Canva’s acquisition of Affinity has transformed an already affordable suite of creative software into a compelling free option for professionals and hobbyists alike. Affinity, now consolidated into a single app that integrates its previous three separate tools—Designer, Photo, and Publisher—offers a streamlined experience. Users can switch between vector, pixel, and layout modes effortlessly. While the app is free, advanced AI features require a Canva Premium subscription, which may deter some users. Setup is straightforward. Users need a Canva account to download the app, which is compatible with both Mac and Windows. The interface remains familiar for long-time Affinity users, maintaining key features like the triangle-in-circle color picker and a non-destructive editing style similar to Adobe’s offerings. However, the lack of photo organization tools remains a significant gap. Affinity could benefit from adding cataloging capabilities to help users manage larger image collections more efficiently. The app excels in vector drawing, layout design, and image editing, making it suitable for students and seasoned creatives. While it lacks some of the automated features found in Canva’s core offerings, it compensates with depth and flexibility in traditional design tasks. Overall, Affinity by Canva provides a robust toolset for various creative needs, especially for those looking to avoid subscription fees associated with other software.