According to a TechRadar Software review, Canva has introduced a comprehensive set of upgrades to its Affinity graphics suite, aimed at enhancing professional creative workflows. These improvements include advanced photography features, expanded file compatibility, automation, and tighter integration with Canva's broader ProSuite product ecosystem, positioning Affinity as a stronger competitor to established industry leaders like Adobe.
- Significant photography and automation upgrades enhance professional workflows
- Supports major industry file formats including InDesign documents
- Integrated with Canva ProSuite apps and AI assistants for efficiency
Product angle
The TechRadar review highlights how Canva’s update to Affinity introduces numerous enhancements designed to meet the needs of professional creatives. These include advanced capabilities for photographers such as improved RAW processing, batch importing, and specialized tools like an Astrophotography Studio. Additionally, AI-powered features enable scene decomposition for more precise editing of complex images. The suite also embraces a more open approach to file compatibility, supporting formats like InDesign to ease cross-platform project management.
A key element of the upgrade is the strengthened integration within Canva’s ProSuite, connecting Affinity with tools like Cavalry for animation and design assets managed via the Canva Brand Kit. This ecosystem approach, coupled with AI Connectors for handling repetitive tasks through natural language commands, positions Affinity not just as a standalone product but as part of a comprehensive toolkit tailored for professional creative teams seeking efficiency and collaboration.
Best for / avoid if
Affinity’s updated capabilities make it an excellent choice for professional photographers, graphic designers, and animators who require advanced image processing, vector editing, and animation tools while benefiting from free access to core applications. It is particularly suited for users who work across multiple creative mediums and seek a tightly integrated toolset that supports a wide range of industry-standard file formats.
However, users heavily invested in Adobe’s ecosystem or requiring advanced proprietary features unique to Adobe’s Creative Cloud might find Affinity less aligned with their needs. Additionally, those who prefer a single, unified application rather than a suite of connected but separate programs could find the multi-application approach less intuitive. The reliance on integration with Canva ProSuite components may also pose limitations for standalone use without subscription plans.
Pricing and alternatives to check
Affinity remains available at no cost for its core applications, including the newly enhanced photography and design tools, which is a significant advantage for budget-conscious professionals and small teams. The additions are part of Canva’s ProSuite offering, which bundles Affinity, Cavalry, Flourish, and Leonardo with over 100 upgrades and improvements across these connected products within the year. While Affinity and Cavalry remain free, some ProSuite features likely require subscription access to unlock full integration benefits.
Alternatives to consider include Adobe Creative Cloud for those seeking the most comprehensive and industry-standard creative tools with deeply integrated workflows. Other noteworthy options are CorelDRAW for vector and page layout professionals, and open-source software such as GIMP or Inkscape for users prioritizing free solutions with community-driven support, albeit with a steeper learning curve and fewer integrated features compared to Canva’s ProSuite.