Canva Launches Free All-in-One Affinity Creative Suite in Bold Adobe Challenge

Canva has released a completely overhauled Affinity creative suite. The new “Affinity by Canva” app is now available for free on Mac and Windows. This move consolidates three professional design tools into a single, unified application.

The launch follows Canva’s acquisition of Serif last year. It represents a direct challenge to Adobe’s dominant Creative Cloud subscription model. The core application will remain free with no restrictions, according to the company.

Unified App Replaces Separate Tools

The new app merges Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher. Users can now access vector, photo editing, and layout tools in one place. They switch between modes using dedicated Vector, Pixel, and Layout tabs.

The workspace is fully customizable. Creators can mix tools from different studios and save multiple setups. These custom configurations can be shared with teams for standardized workflows.

Freemium Model and Account Requirements

All users must now sign in with a free Canva account. This is a significant shift from the previous one-time purchase model. According to Reuters, this integration brings powerful AI tools for premium subscribers.

Canva premium users get features like Generative Fill and Remove Background. The company insists the core app remains completely free. This freemium approach aims to attract a broader user base while offering advanced paid features.

The decision to keep the core app free surprised many industry watchers. It positions Affinity as a compelling alternative to Adobe’s subscription-only products. Existing V2 license holders can continue using their purchased software without the new integrations.

The launch of a free, unified Affinity suite marks a pivotal moment for the creative software industry. This bold strategy directly challenges Adobe’s subscription dominance and could reshape the market for professional design tools.

Thought you’d like to know

Is the Affinity by Canva app really free?

Yes, the core application is completely free. There are no hidden fees or stripped-back features for the main design tools. Canva premium subscribers do get access to additional AI-powered features.

What happened to the separate Affinity apps?

The three separate apps have been merged into one unified application. Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher are now modes within the single Affinity by Canva app.

Do I need a Canva account to use Affinity?

Yes, a free Canva account is now required to access the software. This is a change from the previous standalone application model that did not require an account.

What happens to existing Affinity V2 users?

Current V2 license holders can continue using their purchased software. They are not forced to upgrade to the new Canva-integrated version if they prefer the original experience.

When will the iPad version be available?

An iPad version of the unified Affinity app is planned for release next year. The company has not provided a specific launch date for the mobile version yet.