Canva’s New Affinity Release Challenges Adobe’s Grip on Creative Software

A major shake-up has hit the global design software industry. Canva, the Australian online design giant, has unveiled a new version of Affinity, the professional creative suite it acquired from Serif in 2025. The release integrates photo editing, vector design, and publishing tools into a single application — and, in a bold move, Canva announced it will be permanently free.

The announcement has sent ripples through the creative community, with many analysts calling it the most significant challenge yet to Adobe’s decades-long dominance in professional design software.

A Unified Creative Suite
For years, Affinity was known for its trio of apps: Affinity Photo (a rival to Photoshop), Affinity Designer (challenging Illustrator), and Affinity Publisher (competing with InDesign). The new release merges all three into one integrated platform, allowing users to switch seamlessly between “personas” — modes for photo editing, vector drawing, and typesetting — without leaving the application.

Key features include:

Non-destructive editing for photos and graphics.

Advanced layer controls and complex path processing.

Multi-page document support for professional publishing.

Cross-platform compatibility on macOS and Windows.

The suite retains the high performance and professional depth that won Affinity a loyal following, but now offers it at no cost — a move that directly contrasts Adobe’s subscription-only Creative Cloud.

Canva’s Strategy
Canva’s acquisition of Serif raised concerns that Affinity might be sidelined or absorbed into Canva’s consumer-focused platform. Instead, Canva has doubled down, positioning Affinity as its professional-grade offering.

“Affinity is now the complete free creative suite,” wrote PC Pro magazine in its February 2026 issue, noting that Canva has not only preserved Affinity’s legacy but expanded it.

By making Affinity free, Canva is betting on scale. Analysts say the company hopes to attract millions of professional designers, students, and small businesses who have long balked at Adobe’s subscription fees.

Industry Impact
Adobe’s Creative Cloud currently dominates the market, with over 30 million subscribers worldwide. But its subscription model — costing up to $60 per month for the full suite — has drawn criticism, especially from freelancers and students.

Affinity’s free release could disrupt this model. “This is the most serious challenge Adobe has faced in years,” said design analyst Nik Rawlinson. “Affinity now offers professional-grade tools without the financial barrier.”

The move also aligns with Canva’s broader strategy of democratizing design. By offering both its consumer-friendly Canva platform and the professional Affinity suite, Canva now spans the entire spectrum of design needs.

Reactions from the Creative Community
The response has been swift. On social media, designers praised the affordability and integration of the new Affinity. “This is a game-changer,” tweeted one illustrator. “I can finally ditch Adobe without compromise.”

Universities and training institutes are also taking note. Several UK design schools announced plans to incorporate Affinity into their curricula, citing its accessibility for students.

Adobe, meanwhile, has remained silent, though industry insiders say the company is monitoring the situation closely.

Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement, Affinity faces hurdles. Adobe’s ecosystem is deeply entrenched, with decades of dominance in professional workflows, plugins, and industry standards. Convincing large agencies and publishers to switch will not be easy.

There are also questions about sustainability. Offering Affinity free raises concerns about long-term support and development. Canva insists it will fund Affinity through its broader business model, but skeptics wonder if the suite can maintain its pace of innovation without direct revenue.

Lessons for Africa
For Africa, where high software costs have long been a barrier to creative industries, Affinity’s free release could be transformative. Freelancers, startups, and universities across the continent now have access to professional-grade tools without subscription fees.

Zimbabwean design firms, for example, have already begun experimenting with Affinity for publishing and advertising. In Nigeria, creative hubs in Lagos are promoting Affinity as a cost-effective alternative for young designers.

Analysts say the move could accelerate Africa’s participation in the global digital economy, lowering barriers for entry into design, publishing, and creative entrepreneurship.

The Road Ahead
The release of Affinity under Canva marks a turning point in the design software industry. By challenging Adobe’s subscription model, Canva has positioned itself as both a disruptor and democratizer.