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Affinity alternatives

Top Graphic Design like Affinity

The most popular alternative to Affinity is Adobe Illustrator. Other great alternatives to Affinity are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Inkscape, and Pixelmator Pro.

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

Affinity alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
12 apps

All Affinity alternatives

  1. Adobe Illustrator

    Adobe Illustrator is a desktop vector editor used by designers to create logos, icons, typography, illustrations and print artwork that scale to any size. It offers precise pen and shape tools, multiple artboards, many plugins and tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and other Creative Cloud apps, plus Firefly features such as text-to-vector generation. An iPad version is also available.

    11 Adobe Illustrator alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry-standard vector tools for logos, icons and print artwork
    • Tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and Creative Cloud
    • Large plugin ecosystem and Firefly text-to-vector generation

    Cons

    • Subscription-only, with no perpetual license
    • Steep learning curve, especially the pen tool
    • Can be resource-heavy on large, complex files
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Image generationLayersPlugins & extensionsVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Illustrator

  2. Adobe Photoshop

    4.5(94.4K) · App Store

    Adobe Photoshop is a professional image editor used for retouching, compositing, graphic design and digital painting. It combines layers, masks, adjustment layers, Camera Raw processing and a large plugin ecosystem with Firefly-powered tools such as Generative Fill and object removal. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iPad and iPhone versions that sync through Creative Cloud.

    12 Adobe Photoshop alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry standard for retouching and compositing
    • Generative Fill and object removal powered by Firefly
    • Vast ecosystem of plugins and tutorials

    Cons

    • Subscription only, which adds up over time
    • Steep learning curve for beginners
    • Demanding on hardware with large files
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Background removalDigital paintingImage generationLayersPlugins & extensionsRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Photoshop

  3. Adobe InDesign

    Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing application for laying out magazines, books, brochures, reports, interactive PDFs and ebooks. It handles parent pages, multi-column text threading, advanced typography, styles and print preflight, and integrates with Illustrator, Photoshop and Adobe Fonts. Publishers, agencies and in-house design teams use it for long or complex multi-page documents.

    6 Adobe InDesign alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry standard for magazines, books and long documents
    • Advanced typography, styles and multi-column text threading
    • Print preflight and smooth handoff with Illustrator and Photoshop

    Cons

    • Subscription-only, which is costly for occasional use
    • Steep learning curve for newcomers to page layout
    • Overkill for simple flyers or one-page designs
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    LayersPlugins & extensionsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe InDesign

  4. Inkscape

    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
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    LayersOffline modePlugins & extensionsVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Inkscape

  5. Pixelmator Pro

    4.4(561) · Mac App Store

    Pixelmator Pro is an image editor designed for macOS that brings photo editing, retouching, illustration and graphic design into one app. It offers non-destructive layer-based editing, RAW processing and machine learning tools for upscaling, denoising, background removal and automatic enhancement. Pixelmator was acquired by Apple in 2024, and the app is sold on the Mac App Store.

    9 Pixelmator Pro alternatives

    Pros

    • Native Mac design with a clean interface
    • Machine learning tools for upscaling, denoising and background removal
    • Combines photo editing, painting and vector design

    Cons

    • No version for Windows or Linux
    • Fewer plugins and pro integrations than Photoshop
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Mac
    Features
    Background removalLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingUpscalingVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Pixelmator Pro

  6. CorelDRAW

    CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a long-running vector design package for Windows and macOS, common in sign making, apparel printing, engraving and print shops. Alongside the CorelDRAW drawing and layout app, it bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing and a browser-based companion app. It is offered as a subscription or a one-time license, and a free trial is available.

    7 CorelDRAW alternatives

    Pros

    • Long-standing favorite in sign making, apparel printing and engraving
    • Bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing
    • Choice between a subscription and a one-time license

    Cons

    • Less common in agencies, which can complicate file exchange with Adobe users
    • Expensive for hobbyists and occasional users
    • Dense interface with a learning curve for newcomers
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMac
    Features
    AI image editingLayersTemplatesVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about CorelDRAW

  7. Scribus

    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
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    LayersPlugins & extensionsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Scribus

  8. 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
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about GIMP

  9. Procreate

    3.8(12.7K) · App Store

    Procreate is a raster painting app built for iPad and Apple Pencil, used by illustrators, comic artists, letterers and hobbyists. It offers many customizable brushes, layers and blend modes, time-lapse recording of each artwork and Animation Assist for simple frame-by-frame animation. It is sold as a one-time purchase, and its developer has committed to keeping generative AI out of the app.

    6 Procreate alternatives

    Pros

    • Responsive brush engine built for Apple Pencil
    • One-time purchase with no subscription
    • Time-lapse recording and Animation Assist built in

    Cons

    • Limited to iPad and iPhone, with no desktop version
    • No vector tools for scalable artwork
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    iPhone
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersOffline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Procreate

  10. Photopea

    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
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Web
    Features
    AI image editingBackground removalLayersVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Photopea

  11. 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
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxAndroid
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Krita

  12. 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
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    Web
    Features
    Background removalImage generationTemplatesVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Kittl

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
Adobe IllustratorFree trialWindows, Mac, iPhone
Adobe PhotoshopFree trialWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone
Adobe InDesignFree trialWindows, Mac
InkscapeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
Pixelmator ProPaidMac

Affinity alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Affinity?

The most popular alternative to Affinity is Adobe Illustrator: Professional vector graphics editor for logos, icons and illustrations. Other great alternatives are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Inkscape, and Pixelmator Pro.

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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