Canva's Acquisition of Affinity Sparks Changes to Image Editing App's Licensing Model and Features.
In a significant shift, Canva has updated its image editing app, previously known as Affinity, and introduced a new licensing model that changes the way users access some of its features. The new app, dubbed "Affinity by Canva," offers a unified interface for photo editing, designer tools, and publishing capabilities, all accessible for free to users with a Canva account.
The update may seem like good news for existing Affinity app users who appreciated its stance against generative AI, as core features remain free. However, some users might find it concerning that only access to certain AI-powered features is tied to a paid subscription ($120 per year). Furthermore, the new application can't save in older file formats compatible with previous versions of the software.
Canva CEO Ash Hewson stated that the updated app was built in collaboration with its community and reflects what professionals told them mattered most: performance, reliability, and creative freedom. Affinity's legacy now enters a new chapter, reflecting Canva's efforts to serve professional designers who value these aspects.
The decision comes as Adobe Photoshop variants offer some free-to-use versions, but they differ significantly from the paid version, unlike Canva did not want with its updated app. The update reflects Canva's stance on generative AI and user privacy while integrating features into a single application.
Existing Affinity apps are still available for users who prefer to stick with older software. However, those apps won't receive future updates and will no longer be able to open files created in the new "Affinity by Canva" app. This transition allows users to keep using familiar versions while giving way to more modern features.
The decision might have implications for users of older Adobe Photoshop CS6 variants who relied on perpetual licensing models. Similarly, Affinity v2 users will face similar challenges as they upgrade to newer software without ongoing updates or support.
Overall, the changes in Canva's image editing app demonstrate its efforts to adapt and innovate while catering to professional designers' needs.
In a significant shift, Canva has updated its image editing app, previously known as Affinity, and introduced a new licensing model that changes the way users access some of its features. The new app, dubbed "Affinity by Canva," offers a unified interface for photo editing, designer tools, and publishing capabilities, all accessible for free to users with a Canva account.
The update may seem like good news for existing Affinity app users who appreciated its stance against generative AI, as core features remain free. However, some users might find it concerning that only access to certain AI-powered features is tied to a paid subscription ($120 per year). Furthermore, the new application can't save in older file formats compatible with previous versions of the software.
Canva CEO Ash Hewson stated that the updated app was built in collaboration with its community and reflects what professionals told them mattered most: performance, reliability, and creative freedom. Affinity's legacy now enters a new chapter, reflecting Canva's efforts to serve professional designers who value these aspects.
The decision comes as Adobe Photoshop variants offer some free-to-use versions, but they differ significantly from the paid version, unlike Canva did not want with its updated app. The update reflects Canva's stance on generative AI and user privacy while integrating features into a single application.
Existing Affinity apps are still available for users who prefer to stick with older software. However, those apps won't receive future updates and will no longer be able to open files created in the new "Affinity by Canva" app. This transition allows users to keep using familiar versions while giving way to more modern features.
The decision might have implications for users of older Adobe Photoshop CS6 variants who relied on perpetual licensing models. Similarly, Affinity v2 users will face similar challenges as they upgrade to newer software without ongoing updates or support.
Overall, the changes in Canva's image editing app demonstrate its efforts to adapt and innovate while catering to professional designers' needs.
. canva's trying to offer more value with one app that has all the features, but the paid sub might be a bit steep for some users 
. still, it's good to see them listening to their community and making changes based on what matters most - performance, reliability, and creative freedom 
.
, but canva's approach is different from before. like, how will users with older file formats even be able to open those files in the new app? 
that's a big concern for some designers.
, but at the same time, some of those AI-powered features are only accessible with a paid subscription 
.
. I mean, Adobe Photoshop has those free-to-use versions, so why can't Canva do the same? 
. At least some people can keep using what they know and love without having to switch to something new 
. But yeah, it's all about finding that balance between innovation and user convenience 
. Like, can we humans learn from that? We always seem to be so stressed out and busy, trying to keep up with the latest and greatest tech updates. I mean, what's wrong with just chillin' like a cat? 
And speaking of which, have you tried that new coffee shop downtown? The matcha lattes are insane! 
. I get what Canva is trying to do - serve professional designers who value performance and creative freedom - but it feels like they're kinda sacrificing some of that flexibility for cash 
...
. But the fact that some AI-powered features are only available to paid subscribers feels a bit sketchy 
.
. They seem to be listening to their feedback and trying to make the app more reliable and performant 
.
.
i love that core features are still free tho 