Affinity
Core desktop application
Free
Free individual application
AvailabilityGlobal; availability applies
Vector, Pixel and Layout tools are free with a Canva account.
SourceAffinity
Free desktop vector, pixel and page layout tools
Where it fits
The current Affinity is a free desktop application that combines vector design, photo editing and page layout. It is materially different from the older paid V2 suite. A free Canva account is required for activation, but the vendor allows extended offline use afterwards for the core tools. Premium Canva features remain a separate entitlement. Affinity is worth shortlisting when you want detailed design work without a required editing subscription. Migration needs care: old Affinity files open in the new app but the newer format does not reopen in V1 or V2. Complex Photoshop documents also have documented conversion limits.
Consider it for
- Mixed vector and photo projects
- Desktop page layouts
- Detailed work without a core subscription
Know the limits
- Free Canva account required for activation
- New .af files cannot reopen in V1 or V2
- New iPad edition is not yet available
Prices & plans
Published prices keep their original currency and billing terms. Taxes, promotions and checkout prices can differ.
Features and practical details
10 features
Documented differences. An unverified answer means we do not have enough evidence.
Platforms
Affinity
The new app supports Windows and macOS. Its iPad edition is listed as coming soon.
Vendor documentedSource
Offline use
Affinity
Online download and Canva activation are required; core use can continue offline for extended periods.
Vendor documentedSource
Collaboration
Affinity
Files can be exported to Canva for shared work. This does not establish simultaneous editing of a local .af document.
Vendor documentedSource
Export
Affinity
The photo guide lists JPEG, PNG, TIFF, WebP and press-ready PDF. Exported PNG/PDF is not an editable Photoshop round-trip.
Vendor documentedSource
Project portability
Affinity
Layered PSD import can retain masks, groups and adjustments; Smart Objects and advanced filters may flatten.
Vendor documentedSource
Free plan limits
Affinity
Vector, Pixel and Layout studios plus customization and export are free with a Canva account.
Vendor documentedSource
AI features
Privacy and storage
Affinity
Affinity states that local content is not used to train its AI. Uploading or exporting to Canva introduces Canva privacy settings.
Vendor documentedSource
V1 and V2 migration
Affinity
The new app opens V1/V2 files, but older apps cannot open files saved in the new .af format.
Vendor documentedSource
Photo workflow
Affinity
The photo toolkit includes RAW development, live filters, masks, HDR merging and batch macros.
Vendor documentedSource
| Feature | Affinity |
|---|---|
| Platforms | The new app supports Windows and macOS. Its iPad edition is listed as coming soon. Vendor documentedSource |
| Offline use | Online download and Canva activation are required; core use can continue offline for extended periods. Vendor documentedSource |
| Collaboration | Files can be exported to Canva for shared work. This does not establish simultaneous editing of a local .af document. Vendor documentedSource |
| Export | The photo guide lists JPEG, PNG, TIFF, WebP and press-ready PDF. Exported PNG/PDF is not an editable Photoshop round-trip. Vendor documentedSource |
| Project portability | Layered PSD import can retain masks, groups and adjustments; Smart Objects and advanced filters may flatten. Vendor documentedSource |
| Free plan limits | Vector, Pixel and Layout studios plus customization and export are free with a Canva account. Vendor documentedSource |
| AI features | Canva premium plans unlock integrated generative tools. Allowances and eligibility should be checked against the current Canva plan. |
| Privacy and storage | Affinity states that local content is not used to train its AI. Uploading or exporting to Canva introduces Canva privacy settings. Vendor documentedSource |
| V1 and V2 migration | The new app opens V1/V2 files, but older apps cannot open files saved in the new .af format. Vendor documentedSource |
| Photo workflow | The photo toolkit includes RAW development, live filters, masks, HDR merging and batch macros. Vendor documentedSource |
Compare the alternatives
Sources for this profile
- Canva plans for Affinity integrations (opens in a new tab)
www.canva.com · AI access is evolving. General Affinity FAQ wording is broader than Canva's distinction between on-device and premium AI.
- Get the new Affinity (opens in a new tab)
www.affinity.studio · Current free product and V2 migration guidance; old V2 purchase prices are not used.
- Affinity and Canva integration (opens in a new tab)
www.affinity.studio
- Affinity photo editing (opens in a new tab)
www.affinity.studio · The detailed FAQ qualifies broad PSD compatibility marketing.