Affinity review
A free desktop suite covering vector, pixel, layout, scripting, and print production.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Affinity brings vector design, pixel-based photo editing, and page layout into one desktop workspace. It is aimed at professionals handling illustration, logos, typography, image editing, reusable layouts, and print production without paying for the core application. The Free plan includes vector design, pixel photo editing, page layout, export tools, and Canva integration. Individuals access the application through a Canva account, while optional Canva premium plans add further AI features.
Its breadth is the main reason to consider it. Vector tools include pen, node, pencil, shape, boolean, and shape-builder functions. Photo work includes RAW processing, filters, retouching, and adjustments, while layout work covers linked text frames, autoflow, master pages, and reusable layouts. Non-destructive editing applies across layers, filters, and adjustments. For production teams, imports include PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG, and exports can move into Canva for live collaboration and scaled campaign production. Scripting spans vector, pixel, and layout work, with integrations including Cavalry, Capture One, DaVinci Resolve, and Claude.
Print-focused users also get CMYK, spot colors, preflight, and bleed support, plus CSV data merge with tokens, image merge, and conditional logic. That makes Affinity a strong fit for professionals who want one free application across creative and production tasks, particularly on Windows or macOS. The trade-off is platform coverage: the current application is desktop-focused, and the iPad version is coming soon rather than currently available. Teams needing Canva-based collaboration can export work to Canva, but access still depends on a Canva account, and premium AI capabilities depend on Canva's paid plans. Choose Affinity for broad desktop design capability; consider another option if mobile access is essential.
Affinity pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines vector design, photo editing, and page layout
- Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, DWG, and other formats
- Supports print-ready CMYK, spot colors, preflight, and bleed
- Where it doesn't
- Available on Windows and macOS, with no mobile app
- Requires a Canva account for individual access
- Additional Canva premium AI features require a paid Canva plan
Affinity fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update