Canva Just Did Something Bold
Canva has relaunched Affinity, the professional design suite they acquired in 2024, as an all in one creative platform that is completely free to use.
If you are in marketing or design, it is definitely worth paying attention to.
What Is Affinity by Canva?
Affinity used to be three separate apps: Designer, Photo, and Publisher. Each was focused on illustration, photo editing, or layout design.
Now, they have been rebuilt into one seamless app that works across Windows, Mac, and (soon) iPad. Even better? Canva has integrated it directly into their ecosystem, so you can design in Affinity and publish or collaborate instantly in Canva.
That means fewer exports, fewer file type headaches, and a smoother path from creative concept to campaign delivery.
What's New (and Why It Matters for Marketers)
1. Three Tools, One Workspace
Switch between vector, photo, and layout modes instantly. No bouncing between apps or losing formatting.
2. Built for Speed and Collaboration
Affinity now plugs straight into Canva, so teams can share assets, comment, and version designs in real time. All inside the same ecosystem.
3. Professional Power Without the Price Tag
The new Affinity is free forever for core features. That means marketing teams can access pro level tools without hefty subscription fees, and only upgrade for optional AI extras like background removal or image generation.
4. Easier Adoption for Non Designers
Because Affinity inherits Canva's user friendly DNA, even non design team members can confidently tweak layouts or create branded visuals without "breaking" the design.
Can Affinity Replace Adobe Creative Cloud?
The short answer: potentially, but with caveats.
For many day to day marketing tasks (social graphics, simple print layouts, web visuals), yes. The Affinity plus Canva ecosystem could be enough. For ultra specialist creative work (complex motion graphics, 3D modelling, very high end editorial design) Adobe may still have the upper hand.
The business model itself is interesting: free core tool, optional AI features via subscription. That may tilt things for marketers who want "good enough plus fast" rather than "everything but slow and expensive."
We might not have a definitive answer yet, but it will signal a shift.
Marketing teams should ask: "Do we need the full Adobe stack for everything, or can we pick smarter tools for specific workflows?"
How to Get Canva Affinity
Your team can access Canva Affinity today in just three steps:
- Download it free from affinity.serif.com
- Connect your Canva account to sync brand assets and templates
- Try AI features (available via Canva Pro) for instant visuals, copy, or layout suggestions
