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Free Affinity alternatives

Top Graphic Design like Affinity

The most popular alternative to Affinity is Inkscape, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Affinity are Scribus, GIMP, Photopea, and Krita.

Most alternatives to Affinity are in the Graphic Design category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Affinity alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
6 apps

All Affinity alternatives

  1. Inkscape is a free, open source vector drawing program for Windows, macOS and Linux that uses SVG as its native format. Illustrators, hobbyists and web designers use it for logos, diagrams, icons, cutting-machine files and print layouts. It provides Bezier and calligraphy tools, path operations, text on path, many extensions and import/export for PDF, EPS and AI files.

    10 Inkscape alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Native SVG format, ideal for web graphics and cutting machines
    • Powerful path operations and a large set of extensions

    Cons

    • Can feel slow with large or complex documents
    • Interface is less polished than commercial vector editors
    • Limited CMYK support for professional print workflows
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
  2. Scribus is a free, open source page layout program for Windows, macOS and Linux, used to design newsletters, brochures, posters, magazines and books. It supports CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, PDF/X export for professional printing and Python scripting. Nonprofits, schools and small publishers use it to produce print-ready files without paid software.

    6 Scribus alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source page layout for Windows, macOS and Linux
    • CMYK, spot colors and PDF/X export for professional printing
    • Python scripting to automate repetitive layout tasks

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated and less intuitive than InDesign
    • Fewer templates and tutorials than commercial layout software
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
  3. GIMP

    GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open source image editor used for photo retouching, image composition and digital artwork. It offers layers, masks, selection tools, a wide range of filters and scripts and plugins in Python or Script-Fu. GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters and a refreshed interface, and it is a common Photoshop alternative for people who want to avoid subscriptions.

    12 GIMP alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source and available on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Layers, masks, filters and scripting in Python or Script-Fu
    • Non-destructive filters since version 3.0

    Cons

    • Interface and workflows differ from Photoshop, which slows switchers
    • Fewer AI and generative tools than commercial editors
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
  4. Photopea is an image editor that runs entirely in the web browser and closely follows the Photoshop interface. It opens and saves PSD files, reads formats such as XCF, Sketch, XD, PDF and RAW, and supports layers, masks, adjustment layers, vector shapes and smart objects, with files processed locally. It is free to use with ads, and an optional Premium account removes ads and adds a few extras.

    8 Photopea alternatives

    Pros

    • Runs in the browser with no installation
    • Opens and saves PSD files, and reads XCF, Sketch and XD
    • Familiar interface that closely follows Photoshop

    Cons

    • The free version shows ads
    • Slower than desktop apps with large, complex files
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Platforms
  5. Krita

    Krita is a free, open source digital painting program developed by the KDE community for illustrators, comic artists, concept artists and texture painters. It offers customizable brush engines, a brush stabilizer, layers and masks, a wrap-around mode for seamless textures and frame-by-frame 2D animation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a version for Android tablets and Chromebooks.

    8 Krita alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source painting app with powerful brush engines
    • Brush stabilizer and wrap-around mode for seamless textures
    • Frame-by-frame 2D animation built in

    Cons

    • Not designed for photo editing
    • Can be demanding on hardware with large canvases
    • No version available for iPad
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
  6. Kittl

    Kittl is a browser-based design tool focused on typography-heavy graphics such as logos, t-shirt prints, labels, posters and social posts. It combines a template library, text effects, vector editing and AI image generation in one editor, and is aimed at print-on-demand sellers and small brands that want polished results without installing desktop software.

    10 Kittl alternatives

    Pros

    • Strong typography effects for logos, merch and labels
    • Templates designed with print-on-demand sellers in mind
    • Browser-based, combining vector editing and AI image generation

    Cons

    • Premium templates and larger AI allowances require a paid plan
    • Web-only, so it needs a steady internet connection
    • Less suited to multi-page documents or presentations
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Platforms

Affinity vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Affinity, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Affinity vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing
AffinityFreemiumWindows, Mac
InkscapeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
ScribusFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
PhotopeaFreemiumWeb
KritaFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Android

Affinity alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Affinity?

The most popular alternative to Affinity is Inkscape: Free and open source vector graphics editor built around SVG. Other great alternatives are Scribus, GIMP, Photopea, and Krita.

Is there a free alternative to Affinity?

Yes, 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Inkscape, Scribus, GIMP, and Photopea.

Is there an open source alternative to Affinity?

Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including Inkscape, Scribus, GIMP, and Krita.

Is Affinity free?

Affinity has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Affinity with its alternatives

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