Conversion GemsConversion Gems
Submit a tool
Design & Creative · Graphic Design

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics software for Windows, macOS, and iPad, used to create logos, illustrations, UI designs, and print projects by designers and creatives.

Our take: Affinity Designer was once sold as a $69 one-time purchase, but that model no longer applies.

Best forBudget pro design
ReviewedPricing: Free
8.2 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try AffinityFree (Canva account required)
The bottom line

A fully professional, free creative suite — the most compelling Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign alternative for cost-conscious designers.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

Community ratings

Shown for context only. Our score is independent.

G2
4.5 out of 5
450+ reviews
Capterra
4.7 out of 5
450+ reviews
Trustpilot
3.0 out of 5
40+ reviews

4.5 / 5 aggregate · across 3 sources

Third-party ratings shown verbatim; aggregate weighted by review volume.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isAffinity (by Canva) — free all-in-one professional vector, raster, and layout creative suite for Mac, Windows, and iPad.
Our takeAffinity Designer was once sold as a $69 one-time purchase, but that model no longer applies.
After Canva acquired Serif in March 2024 and relaunched the suite in October 2025, Affinity is now a single unified free app combining what were previously Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher. All core professional tools (vector, raster, page layout) are free with a Canva account; only Canva's generative AI features require a paid Canva Pro subscription. This is a major category and pricing correction.
Why we rate itRare case of a fully professional tool going free without crippling the core.
Combines three formerly $69-each apps into one, and the only paywall is for AI extras most pros don't need daily.
The catchRequires a Canva account to download and activate — tying a standalone desktop tool to a cloud account is a philosophical shift from its roots.
Ecosystem is still smaller than Adobe's, and some niche plugins may be absent.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • Freelancers and studios escaping Adobe's subscription model
  • Designers needing vector, raster, and layout in a single app
  • Budget-conscious professionals who need print-ready and screen output
Not good for
  • Teams deeply embedded in Adobe workflows needing full plugin/extension compatibility
  • Enterprise users requiring SOC 2 / advanced admin and collaboration features
  • Designers who need the broadest third-party asset/template marketplace
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Fast: free download with a Canva account; familiar interface for former Affinity or Illustrator users means quick ramp-up.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    Collaboration and cloud-syncing for large teams still lags behind cloud-native design tools; file handoff at agency scale may require workarounds.
  3. Walled garden
    Moderate: exports to standard formats (SVG, PDF, PSD, AI, TIFF) are solid, but activating the app now requires a Canva account, creating a soft lock-in.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try Affinity

A look inside

Affinity Designer product screenshot

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Affinity Designer popular among professional designers?

Affinity Designer is known for its one-time purchase model, smooth performance, and precision tools, making it a cost-effective choice for professionals.

Can Affinity Designer handle both vector and raster design?

Yes. It offers a unique Vector and Pixel Persona system, allowing designers to switch between vector and raster workflows within the same project.

Is Affinity Designer suitable for UI and web design?

Absolutely. It supports artboards, grids, SVG export, and responsive asset creation, making it ideal for UI, web, and app design.

How does Affinity Designer perform on large or complex files?

The software is optimized for high performance and real-time rendering, even when working with complex illustrations or multiple artboards.

Who should choose Affinity Designer over subscription-based tools?

Freelancers, startups, and independent creators who want professional features without recurring subscription costs will benefit most.

Alternatives

  • Step up

    Adobe Creative Cloud for the broadest plugin ecosystem, enterprise collaboration, and cloud libraries.

  • Lighter alternative

    Canva (browser-based) for simpler design tasks without a desktop install.

Showing 1–2 of 2

Conversion Gems independently reviews every tool.

Tags

#AffinityDesigner#VectorArt#GraphicDesign

Explore related categories

Compare Graphic Design softwareGraphic Design