Canva Unveils Free, All-in-One Affinity App as Subscription-Model Fears Dissipate
The highly anticipated changes to Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher have finally arrived. The apps' developer, Serif, was acquired by Canva last year, leaving the future of these subscription-free alternatives uncertain. However, Canva has surprised users with a big shift β combining all three apps into one piece of illustration, photo editing, and layout software, which can be used entirely for free.
The newly relaunched Affinity app is now available as a desktop application for both macOS and Windows, with an iPadOS version in the works. At first glance, the new interface seems to retain the fundamental functionality of the original apps, but with some key improvements. The Vector, Pixel, and Layout tabs allow users to toggle between tools with ease, and Canva has also introduced a unique feature that enables mixing and matching of different tools and saving custom toolbars for specific projects.
While it's clear that Canva is trying to maintain a more streamlined user experience, the app still relies on a free account to function. This might raise concerns among veteran users who grew accustomed to purchasing individual licenses for each app. However, Canva's decision to make Affinity entirely free may help alleviate some of these worries.
The new app also comes with several innovative features, such as integrations with Canva's suite of tools and the ability to send projects directly between the two services. Additionally, users can now access Canva AI Studio tools within Affinity, allowing for automatic background removal and Generative Fill editing capabilities.
While it remains to be seen how veteran users will adapt to these changes, one thing is clear β Canva's decision to keep the app free has lifted a major cloud from its customers' shoulders. With this move, Canva solidifies its position as a viable alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud and its suite of subscription-based apps.
Interestingly, this development comes at a time when another popular photo editing tool, Pixelmator, was acquired by Apple last year. While it's unclear if the app will shift to a subscription model in the future, Canva's bold move is sure to spark competition and innovation within the creative software space.
The highly anticipated changes to Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher have finally arrived. The apps' developer, Serif, was acquired by Canva last year, leaving the future of these subscription-free alternatives uncertain. However, Canva has surprised users with a big shift β combining all three apps into one piece of illustration, photo editing, and layout software, which can be used entirely for free.
The newly relaunched Affinity app is now available as a desktop application for both macOS and Windows, with an iPadOS version in the works. At first glance, the new interface seems to retain the fundamental functionality of the original apps, but with some key improvements. The Vector, Pixel, and Layout tabs allow users to toggle between tools with ease, and Canva has also introduced a unique feature that enables mixing and matching of different tools and saving custom toolbars for specific projects.
While it's clear that Canva is trying to maintain a more streamlined user experience, the app still relies on a free account to function. This might raise concerns among veteran users who grew accustomed to purchasing individual licenses for each app. However, Canva's decision to make Affinity entirely free may help alleviate some of these worries.
The new app also comes with several innovative features, such as integrations with Canva's suite of tools and the ability to send projects directly between the two services. Additionally, users can now access Canva AI Studio tools within Affinity, allowing for automatic background removal and Generative Fill editing capabilities.
While it remains to be seen how veteran users will adapt to these changes, one thing is clear β Canva's decision to keep the app free has lifted a major cloud from its customers' shoulders. With this move, Canva solidifies its position as a viable alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud and its suite of subscription-based apps.
Interestingly, this development comes at a time when another popular photo editing tool, Pixelmator, was acquired by Apple last year. While it's unclear if the app will shift to a subscription model in the future, Canva's bold move is sure to spark competition and innovation within the creative software space.