Affinity
Free design app for vector, pixel and page layout work
- #1 of 10 in best photo editing software
- Free
- Free to use
- WindowsmacOS
Ranked 1 of 10 in best photo editing software
Free to download, with vector, pixel and layout tools in one app and PSD import. It needs a Canva account and has no iPad version yet, which keeps it behind Pixelmator Pro on Apple tablets.
Best for Free vector, pixel and layout work in one app
About Affinity
Affinity puts vector illustration, pixel photo editing and multi-page layout in one app, so a file can move between them without export steps. The site describes non-destructive editing, pixel-perfect export by object, slice or document, and import support for PSD, AI, IDML, SVG and PDF files. Studios let users arrange their own toolbars and panels.
Access to the core tools is free after signing in with a free Canva account. Optional Canva AI features, such as generative fill, require a Canva premium plan. The app is desktop only for now, since iPad support is listed as coming soon. Affinity suits people who want professional design work without a subscription.
Key features
- Vector, pixel and page layout
- Non-destructive editing
- PSD, AI and IDML import
- Pixel-perfect export
- Optional Canva AI tools
Strengths
- Vector, pixel and layout tools in one app
- Core tools are free with a Canva account
Limits
- Needs a Canva account to download
- No iPad version yet
Where Affinity ranks
How Affinity compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1Affinity | 91.0 | Free | WindowsmacOS |
#2 Adobe Photoshop | 90.5 | Subscription | WindowsmacOSiPadOS |
#3 GIMP | 89.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinux |
#4 Pixelmator Pro | 88.0 | One-time purchase | macOSiPadOS |
#5 Photopea | 86.5 | Free | Web |
The full comparison table for best photo editing software has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Affinity
All 26 alternatives
ProcreateIs a one-time purchase.
KritaIs open source; also runs on Linux.- Adobe PhotoshopLayer-based photo editing, retouching and compositing from Adobe
Adobe IllustratorVector illustration and logo design software from Adobe
Clip Studio PaintIs a one-time purchase; also runs on iOS, Android.- GIMPIs open source; also runs on Linux.
Related rankings
Questions about Affinity
- Is Affinity free?
- Affinity can be used without paying: Free with a Canva account; Canva AI tools need a premium plan. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Affinity open source?
- No. Affinity is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Affinity support?
- Affinity is available on: Windows, macOS.
- What is Affinity best for?
- Free vector, pixel and layout work in one app. In our ranking of photo editing software it is number 1 of 10 with a score of 91.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Affinity?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Procreate, Krita, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.
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Articles that mention Affinity
All articles- Roundups · 6 min readFree alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud, app by appFree and open-source replacements for Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and Acrobat, with the gaps and free-plan limits to expect.
- Guides · 5 min readHow to choose photo editing software for raw, layers and priceChoose photo editing software by raw support, layers and masks, platform and pricing. Compare Affinity, GIMP, Pixelmator Pro, Photopea, darktable and RawTherapee.