Canva has been on a relentless mission to democratize design since its launch in 2013. With over 175 million users globally, Canva has significantly reshaped how individuals and teams approach visual communication. However, the company acknowledges that its journey is just beginning, recognizing that there’s still much ground to cover in achieving its ambitious goal.
In a move that underlines its commitment to empowering designers of all kinds, Canva has made a significant stride by acquiring Affinity, a renowned design software trusted by over three million creative professionals worldwide. Affinity has carved a niche for itself with its suite of professional design software, catering to various needs ranging from photo editing to intricate graphic and vector design.
The amalgamation of Canva and Affinity brings forth a formidable force in the design realm, poised to cater to the diverse spectrum of designers across different skill levels and industries. While Canva has predominantly targeted individuals without formal design training, the inclusion of Affinity in its arsenal also signals a broader vision encompassing professional designers.
Both Canva and Affinity share a common belief that design software should be intuitive, affordable, and efficient. Affinity’s suite of tools is acclaimed for its simplicity and accessibility, offering a seamless experience without the complexities often associated with traditional design software. By joining forces, Canva and Affinity aim to catalyze a revolution in the design landscape, making sophisticated design tools accessible to all.
Affinity’s creative suite, available across multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, and iPad, comprises Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher. These tools cater to a wide array of design needs, ranging from vector-based graphics to advanced photo editing and professional page layout.
The acquisition of Affinity marks another milestone for Canva, expanding its European footprint with the addition of a 90-person strong team based in the United Kingdom. This move further solidifies Canva’s position as a global leader in the design space, complementing its existing portfolio of European acquisitions, including Flourish, Kaleido, SmartMockups, Pexels, Pixabay, and SlidesCarnival.
As Canva integrates Affinity’s technology into its platform, users can anticipate a slew of new features and enhancements to enhance their design experience. The synergies between Canva and Affinity promise to unlock unprecedented possibilities, empowering designers worldwide to unleash their creativity without constraints.
Are we finally having an offline version of Canva soon?
In my humble opinion: very much possible. Though there hasn’t been any official announcement regarding the development of an offline version of Canva, the design company might have considered or even begun developing an offline version to cater to users who prefer or require offline functionality — like in areas within the Philippines where Internet connection is still a dream of teachers and students.
Given Canva’s commitment to accessibility and usability, an offline version could potentially expand its user base and provide greater flexibility for individuals who do not have the luxury of being connected online. I can only assume that with Canva’s acquisition of Affinity, the day of us seeing an offline version of their design app is forthcoming.