Affinity (by Canva)

What it does

Affinity is a professional design suite acquired by Canva in 2024 and relaunched in October 2025 as a single unified application combining vector design, photo/raster editing, and page layout (previously three separate apps: Designer, Photo, and Publisher) with tabbed modes for each. It runs as native desktop software rather than in a browser. Under Canva's ownership, the core professional toolset became free with no subscription or per-seat fee, with Canva's AI tools (generative fill, background removal) available only through a separate paid Canva plan. It's used by designers who need Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign-level precision without Adobe's subscription cost.

Who this helps

• Freelance and in-house designers needing professional vector and photo tools without Adobe pricing

• Small agencies producing print-ready layouts (brochures, packaging, business cards)

• Businesses transitioning off Adobe Creative Cloud to cut software costs

• Design students and hobbyists wanting professional-grade tools for free