Affinity merges all creative tools into one free design app under Canva
Canva has officially relaunched Affinity as a single, all-in-one design platform for creators. The move follows its acquisition of Serif last year and marks a major step in Canva’s bid to challenge Adobe’s dominance in the creative software market.
The new Affinity app brings together photo editing, vector illustration, and page layout tools under one platform. Unlike the older Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher apps that required separate purchases, the new version is “free forever”, according to Canva.
A single platform for all creative work
Affinity’s revamped platform replaces its earlier standalone software lineup. It’s currently available for Windows and macOS, with an iPad version coming soon. Canva says that Affinity now runs on one universal file format, making it easier for users to move designs between projects.
The new integration also lets creators export designs directly to their Canva accounts. Those with Canva Premium subscriptions can access AI-powered tools—including photo cleanup, image generation, and instant copy—directly from within the Affinity interface.
Support for existing users
Canva has confirmed that earlier versions of Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher will continue to function for existing customers. Users who purchased these apps won’t be forced to switch to the new platform.
However, the V2 versions of the standalone Affinity apps were quietly removed from the official website weeks before this launch. Canva has not clarified whether these older editions will continue to receive regular support updates or security patches.
Free forever—but with AI add-ons
The promise of a “free forever” Affinity app is designed to assure creators who feared a shift to Canva’s subscription model. For years, Affinity’s one-time-purchase model made it a favorite among professionals who wanted an affordable alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud.
While Canva’s main platform also has a free version, many features are locked behind paid tiers. With Affinity now under Canva, users have expressed curiosity about how the AI integrations might shape the app’s future. Some designers may welcome these features, while others remain cautious about the growing influence of AI in creative workflows.
A new chapter for creative professionals
With Affinity’s relaunch, Canva aims to build a connected design ecosystem that combines affordability with advanced functionality. Its unified app could attract both professional designers and beginners seeking accessible creative tools.
By merging its intuitive platform with Affinity’s professional-grade editing capabilities, Canva is clearly signaling its intent to expand beyond social media graphics and enter the pro-level design space.
Affinity’s new journey under Canva may redefine how creators work—combining simplicity, power, and AI innovation within one free platform.
