Canva Revives Affinity Suite as Free Integrated Design App
Background
The Affinity suite—originally developed by Serif—offered three separate applications for illustration, photo editing, and layout design. After Serif was acquired, the future of these tools was uncertain.
New Integrated Offering
Canva has responded by releasing a unified Affinity app that consolidates the three original programs into one desktop experience for macOS and Windows. Users can toggle among Vector, Pixel, and Layout tabs, allowing them to mix and match tools within a single project. A version for iPadOS is planned for a later date.
Features and AI Integration
The integrated app retains the core capabilities of the original suite while adding Canva‑specific enhancements. Users can create custom toolbars for specific workflows and send projects directly to Canva. Canva’s AI Studio tools are also embedded, offering functions such as automatic background removal and generative fill for photo edits.
Pricing and Account Requirements
Canva positions the new Affinity as a free offering, though it operates on a freemium basis. Access requires a free Canva account, and the platform may promote subscription‑based AI features alongside the core tools.
User Reception and Outlook
Veteran Affinity users will need to adapt to the integrated environment and the requirement of a Canva account. While the shift away from a perpetual license model may concern some, the provision of a free tool with AI enhancements presents a compelling option for designers seeking a cost‑effective alternative to subscription‑heavy competitors.
Usado: News Factory APP - descoberta e automação de notícias - ChatGPT para Empresas