Why I’m Backing the All-New Affinity Release

I’ve been using Affinity since version 1. From day one it’s appealed to me because it gives serious professional tools without the bloated overhead, helping me create meaningful brand identities for both startups and established businesses.

Now, with the latest update from Affinity (now part of Canva), it’s getting even more interesting — and for me, the shift confirms why I’ll continue using it instead of Adobe’s suite.

What’s new — the headline stuff

• Affinity has relaunched its software as a unified app combining photo editing, vector illustration and page-layout tools.

• It’s now free for core functionality — no subscription required for the main app on desktop.

• Integration with Canva: you can export directly into Canva, and Canva Pro users get access to Affinity’s new AI features.

• The overall brand and interface have been refreshed, signalling a clear new chapter for Affinity.

Why this is good news for my studio (and my clients)

1. Pro tools, no subscription
   I rely on Affinity’s precision and speed for brand identity projects. Having a free-to-use version of the same professional-grade software is huge — it keeps design tools accessible for studios like mine without compromising quality.

2. Better value than Adobe
   Adobe is powerful, but it’s expensive and heavy for many small businesses and solo studios. Affinity now offers a serious alternative — capable, efficient and without the monthly bill.

3. Smoother collaboration with Canva users
   A lot of my clients use Canva for day-to-day content like social posts or ads. The new integration means I can build the brand identity in Affinity, then hand off assets that slot straight into Canva — keeping everything consistent and on-brand.

4. Simpler, cleaner workflow
   The new unified app means fewer tools to juggle. Everything — photo, vector and layout — now sits under one roof, which keeps projects flowing faster and more smoothly.

5. More flexibility for clients
   I always aim to deliver assets that clients can actually use. Affinity’s new model means they’re not tied into costly subscriptions, and they can open, edit and manage their files more freely.

A positive shift

This update is a big step forward for Affinity and for designers who value freedom, affordability and solid performance. It proves professional design software doesn’t have to come with a subscription or creative lock-in.

I’ll keep using Affinity for my day-to-day work — not just out of loyalty, but because it continues to deliver everything I need as a professional tool. The fact it’s now free for most users, with optional AI tools for those who want them, makes it even more appealing.

What this means for my clients

• I’ll continue building brand systems using Affinity’s tools, ensuring top quality without passing unnecessary software costs onto clients.

• If clients use Canva for content, we can now work together even more seamlessly — they get flexibility, I keep creative control.

• The workflow is smoother, faster and more cost-effective all round.

My verdict

For me, this release proves that Affinity is still pushing the industry forward — not playing catch-up. It’s professional, fast, and fair in how it’s priced. I’ll be sticking with it over Adobe for the long run.