Summary
Affinity has released its biggest update yet, merging Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher into one unified app called Affinity. This new app is now free to use, marking a significant shift in its pricing model. However, advanced AI-powered features are accessible only via a Canva Pro subscription, reflecting Canva’s recent acquisition of Affinity.
The free version retains all previous core tools and introduces new features like a vector image trace tool, mesh gradients, improved sharpening filters, and ePub export.
The AI tools include generative editing, AI cropping, and colorizing old photos, but their quality varies, and they operate at low resolution. The standout AI feature is the improved AI selection tool, which offers higher precision than the free object selection tool but still requires manual cleanup.
Overall, the update balances a robust free design suite with optional AI enhancements behind a subscription, catering to both casual users and professionals.
Key Insights
- Affinity combined its three separate apps (Photo, Designer, Publisher) into one unified program called Affinity.
- The new Affinity app is now free, offering all previous tools without charge.
- Advanced AI features require a Canva Pro subscription, costing $15/month or $120/year.
- Canva’s acquisition of Affinity is reflected in the integration of AI tools through Canva’s subscription.
- The free Affinity version includes new features like vector image tracing, mesh gradients, and improved photo sharpening.
- ePub export is now supported, fulfilling a frequently requested feature.
- AI tools include generative editing, AI cropping, colorizing old photos, and AI art generation.
- The generative edit tool allows users to modify photos based on text prompts but has limitations and inconsistencies.
- The new AI selection tool (select subject) is more accurate than the free object selection tool but still requires manual refinement.
- The AI editing operates at low resolution, making it less suitable for detailed professional work.
Key Learning Points
- Merging multiple apps into a single unified platform simplifies workflow by allowing seamless switching between photo, vector, and publishing workspaces.
- Offering the core application for free lowers the entry barrier for new users and expands the user base.
- Introducing AI tools as premium features via subscription helps sustain the company financially while keeping basic tools accessible.
- Vector image tracing makes it easier to convert raster images into editable vector graphics directly within Affinity.
- Mesh gradients provide designers with more flexibility and creative options for color blending.
- Improved sharpening filters enhance photo editing capabilities even in the free version.
- Generative editing with AI can automate creative photo alterations but currently lacks precision and consistency.
- AI-driven selection tools can save time but do not fully replace manual selection refinement for professional-quality results.
- Low-resolution AI outputs mean users should rely on traditional editing for high-detail projects.
- Users can customize workspaces extensively, tailoring the app to different tasks and personal preferences.
Conclusion
Affinity’s latest update marks a significant evolution by consolidating its apps into one comprehensive, free platform while introducing optional AI-powered tools through a Canva subscription. This approach balances accessibility with advanced capabilities, making the app suitable for a wide range of users—from hobbyists to professionals.
Although the AI features show promise, they are not yet a full replacement for manual editing due to resolution limits and occasional inaccuracies. The update’s emphasis on customization, improved core tools, and expanded export options is likely to appeal to many creatives.
Ultimately, Affinity’s new pricing and feature model offers a flexible, powerful design ecosystem with optional AI enhancements, encouraging users to choose what fits their needs best.