Web-based design platform Canva takes a major step toward challenging Adobe’s dominance of the digital design industry with acquisition Affinity creative software suite. The recently announced acquisition gives Canva ownership of Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher, all popular applications for creative professionals on Windows, Mac and iPad.
Although official figures for the deal have not yet been disclosed, reports say it is worth hundreds of millions of pounds. The acquisition is in line with Canva’s strategy of reaching a broader audience, including creative professionals. Although Canva had approximately 170 million global monthly users as of January, Canva lacked products specifically targeted at professionals such as illustrators, photographers, and video editors—a gap that the Affinity suite fits perfectly.
Affinity’s creative software suite is one of the biggest competitors to Adobe’s creative suite.
For example, Affinity Designer 2 offers vector-based functionality similar to Adobe Illustrator, providing exciting opportunities for integration within the Canva platform.
Canva emphasizes its commitment to supporting designers of all skill levels and acknowledges the importance of catering to professional designers and its core user base. With more than 3 million users worldwide, the Affinity app’s one-time purchase model with no subscription fees is particularly attractive to those looking for an alternative to Adobe’s subscription-based ecosystem.
While Canva plans to keep the Affinity app autonomous, some minor integrations are expected to be made over time. With the addition of Affinity and its UK team, Canva solidifies its position to compete with Adobe in the wider creative software market.
Given Canva’s existing appeal to creatives with its user-friendly interface, the acquisition presents a viable opportunity to attract professionals who are disenchanted with Adobe’s subscription model.
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