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Canva has answered key questions surrounding its acquisition of Affinity, launching a unified app – “Affinity by Canva” – offering core features for free while reserving generative AI capabilities for paid subscribers. The move addresses concerns about the future of Affinity’s perpetually licensed software and its previous resistance to artificial intelligence integration.
Canva’s purchase of affinity early last year sparked uncertainty among users. Many wondered how the companies would reconcile differing philosophies – Affinity’s appeal to those seeking a one-time purchase alternative to Adobe’s subscription model, and its firm position against AI-driven design tools, contrasted sharply with Canva’s embrace of these technologies. This week, the company provided clarity.
A Unified App, A Two-Tiered System
The newly released “Affinity by Canva” consolidates the functionality of Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher into a single software package. Users with a standard Canva account will have free access to the core features of all three applications. However, access to generative AI features will be restricted to those with Canva’s existing paid subscription plans, currently priced at $120 annually for individual users.
According to a company release, this approach appears to be a pragmatic compromise.One analyst noted that the move largely benefits existing Affinity users who value the software’s anti-AI stance, as the essential tools remain freely available. The features requiring payment are largely those that many of those users would not desire anyway. However, the shift may not be welcomed by those who prefer the predictability of a one-time software purchase or are wary of potential future limitations on “free” features.
Broad Platform Compatibility and a Focus on Creator Feedback
The new Affinity app, internally designated as version 3, boasts broad compatibility. It is available for both x86 and Arm versions of Windows, as well as a global app for both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The software supports macOS versions dating back to 10.15 Catalina and Windows 11, alongside recent releases of Windows 10. An iPad version, intended to replace Affinity’s older iPad apps, is slated for release in the near future.
“For ten years, Affinity has been the tool of choice for professionals who care deeply about craft,” wrote Affinity CEO Ash hewson in a statement announcing the update. “Designers who value precision, speed, and control, and who expect their tools to keep up. now,that legacy enters a new chapter. The all-new Affinity was built in close collaboration with its community of creators, shaped by thousands of conversations, feature requests, and shared ideas. Guided by Canva’s Designer Advisory Board, this release reflects what professionals told us matters most: performance, reliability, and creative freedom.”
The launch of “Affinity by Canva” represents a significant step in integrating the two companies’ off
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why,Who,what,and How” questions:
Why: Canva acquired Affinity to expand its professional design capabilities and challenge Adobe’s dominance. The integration aims to offer a wider range of tools to creators, from simple designs to complex professional projects. the move also addresses concerns about Affinity’s future after the acquisition.
Who: Canva acquired Affinity (and its core team,led by
