Can Affinity Open PSD, AI, IDML, and DWG Files?

Updated

Yes. According to Affinity's own product page, Affinity can bring PSD, AI, IDML, DWG, and other file types into the app with layers and structure preserved. That means you can continue existing work or collaborate with people using other tools without rebuilding files from scratch. The practical caveat: "preserved" refers to layers and structure, not a guarantee that every effect, font, or plugin-dependent feature renders identically — so verify critical files after import.

What Affinity says about file compatibility

Affinity's site lists file compatibility as a core capability under its "The new standard" section. The stated behavior:

  • Supported imports include PSD (Photoshop), AI (Illustrator), IDML (InDesign), and DWG (CAD), plus "other file types."
  • Layers and structure are preserved on import, rather than flattening everything into a single image.
  • The goal is continuity: "Whether you're continuing your own work or collaborating with others, everyone can open, edit, and build on the same files without compatibility issues."

That last line is Affinity's framing. Treat it as the design intent, not a blanket promise — cross-app files often carry features the receiving app handles differently.

Why this matters in practice

Two scenarios drive most of the interest in import support:

Continuing your own older projects

If you have years of PSD or AI files, preserved layers mean you can reopen them, adjust individual elements, and keep working instead of exporting flat images. This is the difference between editing a design and merely viewing it.

Collaborating across tools

If a teammate works in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or CAD, you can receive their file, edit it in Affinity, and hand work back. The page frames this as reducing compatibility friction so "everyone can open, edit, and build on the same files."

The all-in-one angle

Affinity's pitch is that design, photo editing, and page layout live in one app, so you don't switch applications mid-project. Import support reinforces that: a PSD, an AI file, and an IDML layout can all land in the same environment, and edits stack non-destructively. Per the page, every edit stacks on the last, so you can tweak, reorder, or remove steps without flattening, and undo history lets you rewind from final export back to the first edit.

What to check before relying on it

The page does not detail per-format limitations, so confirm these on your own files:

Check Why it matters
Layer integrity Confirm groups, masks, and adjustment layers survive import as editable layers.
Fonts Missing fonts substitute or reflow text; have originals available.
Effects and styles Layer styles, blend modes, and filters may render differently across apps.
Vector vs. raster AI and DWG content may import as editable vectors or as placed assets depending on the file.
Text and layout (IDML) Check text flow, master pages, and styles after import.

A quick test: import one representative file per format, compare it against the original, and note anything that shifted before committing a whole project.

Bottom line

Affinity states it can open PSD, AI, IDML, and DWG files with layers and structure preserved, which makes it viable for continuing old projects and collaborating across tools. The safe approach is to test your specific files first — compatibility is designed in, but complex effects, fonts, and format-specific features are where surprises tend to appear.