Affinity (V3) now available!

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

For those who don't know, just an FYI,

'Affinity' as it is now known has been released. This app combines the prior three apps into one single package, allowing you to switch between the studios.

Completely free to download and use. Canva Premium (paid) will allow access to AI features, etc.

Initial thoughts? Providing they stick to their "free forever" promise... this is good. I'm disappointed that there isn't an Adobe Lightroom/photo cataloging competitor, but you can't have everything I guess.

 

[FILIPSN007]

I'm very disappointed about how Affinity turned out, my favorite graphics tool. I'm curious whether version 2 will remain functional for me or whether they'll shut down the servers. On iOS it's also a big problem, it won't work for long without updates.

 

[hg.wells]

I'm very disappointed about how Affinity turned out, my favorite graphics tool. I'm curious whether version 2 will remain functional for me or whether they'll shut down the servers. On iOS it's also a big problem, it won't work for long without updates.

What specifically are you disappointed about? This update seems to be the best of both worlds.

Everything that’s in the existing apps for free and if you want Canva’s Ai features that’s subscription, just like Canva is today.

 

[jayducharme]

I do like the new look and integrated apps. But I've seen many concerns being expressed about whether there are catches to the "free" software. There currently aren't a lot of details about it. Giving away software isn't exactly the road to profitability. It's only mentioned briefly at the end of the video, but you have to sign up for a Canva account before you can use it (since Affinity was acquired by Canva). I don't know if current Affinity members will be grandfathered into that. So I'm cautiously optimistic. If I don't like their new business model, I guess I could always shift to Pixelmator since it supposedly will eventually be baked into MacOS.

 

[hg.wells]

Here’s what it says in the FAQ:

Yes, Affinity really is free. You can use every tool in the Pixel, Vector, and Layout studios, plus all of the customization and export features, as much as you want, with no restrictions or payment needed. The app will also receive free updates with new features and improvements added.

If you’re on a Canva premium plan (Pro, Business, Enterprise, Education), you’ll also be able to unlock Canva’s powerful AI tools within Affinity via the Canva AI Studio.

 

[parameter]

Previous Affinity users of any version - I'm one of them, bought v1 and v2 (Sticking with V2 until it stops working, the new app is literally terrible if you've used v2 before). The whole Canva acquisition killed any hopes of having anything good outside of a basic "canva" type experience (Not professional grade; And no, not because it's Canva - But yes, because it's Canva. The 2 just don't mix in professional workflows).

I know many won't agree, since now they get the "free" software (and yes, it'll come with strings, if you think it doesn't - wait until the required subscription for things comes in the future with a proprietary format that will be hard to load into anything since it's now a "multiple/mixed" format.

To me, and I would say nearly ALL previous Affinity customers, this is a terrible but predicted announcement. We've all feared what was coming ever since the (horrible) acquisition from Canva.

If you don't believe me, just take a look at their Discord - it's completely blowing up with comments just like mine. And Affinity locked their own forums (that have been working great - with TONS of valuable info and a community) and won't have that anymore either.

That Canva keynote as well...Am I the only one on MR that thought it was beyond um...a horror show? And not meaning halloween.

Today was a very depressing day to be honest. Just terrible news for designers in all areas. Please trust ALL of us (again, check Discord if you haven't), this is not good news at all, for anyone.

 

[FILIPSN007]

When I think about it, it's actually good that Apple bought Pixelmator. It probably saved Pixelmator from a similar fate.

 

[sparkie7]

Here’s what it says in the FAQ:

Yes, Affinity really is free. You can use every tool in the Pixel, Vector, and Layout studios, plus all of the customization and export features, as much as you want, with no restrictions or payment needed. The app will also receive free updates with new features and improvements added.

If you’re on a Canva premium plan (Pro, Business, Enterprise, Education), you’ll also be able to unlock Canva’s powerful AI tools within Affinity via the Canva AI Studio.

How much is Canva premium?

 

[iosuser21]

https://www.canva.com/en/pricing/

 

[chown33]

Moderation Note

Please continue the discussion in the News article:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/canva-relaunches-affinity-as-free-all-in-one-design-app.2470192/