Graphic Design Software

Affinity vs Canva

Both are graphic design software. The short answer: choose Affinity if you are designers wanting pro tools without a subscription; choose Canva if you are small businesses creating social posts, flyers and presentations.

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Affinity logo AffinityCanva logo Canva
Best forDesigners wanting pro tools without a subscriptionSmall businesses creating social posts, flyers and presentations
Free planVerifyYes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesGraphic Design SoftwareAI Design & Presentation Tools, Social Media Management Tools, AI Video, Voice & Meeting Tools, AI Presentation Makers, Graphic Design Software, Instagram & Creator Tools
Strengths
  • Professional features
  • No Adobe subscription
  • Huge template library
  • Free plan
  • Easy for non-designers
Watch out for
  • Smaller plugin ecosystem
  • Premium assets need Pro
  • Less control than professional tools
Visit AffinityVisit Canva

Which should you choose?

Affinity: Professional design, photo and layout software from Serif, now part of Canva.

Canva: Online design platform with templates and AI features such as Magic Studio.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all graphic design software compared.