this post was submitted on 30 Oct 2025
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Yes, Affinity really is free. You can use every tool in the Pixel, Vector, and Layout studios, plus all of the customization and export features, as much as you want, with no restrictions or payment needed. If you’re on a Canva premium plan, you’ll also be able to unlock Canva’s powerful AI tools within Affinity.

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[–] cupcakezealot@piefed.blahaj.zone 28 points 6 days ago (2 children)

never support anything by canva

[–] woelkchen@lemmy.world 3 points 5 days ago

never support anything by canva

Getting Affinity without ever paying is hardly supporting them. At least it's a stopgap until Krita finally fixes their text tool which is honestly the sole reason why I bought Affinity 1 and 2. (In case anyone wonders: Yes, I also donated to Krita.)

[–] atmorous@lemmy.world 5 points 6 days ago (1 children)
[–] cupcakezealot@piefed.blahaj.zone 24 points 6 days ago (6 children)

they're a horrible ai slop company

[–] atmorous@lemmy.world 10 points 6 days ago

Ah I see thanks for the heads up

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[–] nicerdicer@feddit.org 3 points 4 days ago

I found this video today from Michael Janda: HOT TAKE - Affinity is NOT "Free".

Although I do not agree with all the points he comes up with, he has some good explanation, while being speculative, why Affinity is going this route. In short: Affinty is now a loss leader, hoping that people will sign up eventually for a Canva subscriptipn for using AI tools in order to compete with Adobe who still is the leader in the professional field.

[–] Treczoks@lemmy.world 11 points 5 days ago (1 children)

So when will the ads start to pop up?

[–] rob_t_firefly@lemmy.world 6 points 5 days ago (1 children)

It's already functionally an ad for Canva's premium services.

[–] woelkchen@lemmy.world 3 points 5 days ago

The "ad" is a single button that you can turn off. For now it's fine.

[–] sonofearth@lemmy.world 10 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Still no Linux support.

I will stick with FOSS stuff and when needed, Black Flag Adobe in Windows VM.

[–] bagelberger@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

I was able to get the V2 suite working via Lutris, haven't tried this new version though. Seems to be possible as documented here

[–] woelkchen@lemmy.world 17 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

If you’re on a Canva premium plan, you’ll also be able to unlock Canva’s powerful AI tools within Affinity.

So freemium, not free. Which is also fine, just saying.

Edit: Needs new Canva account. My Serif account didn't migrate. Be sure to turn off BS under https://www.canva.com/account/privacy-preferences

[–] rirus@feddit.org 4 points 5 days ago

Not free as in freedom! 🙁

[–] ClydapusGotwald@lemmy.world 8 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Once canva bought affinity it was going to just go downhill eventually.

[–] fodor@lemmy.zip 1 points 5 days ago

Oh I think eventually will arrive fairly soon.

[–] nicerdicer@feddit.org 5 points 6 days ago

At first glance, this all sounds positive, especially for users without an affinity for AI.

However, time will tell whether the program will become less appealing if it turns out that the majority of Affinity users are not persuaded to sign up for a Canvas subscription for AI editing.

Either certain tools and functions will disappear behind a paywall, or compatibility will be restricted by no longer allowing free import and export to certain file formats.

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