One of the best photo editing and graphic design software out there may have succumbed to the lure of subscription - Canva-owned Affinity is likely to introduce Adobe-like subs soon

Date:
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 22:41:00 +0000

Description:
Affinity users express growing concern as Canvas actions hint at a shift toward subscriptions, AI integration, and reduced transparency.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Designer s describe the loss of Affinitys forums as a major creative setback Many
users fear recurring payments could replace Affinitys affordable one-time purchase model Canvas acquisition has raised doubts about Affinitys independence and design philosophy

The creative community is uneasy as Affinitys official store and forums go dark, prompting speculation the popular photo editor and design suite may be moving toward a subscription model similar to Adobe products.

The abrupt pause on purchases, combined with a cryptic message promising that creative freedom is coming, has left many wondering what the future holds.

Canvas 2024 acquisition of Affinity may be starting to reshape the once one-time-purchase software line. A sudden silence fuels user anxiety

Affinitys decision to disable new purchases and close its official forums without a clear explanation has caused concern among long-time users.

Designers active on the r/graphic_design subreddit describe the situation as chaotic, citing the disappearance of the mobile app and the lack of a migration plan.

One user lamented the loss of a decade of software and design support as the forums went offline.

Another admitted to feeling the awful feeling Ill have to abandon yet another software and company I loved.

These frustrations reflect wider industry dissatisfaction with subscription-based models.

Adobes shift toward cloud-based plans and AI integration alienated some professionals, and Affinitys users now fear a similar outcome.

The disappearance of direct purchase options is seen by many as a warning
sign that the company could soon introduce recurring fees.

Since acquiring Affinity in 2024, Canva has largely left the suites pricing and functionality unchanged.

However, speculation is growing that Canva may now be preparing to align Affinity with its AI-driven platform.

Some believe the upcoming Affinity 3 update could integrate Canvas AI tools
in a bid to compete with Adobes generative features.

Optimists argue this could improve efficiency for users of the best free
photo editor tools, while skeptics warn it may weaken the professional standards that once set Affinity apart from its competitors.

The vague promise of true creative freedom has not reassured users.

Many believe the phrase signals a marketing shift rather than a genuine user-centered improvement.

Although Canva and Affinity previously pledged to maintain fair pricing and accessibility, the secrecy surrounding current changes has raised doubts.

Via Creativebloq

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