes Adobe’s subscription-based pricing seem less reasonable.
A new era for creative tools?
It’s great that creative professionals and those learning the ropes now have more choices beyond Adobe. Affinity, once available only with a single purchase, is now completely free and provides all the tools you need for design work.
Many excellent options exist in other creative fields as well. For video editing, Davinci Resolve remains a popular choice, but numerous other tools are available if you’re open to exploring them.
Having more options in creative software is a positive development for everyone who uses it.
FAQ
Is Affinity really free forever?
Affinity has announced that its new, comprehensive design app is available for free, with full functionality and no restrictions or limited versions.
What platforms does the new Affinity app support?
Affinity is now available for Windows and macOS users. An iPad version is also planned and will be released in the near future.
Do Canva or Affinity use my work to train AI models?
No. Canva has stated that your work inside Affinity will not be used to train AI models.
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2025-10-31 15:11