Head-to-head · Vector Graphics Software
Affinity vs Karbon
Affinity leads on 0 checks, Karbon on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAffinity · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresKarbon · 3 of 6
Affinity scores higher on our rubric for vector graphics software: 9.2 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Affinity is the better fit for budget-conscious all-in-one designers. Karbon is the better fit for linux desktop SVG production.
- Affinity fits best
Budget-conscious all-in-one designers
- Karbon fits best
Linux desktop SVG production
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Side by side
| Feature | Affinity 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Karbon 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in Vector Graphics Software | #6 in Vector Graphics Software |
| Best for | Budget-conscious all-in-one designers | Linux desktop SVG production |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Linux |
| Features Affinity 1/6 · Karbon 3/6 | ||
| SVG export | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Browser app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time collaboration | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| PDF export | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Animation tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Maximum artboards | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Affinity is a desktop creative application for graphic design, digital illustration, photo editing and page layout. It is aimed at individuals who want precision vector drawing, pixel editing and page-layout capabilities in one workspace… Read the review → |
Karbon is an open-source desktop vector drawing application developed within the KDE ecosystem. It is designed for creating vector illustrations, diagrams, and other scalable artwork, serving both beginners exploring vector graphics and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Affinity — where it wins
- Combines vector, pixel and page-layout studios in one desktop app
- Image Trace converts raster images into editable vectors
- Supports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML and other formats
Where it doesn't
- Available on Windows and macOS, with no current mobile app
- Requires a Canva account for individual access
- Canva AI features require a premium Canva plan
Karbon — where it wins
- Advanced path editing, Boolean operations, and shape effects
- Layers, snapping, gradients, patterns, and text-on-path tools
- Imports and exports common vector, image, and document formats
Where it doesn't
- Available for Linux rather than multiple desktop platforms
- Broader ecosystem integrations are not a central focus
- The interface may offer more tools than simple projects require
- Affinity9.2/10 · Free plan
A broad free desktop suite for designers who need vector, pixel and layout tools together.
Visit AffinityFull verdict → - Karbon8.2/10 · Free plan
A capable Linux vector editor for SVG production, with broad path and layout tools.
Visit KarbonFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update