Overview

Affinity is a desktop creative app that combines vector design, pixel editing and page layout. It suits individuals and teams that want these capabilities in one tool, particularly when their work includes existing layered files or Canva and Cavalry workflows. Its strongest case is broad, unrestricted creative tooling at no cost to individuals; the trade-offs are desktop-only availability and a Canva account requirement.

Importing PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can preserve their layers and structure, which makes Affinity a practical option when moving work across creative tools. It is not the right fit for someone who needs an iPad app now or expects every resource and connected feature to work offline.

For category comparisons, browse Graphic Design Software, Vector Graphics Software and Desktop Publishing Software.

Key features

Vector, pixel and layout tools: Affinity brings illustration, image editing and page composition together, with a template library and brand kit. That breadth is useful for individuals handling varied creative tasks without switching apps; teams with a narrow, specialized workflow may not need all three toolsets.
Layer-aware imports: PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can retain layers and structure on import. This helps preserve editable work when collaborating across established file formats.
Canva and Cavalry connections: Finished assets can be exported to Canva for live collaboration and campaigns, while designs can be imported into Cavalry for animation. These links are valuable when those tools are already part of the workflow, but Canva AI tools in Affinity require Canva Premium.
Offline use with online dependencies: After download and license activation, the app itself works without an internet connection. Help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools need online access, so offline use does not cover the full connected workflow.
Photo capabilities: Affinity supports RAW photo files, batch editing and generative editing. Access to Canva AI tools requires Canva Premium.
Team and organization provisions: Real-time collaboration is available through the Canva connection. Organizations can use SSO through Canva Enterprise or Canva Education, making Affinity more relevant to teams already using those Canva plans.
Ongoing updates: Free updates will bring new features and improvements, and the app can be installed on as many devices as desired.

Pricing

Free — 0.00 USD per free. The free plan is billed free for individuals and includes vector design, pixel photo editing, page layout, export tools and Canva integration. Free users can use the Pixel, Vector and Layout tools without restrictions, so this is a complete starting point for individuals rather than a time-limited trial. Downloading and using Affinity requires a free Canva account; Canva Premium is required for Canva AI tools.

Canva Education — custom pricing. This plan is for educational institutions, including schools, districts and higher education. Organizations can use SSO through Canva Education. Individuals do not need a paid plan to access Affinity’s core creative tools.

Affinity is free for individuals, but the Canva account requirement and premium gate for Canva AI matter if those connected services are central to your workflow. There is no iPad version currently available; its release date has not been announced.

Platforms

Affinity runs on Windows and macOS. The macOS app is optimized for Apple silicon and Intel processors. There is no mobile app, and the iPad version is still being built. Multiple device installs are allowed, and the desktop app works offline after download and license activation. Connected services and online resources—including help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools—require internet access.

Support resources include a Help Center, product help, lessons and release notes.

Who it's for

Affinity is a strong fit for individuals who want vector, pixel and layout work in one desktop app without a subscription payment, especially when they need to import layered PSD, AI, IDML or DWG files. It also suits teams that use Canva for collaboration or campaigns, Cavalry for animation, or Canva Enterprise or Education for organizational SSO.

Look elsewhere if iPad access is essential, or if your workflow depends on offline access to stock, help, lessons, integrations or AI tools. The Canva account requirement may also be a drawback for people who want a fully independent desktop workflow.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad creative scope at no cost for individuals. Vector design, pixel editing and page layout are included without restrictions on the free plan.
Pro: Layer-preserving imports. PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can keep their structure, reducing friction when continuing work from other tools.
Pro: Flexible installs and offline desktop use. Install on as many devices as desired and work offline after activation.
Con: Desktop-only for now. Windows and macOS are supported, but an iPad release has no announced date.
Con: Canva account required. Even free use depends on a free Canva account, and Canva AI tools require Canva Premium.
Con: Some resources and connections require internet. Stock, help, lessons, Canva integrations and AI tools are unavailable offline.

Alternatives

VivaDesigner offers a free edition after a 30-day full-feature trial and runs across web, desktop, Linux and self-hosted environments; consider it if that platform range matters more than Affinity’s unrestricted free individual toolset.
Flipsnack is a web and mobile option whose free plan is limited to 5 flipbooks, 15 pages each, 100 MB PDF uploads and 250 one-time AI credits; choose it when those publication limits fit your needs and mobile access matters.
iStudio Publisher is a macOS alternative from a UK company focused on publishing apps for Mac; consider it if you want a Mac publishing-focused option.
Laidout is free GPL 3.0 software for Linux, currently developed by one person; choose it when Linux support and that licensing model are priorities.
Blurb BookWright is a desktop book-design app with templates, layout suggestions and offline editing; it is a better fit when book design is the main job.
Megal Publisher has a web free plan for creating and editing publications and opening supported .pub files; consider it for browser-based publication work.
PublishMedia has a free starter tier for viewing unlimited Publisher and Office files, with files stored for 7 days; pick it when viewing files matters more than editing or export.
Vellum offers Mac publishing software with one-time ebook and print-book plans; consider it for book production.

For photo-editing comparisons, see AI Photo Editors.

Verdict

Choose Affinity if you are an individual who wants substantial vector, pixel and layout capabilities in one free desktop app, or a team whose work already connects to Canva or Cavalry. Its layer-aware imports and offline desktop use strengthen that case. Look elsewhere if you need iPad access now or want online resources, stock, integrations and AI tools to work offline.

	Affinity	Polotno
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	$19/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	macOS, Windows	Web, macOS
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	Free	—
Template library	Yes	Yes
Illustration tools	Yes	Yes
Brand kit	Yes	Yes
Real-time collaboration	Yes	No
Desktop app	Yes	Yes
Mobile app	No	No
Presentation design	—	Yes

Affinity vs Polotno

Affinity

Polotno