Canva launches Affinity by Canva: a unified and free design suite

Published on January 06, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Screenshot of Affinity by Canva showing the unified interface with image editing, vector design, and layout tools in a single program, running on a desktop with Windows and macOS.

Canva Launches Affinity by Canva: A Unified, Free Design Suite

The company Canva has revolutionized the design landscape with the launch of Affinity by Canva, a desktop application that combines the full capabilities of Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher into a single environment. This comprehensive tool allows users to work on image editing, vector graphic creation, and professional layout without relying on an internet connection, and best of all: completely free, with the commitment to receive ongoing updates at no additional cost 🎨.

Advanced Functionalities and Artificial Intelligence for Premium Subscribers

Although the software is fully functional without the need for any payment, users with a paid Canva subscription can unlock exclusive artificial intelligence tools, such as Generative Fill and Generative Expand, within the new Affinity platform. These features offer automated editing capabilities that enrich the already complete set of professional utilities available to all designers.

Key Advantages of the Premium Subscription:
  • Access to AI tools like Generative Fill to intelligently fill image areas
  • Generative Expand to enlarge compositions while maintaining visual consistency
  • Advanced functionalities that complement the professional offline workflow
With Affinity by Canva, designers have a unified suite that eliminates the need to switch between multiple applications, although the most innovative features remain tied to a subscription.

Multiplatform Availability and Future Expansions

Affinity by Canva is now available for download on Windows and macOS systems, providing a complete desktop experience with no connection requirements. The company has confirmed that an iPad version is currently in development and will be launched in the near future, expanding mobile work options for creatives who need flexibility in their design processes.

Upcoming Releases and Compatibility:
  • Current version available for Windows and macOS for free
  • iPad version in development, with release planned soon
  • Expansion of offline work capabilities on mobile devices

Impact on the Designer Community

This innovation means that designers will no longer have to justify to their clients the use of three different programs for seemingly simple projects, such as creating a logo. However, they now face the new challenge of explaining why the most attractive features remain behind a paywall, reflecting the constant evolution in professional design software business models 💼.