Should you use Affinity Designer in 2025?

I have been working with Affinity Designer on a daily basis at Easy Web for several years now. What I have always particularly appreciated is its subscription-free business model, coupled with exceptional performance.

This tool is a real winner for designers who want a robust, fast solution without the constraints of recurring licenses. It excels at creating visual identities, designing user interfaces, and designing web resources, thanks to its ability to handle vector and raster graphics seamlessly.

However, it is important to note that if your pipeline relies heavily on collaboration with partners exclusively on Adobe, or on the use of very specific plugins, compatibility challenges may arise. Real-time collaboration is also less mature.

Honestly, if you're new to graphic design or if your agency is bringing in new people, Affinity Designer is a smart choice. Its interface is super intuitive, unlike some of the more complicated software out there. Think about it: the layers panel is clear, the shape tools are easy to use, and even the famous Pen tool (for vectors) is much more accessible. We've used it a lot at Easy Web to train our junior staff on tasks such as creating basic logos or visuals for social media.

The advantage for beginners doesn't stop there. The one-time purchase model, with no subscription, removes a huge psychological and financial barrier. This allows you to learn and experiment without the pressure of recurring costs. What's more, its non-destructive design philosophy is a real plus: you can modify your shapes or effects endlessly without ever "breaking" your work, which is ideal for learning and creative exploration. An undeniable asset for progressing with peace of mind.

You know, one of the things I've always liked about Affinity Designer, especially as the founder of Easy Web, which has seen so many business models come and go, is their ultra-simple approach to cost. No monthly or annual subscription fees that weigh on your cash flow! No, here we're talking about a perpetual license. You buy the software once, and it's yours forever.

For around €75 per platform (Mac, Windows, or iPad), you unlock a full suite of features for vector illustration, graphic design, and even image editing. It's perfect for freelance designers, small agencies, or even students who want a powerful tool without breaking the bank. It's a minimal initial investment for a long-term return that subscription models can't offer. It's a game changer, isn't it?

What really won me over with Affinity Designer from the very first time I used it was its ability to seamlessly blend vector design and raster editing. It's not just a simple overlay; it's deep integration. In practical terms, you can create ultra-precise vector illustrations and apply raster effects, retouch photos, or add bitmap textures directly in the same document, without any transition. This radically simplifies workflows and saves us from tedious exports/imports.

And let's talk about performance. The tool is blazing fast, even on complex compositions with dozens of layers. It runs smoothly, and for a professional, this responsiveness is a major asset in maintaining the creative flow. The interface is clean and surprisingly intuitive; it's easy to learn, even for those coming from more established environments. It's a real breath of fresh air for productivity.

When I first got my hands on Affinity Designer, one of the first strengths I exploited was its unique handling of vectors and rasters. Pixel Persona isn't just a mode, it's a direct gateway. You can apply precise bitmap brush effects, textures, or pixel masks directly to your vector shapes. No more juggling between software programs. For agencies like ours, this fluidity saves a tremendous amount of time and provides a level of flexibility that few tools offer natively.

And let's talk about non-destructive editing—it's the kind of detail that makes all the difference. You'll never again have to worry about ruining a design with an irreversible change. Whether it's adjustment layers, filters, or effects, everything is applied non-permanently. You can go back, modify, or even delete anything at any time without affecting the original. This flexibility is crucial for rapid iteration and for reassuring demanding clients. For teams, it's an invaluable safety net.