Affinity Studio now free (affinity.studio)

Article summary

Affinity Studio is now available for free, with the option to upgrade to a pro version that includes AI features. The free version is suitable for 'proper' artists, while the pro version offers additional features. The new Affinity Studio is a replacement for the existing Affinity applications, which will no longer receive updates. Users who previously purchased Affinity V2 can still use their licenses, but the software will not receive future updates.

Main themes

• Affinity Studio
• Free and pro versions
• Acquisition by Canva
• Deprecation of old Affinity apps
• Subscription model concerns
• Software licensing

What commenters say

• The new Affinity Studio is a well-executed all-in-one app that combines the features of Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher.
• The free version of Affinity Studio is a strategic move by Canva to acquire users and potentially push them towards a subscription-based model.
• The deprecation of the old Affinity apps and the requirement for a Canva account to use the new version is a concern for users who value their independence and flexibility.
• The shift to a free version with optional pro features is seen as a positive development by some, who argue that it makes high-quality software more accessible to a wider audience.
• Others are skeptical of the move, citing concerns about the potential for 'enshittification' and the erosion of user freedom and autonomy.
• Some users who previously purchased Affinity V2 feel that their licenses have been devalued by the introduction of the free version and the deprecation of the old apps.
• The introduction of a free version with a pro upgrade option is seen as a calculated move to get users to create a Canva account and potentially transition to a subscription-based model.
• The requirement for a Canva account to use the new version is a turn-off for some users, who prefer to use software anonymously and without being tied to a specific ecosystem.