Affinity vs Adobe InDesign

Affinity9.4Visit Adobe InDesign9.2Visit

Higher score Affinity #1 in Desktop Publishing Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Affinity

vs

Adobe InDesign #2 in Desktop Publishing Software 9.2/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Adobe InDesign

• Affinity fits best

  Broad publishing without a subscription

• Adobe InDesign fits best

  Professional print-production workflows

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Side by side

Feature	Affinity 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Adobe InDesign 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.2
Ranking	#1 in Desktop Publishing Software	#2 in Desktop Publishing Software
Best for	Broad publishing without a subscription	Professional print-production workflows
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free	—
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	7 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Cloud
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS
Support	Docs	Community, Docs · 24/7
Integrations	5 integrations	5 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Affinity 0/5 · Adobe InDesign 0/5
PDF export	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
EPUB export	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Master pages	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Preflight tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Color management	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Collaboration level	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines vector, pixel editing, and page layout in one workspace Supports print preflight, CMYK, spot colors, bleed, and data merge Free for individuals on Windows and macOS with Canva export	Strong multipage layout and typography tools Preflight checks and PDF import/export workflows Review links, Data Merge, and Adobe integrations
Cons	Requires a Canva account for individual access No mobile app is currently available Team collaboration runs through Canva export rather than the desktop app	No free plan Available on Windows and macOS only Broader creative tools require a different plan
Our verdict	Affinity brings vector design, pixel-based photo editing, and page layout into one desktop application. It suits individuals who need to create illustrations, logos, edited images, typography, multi-page documents, or print-ready materials… Read the review →	Adobe InDesign is a professional desktop-publishing application for designers, prepress and production professionals, print-service providers, publishers, agencies, and corporate design teams. It supports brochures, magazines, books,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Affinity — where it wins

  • Combines vector, pixel editing, and page layout in one workspace
  • Supports print preflight, CMYK, spot colors, bleed, and data merge
  • Free for individuals on Windows and macOS with Canva export

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires a Canva account for individual access
  • No mobile app is currently available
  • Team collaboration runs through Canva export rather than the desktop app

• Adobe InDesign — where it wins

  • Strong multipage layout and typography tools
  • Preflight checks and PDF import/export workflows
  • Review links, Data Merge, and Adobe integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan
  • Available on Windows and macOS only
  • Broader creative tools require a different plan

• Affinity9.4/10 · Free plan

  A broad desktop publishing suite for design, editing, layout, and print output without a subscription.

  Visit AffinityFull verdict →
• Adobe InDesign9.2/10 · 7-day trial

  A focused choice for multipage layouts, typography, prepress, and PDF production.

  Visit Adobe InDesignFull verdict →