Affinity review

Affinity now combines vector design, pixel editing and page layout in a single app, and Canva makes it free for individuals. For photographers, the pixel side covers the work people used to buy Photoshop for: layers, retouching, compositing and non-destructive adjustments, with undo history saved in the file so you can step back from an export to your first edit. It opens PSD files with their layers and structure preserved, which helps if you trade files with Photoshop users. Versions exist for Mac, Windows and, newly, iPad with Apple Pencil support. The trade-offs are clear. There is no photo library or catalog, so you still need something else to sort a shoot, and the AI tools are only available if you pay for a Canva premium plan. The interface carries design and layout tools a photo hobbyist may never use. As a free, capable layer editor, though, nothing else on this list matches it.

Who it is for

Hobbyists who want layered editing and retouching without a subscription.

Price

Free for individuals on Mac, Windows and iPad; optional AI tools need a Canva premium plan.

Affinity is free for individuals (seriously).
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Vector, pixel and layout tools in one app
• Non-destructive edits with saved undo history
• Opens PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files with layers preserved
• Optional AI tools for Canva premium subscribers
• Versions for Mac, Windows and iPad

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free for individuals with no feature gate on core tools
• Strength: Opens Photoshop files with layers intact
• Strength: Runs on Mac, Windows and iPad
• Weakness: No photo catalog like Lightroom
• Weakness: AI tools require a Canva premium plan
• Weakness: Broad design toolset can feel busy for simple edits

Key facts

• Price: Free for individuals
• Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad
• File compatibility: PSD, AI, IDML, DWG and more
• AI tools: With a Canva premium plan

Where it ranks

Affinity is No. 2 in our Best Photo Editing Apps verdict.