Affinity by Canva: The Free All-in-One Design App

Affinity used to be three separate paid programs: Designer, Photo and Publisher. Today it is a single app from Canva that brings all three jobs together, and individuals can use it for free.

Three studios in one app

• Vector studio: Draw logos, icons and illustrations with pen, shape and text tools.
• Pixel studio: Retouch photos, paint and work with layers and adjustments.
• Layout studio: Build brochures, magazines and books with multi-page layouts.

You switch between studios inside the same document, so a poster can mix vector shapes, an edited photo and laid-out text without moving files between programs.

How to download Affinity

1. The Download button opens the official Get Affinity page on affinity.studio.
2. Sign in with a Canva account (or create one) when asked.
3. Download the version for Windows or macOS and install it. On Mac, the app runs natively on both Apple silicon and Intel.

An iPad version is listed as coming soon on the official site.

What is free and what is not

The app itself is free for individuals. The optional AI tools require a Canva premium plan, and organisations that need features such as single sign-on are directed to Canva’s business offers. Schools and teachers go through Canva Education.

Affinity’s site notes that the Windows version runs on mid-range machines but benefits from a dedicated graphics card. If you mainly make quick social posts from templates, Canva itself may be simpler; for free open-source painting, look at Krita.