Overview

Affinity is a desktop creative app for vector design, pixel editing and page layout, aimed at individuals who need more than one kind of design tool. Its strongest case is the breadth of its free toolset; its main compromises are the Canva account requirement and the absence of an iPad version for now.

It suits illustrators, photo editors and people producing multi-page layouts who want to work in one app. Readers focused on just one publishing or design category can compare options in Desktop Publishing Software, Vector Graphics Software and Graphic Design Software.

Key features

Vector, pixel and layout tools: Affinity combines three creative disciplines, with illustration tools and a template library. That breadth is useful when a project moves between artwork, image editing and page composition; it may be more than needed for someone who only wants a dedicated tool for one task.
Layer-aware file imports: PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can retain their layers and structure when imported, helping preserve editable work across formats.
Connected workflows: Finished assets can be exported to Canva for live collaboration and campaigns, and designs can be imported directly into Cavalry for animation. Those integrations are useful for connected workflows, but require internet access.
Generative and photo tools: Affinity supports generative editing, RAW photo support and batch editing. Canva AI tools specifically require Canva Premium, so the free app does not remove that paid-account dependency.
Offline desktop work: After download and license activation, the app works without an internet connection. Help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools remain online-only.
Organization sign-in: Organizations can use SSO through Canva Enterprise or Canva Education.

Pricing

Free — 0.00 USD per free. Individuals get vector design, pixel photo editing, page layout, export tools and Canva integration without a payment requirement. There are no stated seat or usage caps, and Affinity can be installed on as many devices as desired. This is an unusually broad starting point for an individual, though it still requires a free Canva account to download and use, and Canva Premium 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; it is not positioned as a lower-cost individual tier.

Free updates with new features and improvements are included. The app itself can be used offline after activation, but online-only features remain unavailable without a connection.

Platforms

Affinity is a desktop app for Windows and macOS, with support optimized for both Apple silicon and Intel Macs. The iPad version is still being built, with no announced release date; it is not the right choice for readers who need a current mobile app. Multiple device installs are allowed, and offline use is possible after download and license activation.

Who it's for

Affinity is best suited to individual creators who switch among illustration, photo editing and page layout, particularly those who value broad file compatibility and want to avoid an app payment. It can also fit organizations using Canva Enterprise or Education sign-in. Look elsewhere if an iPad app is essential, or if you need Canva AI tools without a Canva Premium account.

Pros and cons

Pros

Three major creative toolsets at no charge for individuals: Vector, Pixel and Layout work are available without a payment requirement.
Editable imports across common formats: PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can preserve layers and structure.
Offline desktop operation: Core use does not require internet after download and license activation.
Install on as many devices as desired: There is no stated device-install cap.

Cons

Canva account required: A free account is needed to download and use Affinity.
Canva AI tools require Premium: Those features are not part of the no-payment individual access.
No iPad release date: The iPad version is still in development, limiting its appeal for tablet-first workflows.
Several services need a connection: Help, lessons, stock libraries, integrations and AI tools do not work offline.

Alternatives

VivaDesigner is worth considering if a freemium publishing option with a 30-day full-feature trial and continued limited Free Edition better fits your approach.

QuarkXPress is a paid alternative with a prepaid annual subscription that renews automatically, for readers who prefer that subscription model.

Megal Publisher has a free web plan for creating and editing publications, but its free plan watermarks Print Preview and restricts printing, PDF creation, export and download.

PageStream is a paid desktop option for Linux as well as macOS and Windows, with editions priced at 99.95 USD per once and 149.95 USD per once.

Blurb BookWright is a desktop book-design application with templates and layout suggestions, plus offline editing; it is a more focused fit for book projects.

Adobe InDesign is a paid alternative with plans that include 100GB cloud storage and 25 monthly generative credits, or access to 20+ apps through Creative Cloud Pro.

iStudio Publisher is a Mac-only freemium publishing alternative.

Scribus is a free alternative for readers who want desktop publishing software on Windows, macOS or Linux.

Verdict

Choose Affinity if you are an individual creator who wants vector, pixel and page-layout tools together without paying for the app. Its broad toolset, editable imports and offline desktop use make a strong case, but a Canva account is mandatory, Canva AI requires Premium, and the iPad version is not yet available. Choose another option if those account or platform limits conflict with how you work.

	Affinity	Karbon
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	macOS, Windows	—
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	Free	—
Template library	Yes	—
Illustration tools	Yes	Yes
Brand kit	Yes	—
Real-time collaboration	Yes	—
Desktop app	Yes	Yes
Mobile app	No	—

Affinity vs Karbon

Affinity

Karbon