What Design, Photo, and Layout Tools Are Included in Affinity's All-in-One App?

Updated

Affinity is a professional creative application that combines vector, pixel, and layout tools in a single app. According to affinity.studio, it lets you design, edit, lay out, and then edit again "without ever leaving your .af file" — so graphic design, digital illustration, logo creation, and photo editing all happen in one place. It's aimed at individuals and enterprises who want pro-level tools without switching between separate apps.

The three tool sets in one app

Affinity's core claim is that it puts the tools you'd normally split across multiple programs into one ultra-fast application. The site lists three categories:

  • Vector — for graphic design, digital illustration, logo creation, and more (the site points to a "Vector Studio" area).
  • Pixel — for photo editing and raster work.
  • Layout — for page layout and composition.

Alongside these, the page also references Canva AI as part of the toolset shown in the app.

The practical effect: you can move between drawing vectors, retouching pixels, and arranging a layout inside the same file, rather than exporting and reopening between apps.

Working in a single .af file

The workflow Affinity emphasizes is a continuous loop inside one document:

  1. Design your vector elements.
  2. Edit pixel-based content like photos.
  3. Lay out the composition.
  4. Edit again — without leaving the .af file.

Because everything lives in one file, the site frames this as "no more app switching," which it says means fewer interruptions and more time spent on the details that matter. A testimonial from Verònica Fuerte (Founder & Creative Directress of Hey) makes the same point: having photo editing, vector, and layout in one app means "less switching, fewer interruptions."

Non-destructive editing

Affinity's editing model is non-destructive. Per the site:

  • Every edit stacks on the last, so you can tweak, reorder, or remove any step without flattening.
  • Your original file stays intact while you experiment.
  • Undo history is saved, so you can rewind from your final export all the way back to your first edit.

This matters for the all-in-one workflow: since vector, pixel, and layout changes all layer on top of each other, you can revise any part of the project later without committing to a flattened result.

File compatibility and collaboration

Affinity is built to fit into existing workflows rather than replace them:

  • Import other formats — you can bring PSD, AI, IDML, DWG, and other file types into Affinity with layers and structure preserved. The site notes this helps whether you're continuing your own work or collaborating, since everyone can open, edit, and build on the same files.
  • Export to Canva — when your .af file is finished, you can export assets straight to Canva in a few steps to collaborate live with teammates and scale into full campaigns while staying on brand.

Who it's for

The site presents Affinity for both individuals and enterprises. It's positioned as professional software for people doing graphic design, digital illustration, logo creation, and photo editing who want those capabilities combined in one fast app instead of spread across separate tools.

One note on scope: the site describes Affinity as "free forever," but the page evidence provided here doesn't include pricing links or payment details, so treat that description as the site's own wording rather than a verified pricing structure.