Affinity Photo no longer downloadable

[CAcreeks]

Also Designer and Publisher.

Ten days ago (based on a Reddit post) Canva (or somebody) removed the download options from affinity.serif.com, substituting "Creative Freedom Is Coming" notice.

Documentation remains available.

 

[NAwlins Contrarian]

Affinity Photo no longer downloadable

Ten days ago (based on a Reddit post) Canva (or somebody) removed the download options from affinity.serif.com, substituting "Creative Freedom Is Coming" notice.

That's not my experience. Just now I went to the download page

https://store.serif.com/en-us/update/windows/photo/2/

and downloaded affinity-photo-2.6.4.msix, a 752 MB installer file.

If you mean it's not purchasable any more, that might well be true, and would make sense.

 

[Digital Nigel]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

 

[CAcreeks]

N.O.Contrarian, thanks for the link to Windows update page. I can't locate the MacOS page.
[Added: just substitute "macos" for windows.]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

Glad I still use GIMP mostly, because it seems Affinity is dead or dying.

I have a license for OmniGraffle, a drawing program like Affinity Designer. I considered buying the entire Serif suite but OmniGraffle was fine. Now that PowerPoint can export SVG diagrams, I have no need for OmniGraffle, which is harder to use.

 

[Digital Nigel]

N.O.Contrarian, thanks for the link to Windows update page. I can't locate the MacOS page.
[Added: just substitute "macos" for windows.]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

Glad I still use GIMP mostly, because it seems Affinity is dead or dying.

While none of us knows, I suspect that Affinity has a bright future. Canva didn’t buy it to kill it, and all the Serif team are still in place. At the very least, Affinity 3 might be imminent, but I’m expecting something bigger than that.

 

[Toermalijn]

N.O.Contrarian, thanks for the link to Windows update page. I can't locate the MacOS page.
[Added: just substitute "macos" for windows.]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

Glad I still use GIMP mostly, because it seems Affinity is dead or dying.

While none of us knows, I suspect that Affinity has a bright future. Canva didn’t buy it to kill it, and all the Serif team are still in place. At the very least, Affinity 3 might be imminent, but I’m expecting something bigger than that.

Bigger then Affinity suite 3?

Just a few weeks away, then we'll know.

 

[Digital Nigel]

N.O.Contrarian, thanks for the link to Windows update page. I can't locate the MacOS page.
[Added: just substitute "macos" for windows.]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

Glad I still use GIMP mostly, because it seems Affinity is dead or dying.

While none of us knows, I suspect that Affinity has a bright future. Canva didn’t buy it to kill it, and all the Serif team are still in place. At the very least, Affinity 3 might be imminent, but I’m expecting something bigger than that.

Bigger then Affinity suite 3?

Just a few weeks away, then we'll know.

Yes.

One speculation is that there will be a new, free, simplified version, with limited functionality (and an easy upgrade route to a fully compatible, paid version). That’s why they stopped selling v2. That would probably kill new Luminar Neo sales.

It’s very likely that there will be Canva technology added to the Affinity suite, perhaps adding more AI capabilities. I think it’s also quite likely that there will be more templates, wizards and AI assistants, to make the Affinity products easier to use, without losing any capabilities. That would address the market that Luminar Neo serves. I wonder if there might also be Topaz-like AI tools for sharpening, NR and upsizing? Topaz has left an open goal for a smart competitor.

I wonder if there might also be migration tools to help PSE users to switch to Affinity? Many otherwise content PSE users don’t want to switch to a rental model.

Finally, I think it’s more than likely there will be a subscription option, while still retaining the perpetual licence. The subscription option might be priced to be more attractive for new customers, while existing customers will be able to upgrade their perpetual licences.

Perhaps I’m being too optimistic, but I do think there are many ways that Canva can strengthen the Affinity suite without annoying existing customers.

 

[Toermalijn]

N.O.Contrarian, thanks for the link to Windows update page. I can't locate the MacOS page.
[Added: just substitute "macos" for windows.]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

Glad I still use GIMP mostly, because it seems Affinity is dead or dying.

While none of us knows, I suspect that Affinity has a bright future. Canva didn’t buy it to kill it, and all the Serif team are still in place. At the very least, Affinity 3 might be imminent, but I’m expecting something bigger than that.

Bigger then Affinity suite 3?

Just a few weeks away, then we'll know.

Yes.

One speculation is that there will be a new, free, simplified version, with limited functionality (and an easy upgrade route to a fully compatible, paid version). That’s why they stopped selling v2. That would probably kill new Luminar Neo sales.

It’s very likely that there will be Canva technology added to the Affinity suite, perhaps adding more AI capabilities. I think it’s also quite likely that there will be more templates, wizards and AI assistants, to make the Affinity products easier to use, without losing any capabilities. That would address the market that Luminar Neo serves. I wonder if there might also be Topaz-like AI tools for sharpening, NR and upsizing? Topaz has left an open goal for a smart competitor.

I wonder if there might also be migration tools to help PSE users to switch to Affinity? Many otherwise content PSE users don’t want to switch to a rental model.

Finally, I think it’s more than likely there will be a subscription option, while still retaining the perpetual licence. The subscription option might be priced to be more attractive for new customers, while existing customers will be able to upgrade their perpetual licences.

Perhaps I’m being too optimistic, but I do think there are many ways that Canva can strengthen the Affinity suite without annoying existing customers.

We'll see in wich direction they will go...

 

[Pi lover]

N.O.Contrarian, thanks for the link to Windows update page. I can't locate the MacOS page.
[Added: just substitute "macos" for windows.]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

Glad I still use GIMP mostly, because it seems Affinity is dead or dying.

While none of us knows, I suspect that Affinity has a bright future. Canva didn’t buy it to kill it, and all the Serif team are still in place. At the very least, Affinity 3 might be imminent, but I’m expecting something bigger than that.

Bigger then Affinity suite 3?

Just a few weeks away, then we'll know.

Yes.

One speculation is that there will be a new, free, simplified version, with limited functionality (and an easy upgrade route to a fully compatible, paid version). That’s why they stopped selling v2. That would probably kill new Luminar Neo sales.

It’s very likely that there will be Canva technology added to the Affinity suite, perhaps adding more AI capabilities. I think it’s also quite likely that there will be more templates, wizards and AI assistants, to make the Affinity products easier to use, without losing any capabilities. That would address the market that Luminar Neo serves. I wonder if there might also be Topaz-like AI tools for sharpening, NR and upsizing? Topaz has left an open goal for a smart competitor.

I wonder if there might also be migration tools to help PSE users to switch to Affinity? Many otherwise content PSE users don’t want to switch to a rental model.

Finally, I think it’s more than likely there will be a subscription option, while still retaining the perpetual licence. The subscription option might be priced to be more attractive for new customers, while existing customers will be able to upgrade their perpetual licences.

Perhaps I’m being too optimistic, but I do think there are many ways that Canva can strengthen the Affinity suite without annoying existing customers.

We'll see in wich direction they will go...

The biggest customer attraction would be multiple user interface options for using the software. One option would be the current almost Corel like interface. An Adobe like interface option would add value to a lot of people.

My favorite for usability is ACDSee. I can do things on a single option that takes a couple on Affinity. Affinity has the options and more. They're just not what people are used to now.

Grant.

 

[graybalanced]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

The fact that the discussion forum was the title was what made it so significant and attention-worthy. Normally a company says "we have a new version coming" but everything else stays the same. When what happens is what Affinity did (pull current versions off all app stores, close forums, etc) then that is unusually radical and suggests a major transformation of some kind.

Which no one knows if it's going to mean a wonderful new "Photoshop killer", or the surprise death of Affinity Photo, or its conversion into some AI-based craziness that only works in the cloud and only if you have a subscription, or...?? They sure know how to stir up unbridled speculation.

 

[ishwanu]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

The fact that the discussion forum was the title was what made it so significant and attention-worthy. Normally a company says "we have a new version coming" but everything else stays the same. When what happens is what Affinity did (pull current versions off all app stores, close forums, etc) then that is unusually radical and suggests a major transformation of some kind.

Which no one knows if it's going to mean a wonderful new "Photoshop killer", or the surprise death of Affinity Photo, or its conversion into some AI-based craziness that only works in the cloud and only if you have a subscription, or...?? They sure know how to stir up unbridled speculation.

I see no point in speculation at all. There's nothing to be done in advance of THE BIG REVEAL, whatever it is. I've received two emails about it and simply deleted them.

 

[Major Jack]

Also Designer and Publisher.

Ten days ago (based on a Reddit post) Canva (or somebody) removed the download options from affinity.serif.com, substituting "Creative Freedom Is Coming" notice.

Documentation remains available.

I have signed up for the information with this link.

https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/

But, right now, the only thing being released via email notices, is the Date of Reveal, the 30th. I have no clue what their plan is, but I suspect Canva is indeed going to be adding their Ai model to Affinity. I have no clue whether it will be subscription pricing, or a one-time fee still. But, my suspicion is, it will offer BOTH pricing levels. I just do not think Affinity wanted to be in the Subscription pricing plans. But, I could be wrong.

We will see, October 30th.

 

[Digital Nigel]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

The fact that the discussion forum was the title was what made it so significant and attention-worthy. Normally a company says "we have a new version coming" but everything else stays the same. When what happens is what Affinity did (pull current versions off all app stores, close forums, etc) then that is unusually radical and suggests a major transformation of some kind.

Which no one knows if it's going to mean a wonderful new "Photoshop killer", or the surprise death of Affinity Photo, or its conversion into some AI-based craziness that only works in the cloud and only if you have a subscription, or...?? They sure know how to stir up unbridled speculation.

I see no point in speculation at all.

You may not, but plenty of other people enjoy speculation. Plenty of threads here speculate about future cameras, software version dates and content, BF discounts, events, etc. It’ll be fun to see if any of us got close to the truth.

There's nothing to be done in advance of THE BIG REVEAL, whatever it is.

The vast majority of discussions here don’t result in action items.

I've received two emails about it and simply deleted them.

 

[ishwanu]

This has been discussed at length in several threads, such as

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4817894

I didn't read that thread because it's long and seemed to be about the discussion forum, which I don't care about.

The fact that the discussion forum was the title was what made it so significant and attention-worthy. Normally a company says "we have a new version coming" but everything else stays the same. When what happens is what Affinity did (pull current versions off all app stores, close forums, etc) then that is unusually radical and suggests a major transformation of some kind.

Which no one knows if it's going to mean a wonderful new "Photoshop killer", or the surprise death of Affinity Photo, or its conversion into some AI-based craziness that only works in the cloud and only if you have a subscription, or...?? They sure know how to stir up unbridled speculation.

I see no point in speculation at all.

You may not, but plenty of other people enjoy speculation. Plenty of threads here speculate about future cameras, software version dates and content, BF discounts, events, etc. It’ll be fun to see if any of us got close to the truth.

All equally pointless until something is actually known - unless someone is looking for predictions as guidance about whether to buy or sell something before a change occurs.

There's nothing to be done in advance of THE BIG REVEAL, whatever it is.

The vast majority of discussions here don’t result in action items.

Speculative threads like this one without any kind of action to be taken or decision to be made in advance are pointless - except for a pat on the back in a couple of weeks for guessing right and/or a demerit for guessing wrong.

I've received two emails about it and simply deleted them.

 

[ishwanu]

Speculative threads like this one without any kind of action to be taken or decision to be made in advance are pointless - except for a pat on the back in a couple of weeks for guessing right and/or a demerit for guessing wrong.

Did anyone guess that the three Affinity apps would be combined into one free app?

I don't think so.

 

[CAcreeks]

Speculative threads like this one without any kind of action to be taken or decision to be made in advance are pointless - except for a pat on the back in a couple of weeks for guessing right and/or a demerit for guessing wrong.

Did anyone guess that the three Affinity apps would be combined into one free app?

I don't think so.

Nope.

The combined Designer, Photo, Publisher seems to be free for now. Canva sign-in required?

When I bought Affinity Photo V2, I was hoping for HEIC support, available in GIMP long ago. The Canva audience might demand it for with iPhones. It's surprising how profitable Canva is. Wikipedia says $1.5 billion revenue in 2023.

 

[Toermalijn]

Speculative threads like this one without any kind of action to be taken or decision to be made in advance are pointless - except for a pat on the back in a couple of weeks for guessing right and/or a demerit for guessing wrong.

Did anyone guess that the three Affinity apps would be combined into one free app?

I don't think so.

Nope.

The combined Designer, Photo, Publisher seems to be free for now. Canva sign-in required?

When I bought Affinity Photo V2, I was hoping for HEIC support, available in GIMP long ago. The Canva audience might demand it for with iPhones. It's surprising how profitable Canva is. Wikipedia says $1.5 billion revenue in 2023.

Yes, you need a Canvas account.

 

[Charles 1960]

Need to log in once with both the new and old version then they both run fine, even offline. Everything seems good so far, slightly different tool bar however the file menu seem unchanged.

 

[Digital Nigel]

Speculative threads like this one without any kind of action to be taken or decision to be made in advance are pointless - except for a pat on the back in a couple of weeks for guessing right and/or a demerit for guessing wrong.

Did anyone guess that the three Affinity apps would be combined into one free app?

I don't think so.

I speculated that the three apps would be merged, and that there would be a free, entry-level, limited function edition. But I don’t think anyone speculated that the full function, merged product would be free, permanently.