PSD Unlocked: Why the Affinity Announcement Changes Everything
The announcement is quite historic: since late 2025, Affinity has become free (driven by Canva) and has merged its three tools (Designer, Photo, and Publisher) into a single ultra-powerful application.
Breaking Free from the Adobe Ecosystem
For a long time, using the PSD format meant being “married” to Adobe. But the game has changed with the recent developments in the Affinity suite:
- Total Compatibility: Affinity Designer (now integrated into the single Affinity app) allows you to open, edit, and export PSD files with impressive fidelity. Layers, masks, and blend modes are fully preserved.
- PSD as a Bridge: Thanks to this openness, the PSD format becomes the “pivot format.” You can start a complex project in Photoshop and finish it in Affinity without any data loss.
- Democratization: With Affinity switching to a free model (via Canva), access to tools capable of handling PSD files is no longer reserved for those with a monthly subscription. It’s a victory for creative freedom!
- Smart Objects: Affinity now supports Photoshop’s “Smart Objects.” You can edit an imported element in a new tab, exactly as you would in the original software.
“The takeaway: Choosing the PSD format today isn’t about locking yourself into Adobe; it’s about choosing a universal format, from Photoshop to Affinity and even Canva.”
Here are 4 key points to know:
- A. The lowdown on “Fonts”: This is often the sticking point in transfers. “A quick heads-up: make sure you have the fonts installed on your system. While Photoshop uses Adobe Fonts (Cloud), Affinity requires .otf or .ttf files installed locally to maintain text editability.”
“In our shop, all flyers come with the fonts included. You’ll only need two clicks to install them on your system and use them in any software.”
- B. The “Mobile Tablet” Workflow: One of Affinity’s major strengths is its iPad version, which is identical to the Desktop version. You can start on Photoshop PC and finish on your iPad via Affinity with no loss of features.
The Switch:
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- Will you make the jump? Is the end of mandatory subscriptions the ultimate reason to leave the Adobe ship, or will you stay loyal to Firefly?
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- C. Smart Objects Detail: Affinity handles them with non-destructive editing. The import is seamless: edit, save, and the change reflects instantly in your overall composition.
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Head-to-Head: Photoshop vs. Affinity (2025 Version)
| Features | Adobe Photoshop | Affinity (by Canva) |
|---|---|---|
| PSD Management | Native Format (100% Compatibility). | Ultra-smooth PSD Open/Export. |
| Business Model | Monthly Subscription. | Completely Free. |
| AI | Advanced Adobe Firefly. | AI via Canva Pro. |
| Performance | Powerful but resource-heavy. | Modern, lightweight engine. |
✅ Choose Photoshop if you work in an agency or rely on very specific third-party plugins.
✅ Choose Affinity for a pro tool with no monthly fees or to easily collaborate via Canva.
Conclusion: Toward Borderless Creation
The PSD format is becoming a universal language. Whether you’re using a premium suite or a free tool, the barriers are coming down: your only limit is now your imagination. The future of creation is open, flexible, and above all, accessible to everyone.
“Want to dive deeper into the power of this format? Discover why the PSD remains the ultimate weapon for creative professionals and why it’s not going anywhere.”
🎁 3 Great Resources for Downloading Free PSD Templates
Here are three essential platforms to find high-quality PSD files (mockups, interfaces, illustrations):
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- GraphicBurger: The go-to reference for “Mockups.”
- Freebiebug: A goldmine for UI Kits.
- Pixeden: Technical resources to understand layer masks and complex effects.
“Now that you’ve mastered the tools, it’s time to put your designs to work! Learn how to create high-converting static image ads for social networks to boost your brand’s presence.”