Affinity has paused sales of its software, preparing for what it calls “big changes” set to arrive on October 30. The company reassured existing users that they will retain full access to their current apps, but no new purchases or trials are available.
On social media, Affinity told users: “We’re making space for what’s next. This short pause lets us transition cleanly without confusion between versions. Existing customers keep full access to their apps. This only affects new purchases and trials.”
True creative freedom is just around the corner.
— Affinity (@Affinity) October 1, 2025
Be there when it happens: https://t.co/LYvbNzO2yw pic.twitter.com/NevIXd96a7
A dedicated signup link invites users to be among the first to learn about the next phase. The message promises a new definition of Affinity Creative Freedom, positioning the update not as another routine software release but as a “shift in how creative freedom is defined.”
Affinity’s decision is unusual, as most software companies continue sales even during major transitions. However, since Canva purchased Affinity, speculation has grown about a pivot toward a model resembling Canva’s online-first, subscription-driven ecosystem. Affinity has long stood apart from Adobe and Canva by offering professional-grade tools without requiring ongoing subscriptions, a feature beloved by its loyal community.
Ashley Hewson, CEO of Affinity, explained: “Since the inception of Affinity, our mission has been to empower creatives with tools that unleash their full potential. Canva’s commitment to empowering everyone to create aligns perfectly with those values. We couldn’t be more excited about becoming part of the Canva family and can’t wait to see what we will achieve together.”
When Canva acquired Affinity, the company emphasized its vision to serve designers at every stage of their creative journey. While Canva already caters to beginners and mid-level users, Affinity has filled the gap for professionals. How this role evolves under the banner of Affinity Creative Freedom remains to be seen.
For now, the creative community is watching closely, with many expressing hope that Affinity won’t abandon its perpetual license model. The next announcement on October 30 may reveal whether Affinity continues to stand as the non-subscription alternative to Adobe or shifts toward a hybrid future with Canva.
