Affinity Suite is impressive collection of creative tools that gives designers, photographers and publishers powerful software without monthly fees. This professional grade software bundle includes three main applications. These are Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher. They work together seamlessly across Windows, macOS and iPad devices.
Unlike traditional creative software that requires ongoing subscriptions, Affinity Suite uses a one-time payment model making it affordable option for freelancers, students and creative professionals. The suite has gained massive popularity since its release and continues to receive regular updates with new features in 2025.
In This Article
Why Choose Affinity Suite
Affinity Suite stands out in the crowded design software market for several key reasons:
Performance and Speed: The software delivers blazing fast performance even when working with complex projects containing thousands of objects or layers. You will notice lag-free experience whether you are editing high-resolution photos or creating detailed vector illustrations.
Universal File Format: All three applications share common file format that allows smooth workflow between apps. This means you can start project in Designer, edit it in Photo and finish layout in Publisher without compatibility issues.
Cross-Platform Power: Buy once and use on Windows, macOS and iPad with full feature parity across all platforms. Your license works everywhere giving you flexibility to work on any device.
No Subscription Required: Unlike Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity uses perpetual licensing model. You pay once and own the software forever with free updates until next major version.
Latest Features in New Version
The recent update brought machine learning tools and significant improvements to all three applications:
- ML Object Selection Tool automatically detects and selects objects in images using on-device machine learning models
- Select Subject Feature identifies main subject in photos for quick background removal and editing
- Multi-Page Spreads in Publisher now supports trifold, gatefold and accordion-fold layouts
- Brush Panel Search makes finding right brush faster with category-based organization
- Updated RAW Engine adds support for latest cameras including Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Fujifilm GFX 100S II and Sony ZV-E10 II
New version removed all trial prompts and purchase options as Affinity prepared for major announcement. The company confirmed they are not moving to subscription model maintaining their commitment to fair pricing.
Affinity Designer for Vector Graphics
Affinity Designer has become go-to tool for vector illustration and graphic design work. The application combines precision tools with creative freedom allowing you to create logos, icons, illustrations and UI mockups.
Core Designer Capabilities
Dual Workspace System: Switch between vector and raster personas without leaving the app. This unique feature lets you work with both pixel-perfect vector graphics and detailed raster effects in same project.
Unlimited Artboards: Organize complex projects with unlimited artboards that can be exported individually or as batch. Perfect for creating multiple logo variations, app screens or social media graphics.
Advanced Typography: Designer includes professional text tools with text-on-path capabilities, custom styling and precise character control. Create impressive typographic designs with full OpenType support.
Precision Tools: Pixel preview mode ensures your designs look perfect at any size. The grid system, snapping options and measurement tools give you control needed for professional work.
Best uses for Affinity Designer include brand identity development, icon design, web interface mockups and digital illustration projects.
Affinity Photo for Image Editing
Affinity Photo delivers professional photo editing capabilities that rival industry standards. This powerful application handles everything from basic adjustments to complex photo manipulation and compositing.
Photo Editing Features
RAW Development: Full RAW processing with 32-bit workflow supports major camera formats. The updated SerifLabs RAW engine in version 2.6 includes latest camera models ensuring compatibility.
Retouching Tools: Professional grade tools include frequency separation, inpainting, liquify and advanced healing brushes. Remove unwanted objects, smooth skin and fix imperfections with precision.
Layer System: Work with unlimited layers, adjustment layers and live filters for non-destructive editing. Your original images stay safe while you experiment with different effects.
Selection Tools: The new ML Object Selection tool and Select Subject feature make isolating elements incredibly fast. Traditional selection tools like magnetic lasso and color range selection are also available.
Specialized features include focus stacking for macro photography, HDR merging for dynamic range extension, panorama stitching and live mesh warping effects.
Affinity Publisher for Page Layout
Affinity Publisher brings professional publishing tools to desktop and tablet. Create magazines, books, brochures, posters and marketing materials with precise typography and layout control.
Publisher Layout Tools
Multi-Page Documents: Handle long-form publications with master pages, automatic page numbering and table of contents generation. Version 2.6 added multi-page spreads for complex folding layouts.
StudioLink Integration: Access full Designer and Photo editing tools directly inside Publisher. This eliminates need to switch applications when you need to edit vector graphics or photos.
Text Handling: Advanced typography features include text flow between frames, professional hyphenation, widow/orphan control and OpenType features. Publisher handles complex text layouts with ease.
Data Merge: Automate creation of personalized documents by merging data from spreadsheets. Create hundreds of customized certificates, name badges or mailing labels quickly.
The application exports to PDF with full bleed, crop marks and color management for professional printing.
Our Hands-On Test
We spent several weeks testing Affinity Suite across different projects to see how it performs in real-world scenarios. Here is what we discovered:
Installation and Setup: Installing all three apps was straightforward process taking about 15 minutes total. The Universal License activated seamlessly across our MacBook Pro and Windows desktop without issues.
Learning Curve: Coming from Adobe background, we found interface familiar but different enough to require adjustment period. The dual persona system in Designer initially confused us but became powerful feature once understood. Most tools behaved as expected making transition smoother than anticipated.
Performance Testing: We tested Photo with 50-megapixel RAW files and dozens of adjustment layers. The performance was impressive with no lag or slowdowns even on older MacBook Air from 2019. Designer handled artboard with 100+ complex vector objects smoothly.
ML Selection Tools: The new Object Selection Tool worked surprisingly well on most images. We tested it on photos with complex backgrounds and it correctly identified subjects about 80% of time. Manual refinement was occasionally needed but overall saved significant time.
StudioLink Workflow: Working in Publisher and jumping into Photo persona to edit image without leaving app was game changer. This integration made layout work much faster compared to switching between separate applications.
File Compatibility: We opened PSD files, AI files and InDesign documents with mixed results. Simple files imported perfectly but complex documents with effects sometimes needed adjustments.
iPad Experience: Testing on iPad Pro showed that iOS version is not simplified mobile app but full-featured software. The touch interface felt natural and Apple Pencil support was excellent for photo retouching and illustration work.
Pricing and License Options
Affinity Suite offers flexible licensing without ongoing costs:
Available Licenses
Affinity V2 Universal License: Single purchase ($164.99 – $169.99) gives you all three applications across macOS, Windows and iPadOS. This is best value if you need complete suite.
Individual App Licenses: Purchase Designer, Photo or Publisher separately for $69.99 per application. Good option if you only need specific tool.
Free Trial: All applications offer 30-day free trial with full functionality. Download and test before buying to ensure software meets your needs.
Educational Pricing: Schools, teachers and registered nonprofits can access Affinity Suite for free. This initiative helps students learn professional tools without cost barriers.
What You Get
Your one-time purchase includes perpetual license with no expiration date. You receive free updates and bug fixes until next major version release. Once purchased, software belongs to you forever without recurring payments.
System Requirements Across Platforms
macOS Requirements
Affinity Suite works on both Apple Silicon and Intel processors:
- Compatible with macOS Catalina through Sequoia and later versions
- Minimum 8GB RAM recommended for smooth operation
- Approximately 2.8GB storage space needed for all three apps
- Metal-compatible graphics card required
Windows Requirements
Windows users need following specifications:
- 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system
- Intel, AMD or ARM64 processor support
- DirectX 10 compatible graphics hardware
- Approximately 1GB storage space per application
iPad Requirements
iOS version requires recent hardware:
- iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
- iPad (5th generation 2017 or newer), iPad mini (5th generation or later)
- iPadOS 15 or later versions
- M1-equipped iPad models recommended for complex projects with ML features
Affinity Suite vs Competition
| Feature | Affinity Suite | Adobe Creative Cloud | Canva | CorelDRAW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model (may change) | One-time payment $164.99 | Monthly subscription $54.99 | Free / $15 per month | Annual subscription $269 |
| Applications Included | 3 apps (Designer, Photo, Publisher) | 20+ apps including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign | Web-based design tool | Vector and photo editing |
| Vector Design | Yes (Designer) | Yes (Illustrator) | Limited | Yes (CorelDRAW) |
| Photo Editing | Yes (Photo) | Yes (Photoshop) | Basic only | Yes (Corel PHOTO-PAINT) |
| Page Layout | Yes (Publisher) | Yes (InDesign) | No | Limited |
| Platform Support | Windows, macOS, iPad | Windows, macOS, iPad | Web, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS |
| Cloud Collaboration | No | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| AI/ML Features | Yes (optional, on-device) | Yes (cloud-based) | Yes (built-in) | Limited |
| File Format Support | PSD, AI, PDF, INDD | Native Adobe formats | Limited exports | CDR, AI, PSD, PDF |
| Best For | Professionals wanting perpetual license | Industry professionals needing full ecosystem | Quick social media graphics | Windows users, print shops |
Cross-Platform Workflow Benefits
Working across multiple devices becomes seamless with Affinity Suite. Start project on desktop computer during work hours, then continue editing on iPad while commuting or traveling. The shared file format ensures perfect compatibility between platforms without conversion or compatibility issues.
Cloud storage services like Dropbox, iCloud Drive or OneDrive can sync your project files automatically. While Affinity does not include built-in cloud collaboration like Adobe, this manual sync approach works well for individual users and small teams.
Who Should Use Affinity Suite
Affinity Suite is ideal for several types of users:
- Freelance designers and photographers who want professional tools without monthly costs
- Small businesses and startups managing tight budgets
- Students and educators learning design skills (free for qualified schools)
- Former Adobe users seeking subscription-free alternatives
- Hobbyists wanting advanced features at reasonable price
- iPad Pro users needing full-featured creative apps on tablet
The software may not suit large agencies requiring tight Adobe ecosystem integration or teams needing advanced cloud collaboration features.
Getting Updates and Support
Affinity releases regular updates adding new features and improvements. Version 2.6 update in February 2025 was free for all V2 license holders demonstrating company’s commitment to enhancing software.
Support options include comprehensive documentation, video tutorials and active community forums. The Affinity forums contain thousands of discussions, tips and user-created resources. Official YouTube channel provides training videos covering basic and advanced techniques.
One limitation is that free updates only continue until next major version release. When Version 3 launches eventually, users will need to purchase upgrade to access new features.
Machine Learning Privacy Approach
Affinity’s implementation of ML tools prioritizes user privacy:
- AI features are completely optional requiring separate download
- Pre-trained models do not use your data for further training
- All processing happens on-device with no cloud uploads
- You can keep workflow 100% AI-free by not downloading ML models
This approach contrasts with cloud-based AI services that upload your content to remote servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Affinity Suite without internet connection?
Yes, Affinity Suite works completely offline after installation. You do not need internet connection to use any features except downloading optional ML models or checking for updates. This makes it perfect for working while traveling or in locations with limited connectivity.
Does Affinity Suite work with Adobe files?
Yes, Affinity apps can open and edit PSD, AI and INDD files. Simple files usually import perfectly while complex documents with advanced effects may need adjustments. You can also export to Adobe-compatible formats for sharing with clients using Adobe software.
Will my V2 license work after October 30 announcement?
Yes, all existing V2 perpetual licenses continue working indefinitely. Affinity confirmed they are not moving to subscription model and existing licenses remain valid. The October 30 announcement introduced new features while maintaining commitment to fair pricing and perpetual licensing.
License – Trial
Download
V2 Universal for macOS/ Windows/ iPadOS
v2: Affinity Photo | Designer | Publisher
v1: Affinity Photo | Designer | Publisher
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