Rising Design Software Affinity Challenges Adobe Photoshop’s Dominance
Jakarta, Indonesia – A new design application, Affinity, is gaining traction as a compelling alternative to industry standard Adobe Photoshop, notably among students, freelancers, and small businesses. Affinity distinguishes itself with a flexible pricing model - offering a free version with core features and a premium version available via a one-time purchase - a stark contrast to Photoshop’s subscription-based system which users report feeling “bound by,” even with infrequent use.
Photoshop plans currently start at approximately USD 20 per month with an annual commitment, or USD 30 for a monthly plan, with potential cancellation fees reaching USD 120.This cost has driven many to explore more affordable options like Affinity.
Affinity boasts an intuitive interface with dedicated “Vector“ and “Pixel” tabs catering to illustration and photo editing needs respectively. Features like a drawing stabilizer and automatic error prevention tools aim to reduce the learning curve for new users, while maintaining a workflow familiar to those migrating from Photoshop or GIMP.
The software supports professional-grade features including RAW photo editing, a complete layer system, professional color management (CMYK & LAB), and compatibility with PSD files. Notably, Affinity is reported to run more responsively than Photoshop, especially on less powerful laptops – a meaningful advantage in Indonesia where creators may not always have access to high-end hardware.
Despite its advantages, Affinity faces challenges. Its plugin ecosystem is currently smaller than Photoshop’s, and adapting to a new software requires time, particularly for designers accustomed to Photoshop’s extensive hotkeys. While a basic version is free, advanced features, including AI-powered tools like automatic background removal and generative fill, may require a paid upgrade or integration with Canva Premium. consequently, Photoshop remains a strong choice for large studios and collaborative workflows.
