Technology1 min read

Affinity’s creative studio is now available on iPad for free

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The new application combines desktop-grade vector graphics, illustration, page layout, and photo editing into an interface optimized for touch displays. It introduces a dedicated Sketch Studio alongside comprehensive support for Apple Pencil Pro hardware inputs such as barrel roll and squeeze. While the core creative toolkit is unlocked with a standard account, Canva has cordoned off its AI Studio features behind an $18 monthly subscription. All multi-disciplinary work can be managed inside a single proprietary file format that retains compatibility with standard industry file types.

Key points

  • The software launch honors Canva's post-acquisition pledge to provide core Affinity softw…: The software launch honors Canva's post-acquisition pledge to provide core Affinity software without forcing users into subscriptions.
  • Advanced generative AI tools including Generative Expand and image upscaling remain restr…: Advanced generative AI tools including Generative Expand and image upscaling remain restricted to paid plans starting at $18 monthly.
  • Designers can manage cross-discipline projects within a unified file format that supports…: Designers can manage cross-discipline projects within a unified file format that supports standard industry design file types.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Canva is giving digital creatives a new way to design, illustrate, and edit photos on their iPads, and it doesn’t have to cost them a thing. After relaunching the Affinity creative suite as an all-in-one desktop app last year, Canva has now introduced Affinity for iPad, which provides the same pro-grade tools for vector graphics, photo editing, illustration, and page layouts in a format optimized for Apple Pencil and touch screens.

Affinity’s creative studio is now available on iPad for free

The core art and photo editing tools are free for individuals, but AI features require a Canva subscription.

The core art and photo editing tools are free for individuals, but AI features require a Canva subscription.

Affinity for iPad has a new Sketch Studio that’s designed for freehand drawing and simplifying sketch-to-vector workflows, including optimized tools for masking and automatically converting rough sketches into cleaner geometric shapes. The app also supports Apple Pencil Pro capabilities like natural gestures, pressure sensitivity, tilt, barrel roll, squeeze, and hover, allowing creatives more control over tools and shortcuts.

“Affinity for iPad delivers the…

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