Canva releases free Affinity suite for iPad

Canva has launched a free version of the Affinity creative suite for iPad, bringing professional vector, photo, and layout tools to Apple tablets. The release marks a shift in how the software is accessed, moving from a desktop-only environment to a touch-optimized interface for iPad users.

The new application includes a Sketch Studio designed for freehand drawing. This feature aims to simplify the process of turning rough sketches into clean vector shapes. The tool includes specific functions for masking and automatic geometric conversion.

Neil Ladkin, head of product design for Affinity, stated that the development team created the app with iPad users in mind. "Every development decision was made by people who create on iPad themselves, from how the Apple Pencil responds to where the tools sit," Ladkin said. He noted that the team accounted for specific user habits, such as rotating the canvas multiple times to perfect a line.

The app supports Apple Pencil Pro features, including pressure sensitivity, tilt, barrel roll, and hover capabilities. These functions allow users to control tools and shortcuts with greater precision.

Projects saved in the app use a single .af file format for sketching, vector design, photo editing, and layouts. This structure reduces the need to export or convert files between different programs. The software remains compatible with major design file types.

Canva integrated its AI Studio into the new iPad application. This addition includes features such as Generative Expand for backgrounds, automatic motion blur, and noise reduction. Users can also scale image resolution through these AI tools.

The core tools for sketching, vector work, photo editing, and layout are free for individual users who sign up with a Canva account. Access to the optional AI tools requires a Canva Pro subscription, which starts at $18 per month. This pricing structure follows Canva's acquisition of Serif, the developer of Affinity, in 2024.