Affinity Takes on Adobe in the Best Way Possible - by Making All Its Software Free for Everyone

Why It Matters

Offering a zero‑cost, AI‑enhanced alternative to Adobe's subscription‑based Creative Cloud could lure designers and publishers away from Adobe, reshaping competitive dynamics and revenue models in the creative‑software industry.

Summary

Affinity announced that its three professional‑grade apps—Designer, Photo, and Publisher—are now completely free for all users, bundled into a single suite. The change follows the company's 2024 acquisition by Canva and dispels earlier fears of a shift to subscription pricing. Canva premium subscribers also receive integrated Canva AI Studio tools such as Generative Fill and Remove Background. The full feature set is retained, and the perpetual‑license purchase option has been removed in favor of a new website launch.