Affinity Designer is a high-performance vector graphic design software built for precision, speed, and professional-grade creativity. Ideal for branding, UI/UX design, concept art, illustration, and print projects, it offers a seamless workflow for both macOS and Windows users.
Unlike subscription-based design tools, Affinity Designer 2 provides a one-time purchase model, making it a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Illustrator. The software introduces three Personas that enhance its versatility:
- Draw Persona – Vector design tools for creating clean, scalable graphics.
- Pixel Persona – Raster-based editing with brush tools for texture and depth.
- Export Persona – Customizable export settings for optimized file output.
Affinity Designer System Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) or later |
| CPU | Intel Core i3 or equivalent |
| GPU | DirectX 10-compatible graphics card |
| RAM | 2GB (4GB or more recommended) |
| Storage | 934MB free space (more for installation) |
| Display Resolution | Minimum 1280 x 768 |
Key Features of Affinity Designer
1. Precision Vector Design
- Pen, shape, and curve tools for detailed vector editing.
- Non-destructive Boolean operations for flexible design.
- Advanced snapping options and guides for pixel-perfect alignment.
2. Ultra-Smooth Performance
- 60fps rendering with real-time preview.
- Optimized for multi-core processors and GPU acceleration.
- Responsive and lag-free editing, even with complex projects.
3. Pixel Persona – Seamless Raster Editing
- Built-in pixel-based tools for texturing and shading.
- Dynamic brush control with custom brush import.
- Real-time pixel preview for sharp results.
4. Non-Destructive Editing and Layers
- Fully customizable layer styles and effects.
- Unlimited undo history with saveable states.
- Advanced adjustment layers and blend modes.
5. Typography and Text Styling
- Artistic and frame text tools for creative layouts.
- Full support for OpenType features and glyphs.
- Adjustable kerning, tracking, and leading controls.
6. Professional Export Options
- Support for SVG, EPS, PDF/X, PSD, PNG, JPG, TIFF, and more.
- Multi-resolution and multi-format export for web and print.
- Export slices for UI/UX workflows.
7. Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Native support for Affinity Photo and Affinity Publisher.
- Smooth transition between Affinity apps with shared file format.
- Fully functional Affinity Designer iPad version for mobile designing.
Affinity Designer vs. Adobe Illustrator
| Feature | Affinity Designer | Adobe Illustrator |
| Pricing | One-time purchase | Subscription-based (monthly fee) |
| Vector Editing | Advanced | Industry standard |
| Raster Support | Built-in Pixel Persona | Requires Photoshop |
| Performance | Faster & lighter | Can be slow on older hardware |
| Plugins | No third-party plugins | Extensive plugin support |
Affinity Designer Pricing
One of the biggest advantages of Affinity Designer is its affordable one-time payment model, which eliminates the need for ongoing subscriptions.
| Version | Price |
| Affinity Designer 2 (Windows/Mac) | $69.99 (one-time) |
| Affinity Designer iPad | $19.99 (one-time) |
Alternatives to Affinity Designer
If you’re exploring options beyond Affinity Designer, consider these:
- Inkscape – Free and open-source alternative.
- Gravit Designer – Web-based vector tool.
- Adobe Illustrator – Industry-leading software.
- Sketch – Mac-exclusive UI/UX design tool.
- CorelDRAW – Advanced vector illustration program.
Technical Specifacation
| License | Free Trial |
| Version | 1.9.2.1035 |
| File Size | 509 MB |
| Latest update | March, 30th 2021 |
| Developer | Serif |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Affinity Designer free?
No, Affinity Designer is a one-time purchase software. It offers a free trial, but there’s no free version.
2. Can I use Affinity Designer on Android?
Currently, there is no Affinity Designer Android version. However, an iPad version is available.
3. Does Affinity Designer support PSD files?
Yes, you can import and export PSD files with full layer support.
4. How does Affinity Designer compare to Adobe Illustrator?
Affinity Designer offers vector and raster editing in one app with a one-time payment model, whereas Adobe Illustrator requires a subscription and lacks built-in raster tools.
5. Where can I download Affinity Designer 2?
You can download Affinity Designer 2 from the official Serif website.
Conclusion
Affinity Designer for PC is a powerful yet cost-effective alternative to Adobe Illustrator. With advanced vector tools, raster editing, and professional export options, it caters to both beginner and expert designers.
Whether you need a tool for logo design, UI/UX prototyping, digital illustration, or print media, Affinity Designer 2 delivers high performance with a one-time payment model, making it a top choice for graphic designers worldwide.