If you’re looking for a fast, professional, and affordable alternative to tools like Logo Poney, Affinity Designer might be your new best friend. Developed by Serif, this sleek vector graphic design tool has quickly become a go-to for designers, illustrators, and creatives around the world. Whether you’re working on branding, web graphics, UI/UX, or digital illustration, Affinity Designer gives you the tools you need-without a monthly subscription.
What is Affinity Designer?
Affinity Designer is a vector graphic design software that allows users to create detailed artwork, illustrations, UI mockups, logos, and more. First released in 2014, the software is available for macOS, Windows, and iPad, and is praised for its speed, precision, and affordability.
Unlike tools like Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer uses a one-time purchase model. That means you buy it once and own it forever—no monthly payments or hidden fees.
Key features
1. Vector and Raster tools in one
Affinity Designer lets you work in both vector and raster modes. This is possible thanks to its unique Personas system:
- Designer Persona: Traditional vector tools like pen, shape, and curve.
- Pixel Persona: Add textures and paint with raster brushes.
- Export Persona: Slices and exports your design assets in just a few clicks.
This seamless switch between modes makes it perfect for hybrid design workflows—think hand-drawn textures with crisp vector lines.
2. Non-Destructive Editing
One of Affinity Designer’s best strengths is non-destructive workflows. You can apply live effects, layer adjustments, and clipping masks—all without permanently changing your original design. This gives you creative freedom and flexibility during revisions.
3. Advanced Grid and Snapping Tools
Creating detailed layouts is easy with isometric grids, guides, snapping, and alignment tools. Whether you’re designing icons or infographics, you can keep everything perfectly aligned.
4. Artboards and symbols
Designers working on complex projects will love the multiple artboard support and symbol system. Symbols allow you to create reusable elements-like buttons or logos-that update everywhere with just one edit.
Getting Started: A Quick How-To
Using Affinity Designer is beginner-friendly, but powerful enough for pros. Here’s how to get started:
- Download & Install from the Affinity website.
- Launch the app and click File > New to create a document.
- Choose your canvas size and DPI (use 300 DPI for print, 72 DPI for digital).
- Use the Toolbar on the left to select tools like Pen, Move, or Shape.
- Use the Studio Panels on the right for Layers, Color, Brushes, and more.
Want to follow along visually? Watch this 13-minute beginner tutorial on YouTube.
What can you create?
Affinity Designer is extremely versatile. You can create:
- Logos and Branding
- Marketing Materials like posters, flyers, and social media posts
- UI/UX Interfaces
- Illustrations and Digital Art
- Infographics and Diagrams
You can even design print-ready assets using CMYK color profiles and professional output settings.
System requirements
Affinity Designer is optimized for performance and doesn’t need a supercomputer to run. Basic requirements include:
- Windows: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), 8GB RAM recommended.
- macOS: macOS 10.15 Catalina or later.
- iPad: iPadOS 15 or later; works great with Apple Pencil.
The software is incredibly smooth, with 60fps pan and zoom, even on large files.
Pricing
One of the biggest advantages of Affinity Designer is its pricing:
- Desktop version (Windows/macOS): $69.99
- iPad version: $18.49
- Affinity V2 Universal License (Designer, Photo & Publisher): $164.99
That’s a one-time payment—no subscriptions, ever.
👉 Buy Affinity Designer here
Learning Resources
New to design or switching from another tool? No problem. Check out these resources:
- Official Affinity Designer Workbook
- Affinity Revolution YouTube Channel
- Affinity Designer User Guide
The Affinity community is also active on forums, Reddit, and Discord channels.
Canva acquisition: What you should know
In 2024, Serif was acquired by Canva. Many users feared the end of the one-time pricing model. However, Serif confirmed that existing licenses are still valid and that the tools will remain
Affinity Designer is a powerful, flexible, and budget-friendly tool that’s perfect for designers of all levels. Whether you’re an illustrator, UI/UX designer, or content creator, this software gives you everything you need—without locking you into a costly subscription.
So if you’re tired of monthly fees and want professional-grade design tools that respect your wallet, Affinity Designer is definitely worth a try.