Canva, after acquiring Serif, is integrating its Affinity creative suite into a new free all-in-one app for photo editing, vector illustration, and page layouts. This move consolidates the previous standalone Designer, Photo, and Publisher software into a unified platform. The new Affinity app, available on Windows and Mac with an iPad version in the works, emphasizes being ‘free forever’ without any subscription requirements.
Canva’s integration of Affinity allows for a ‘one universal file type’ and the ability to export designs directly to users’ Canva accounts, streamlining the workflow. Additionally, Canva Premium subscribers gain access to AI-powered editing tools like image generation and photo cleanup within the Affinity app.
While existing standalone Affinity app users can continue using their software, the new platform offers enhanced features and convenience. The transition to a free model challenges Adobe’s subscription-based approach, providing a compelling alternative for creatives. However, the introduction of AI integrations may face resistance from some users concerned about technology-driven design tools.
Source: The Verge