Affinity DesignervsFigma
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Affinity Designer
- No image trace / auto-trace feature(9/10)
- Steep learning curve for beginners(6/10)
- No plugin or extension support(6/10)
- Vector brushes are actually pixel brushes(7/10)
- Cannot merge vectors into one layer(5/10)
- Artboard layer management is confusing(5/10)
- No built-in templates or shape library(4/10)
Figma
- UI redesign moved features and broke workflows(7/10)
- Steep learning curve with frequent UI changes(6/10)
- Responsive design is a major headache(6/10)
Affinity Designer
- SVG and PDF export bugs(8/10)
- Frequent crashes on Windows(8/10)
- Intermittent interface bugs and focus issues(5/10)
Figma
- Figma Make (AI) constantly hallucinating and breaking designs(7/10)
- No true offline mode - internet always required(7/10)
- Service outages impact productivity(7/10)
Affinity Designer
- Slow performance with large or complex files(7/10)
Figma
- Large files cause severe performance issues and crashes(9/10)
- Prototypes have extremely long load times(7/10)
Affinity Designer
- Cannot export to Adobe Illustrator AI format(7/10)
Figma
- Limited print design capabilities - no CMYK or 300dpi export(5/10)
Affinity Designer
- iPad version has gesture conflicts(6/10)
Figma
No signals
Affinity Designer
- Concerns about Canva ownership and AI data usage(6/10)
Figma
No signals
Affinity Designer
- Updater requires manual download(3/10)
Figma
No signals
Affinity Designer
No signals
Figma
- Dev Mode requires separate paid seats - previously free(8/10)
- Unexpected seat charges and confusing billing(9/10)
- Organization and Enterprise plans very expensive(6/10)
Affinity Designer
No signals
Figma
- Woeful customer service and billing disputes(7/10)
Affinity Designer
No signals
Figma
- Limited font support and local font issues(4/10)
Pricing Comparison
Affinity Designer
Users: Unlimited
Storage: Local storage only
Limits: Must have Canva account, V1/V2 perpetual licenses no longer receive updates, AI features locked behind Canva Pro
Users: 1 user
Storage: 1TB cloud storage (Canva)
Limits: AI features require Canva ecosystem, data shared with Canva platform
Users: 1 user per platform
Storage: Local storage only
Limits: No longer sold, existing licenses work but won't receive new features, V2 Universal was $169.99
Figma
Users: Unlimited viewers
Storage: 3 Figma files, 3 FigJam files
Limits: 3 file limit per project, No team libraries, Limited version history, No audio conversations, No private projects
Users: Per editor/month
Storage: Unlimited files
Limits: No SSO/SAML, No centralized admin, No design system analytics, No dedicated support
Users: Per full seat/month (annual only)
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: No dedicated CSM, No custom contracts, No enhanced security features
Users: Per full seat/month (annual only)
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Requires sales engagement, Complex procurement, Long implementation timeline
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Affinity Designer | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| Vector editing Comprehensive vector tools | ||
| Raster/Pixel editing Via Pixel Persona | ||
| Image trace / Auto-trace Major missing feature | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time Collaboration Industry-leading, multiple cursors, live editing | ||
| Branching & Merging Organization plan and above | ||
| Version History 30 days on free, unlimited on paid | ||
| FigJam (Whiteboard) Included in all plans | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not available | ||
| Design Systems | ||
| Component Libraries Shared team libraries on paid plans | ||
| Variables & Tokens Design tokens, modes, themes | ||
| Design | ||
| Auto Layout Responsive components, padding, spacing | ||
| Prototyping Interactive prototypes, limited on free plan | ||
| Extensibility | ||
| Plugin/Extension support Not supported | ||
| Plugins Large ecosystem, community plugins | ||
| File Formats | ||
| Adobe AI file export Can open but not save | ||
| SVG export Some reported issues | ||
| PDF export Including PDF/X | ||
| Developer | ||
| Dev Mode Requires separate paid seats | ||
| Platforms | ||
| iPad version Full-featured | ||
| Windows version Some stability issues | ||
| Mac version Native Apple Silicon | ||
| Mobile App iOS and Android for viewing/commenting | ||
| Cloud Features | ||
| Cloud sync Local files only | ||
| Reliability | ||
| Offline Mode No true offline - basic editing only on open files | ||
| Export | ||
| CMYK Export RGB only, not suitable for print | ||
| 300dpi Export No high-res print export | ||
| Security | ||
| SSO/SAML Organization plan and above | ||
| Deployment | ||
| Self-Hosting Cloud-only, no on-premise option | ||
| AI | ||
| AI Features (Make) New feature, still unreliable | ||