Affinity for iPad all-in-one design app now available, free for individuals

Canva has launched Affinity for iPad, introducing its free all-in-one design application to Apple's tablet alongside a new Sketch Studio optimized for touch and Apple Pencil. This comes following the desktop app's relaunch last year, merging previously separate Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher apps into a single version for Mac and Windows.

Canva had announced an iPad version in 2026, and the desktop app has now garnered over seven million sign-ups. The iPad app integrates sketching, vector graphics, photo editing, and page layout into one interface, allowing users to seamlessly switch between Sketch, Vector, Pixel, and Layout studios within the same .af file, which is also compatible with desktop versions.

Sketch Studio offers freehand drawing with a customizable brush library, while converting hand-drawn forms into editable vector shapes. Photo tools include RAW editing, non-destructive adjustments, and a Mask Tool to trace complex edges like hair and fur using Apple Pencil. Layout tools facilitate multi-page documents, master pages, and print-ready output.

Designed specifically for iPad, the interface differs from the desktop app. Apple Pencil Pro support encompasses barrel roll, squeeze, and hover, along with pressure and tilt controls. Core tools are free for individuals, but a Canva account is needed to access the app. Only AI-driven features require a Canva premium payment plan, including Generative Expand, image upscaling, noise reduction, and Decompose Layer.

Despite some desktop features being absent at the launch, the iPad version remains compatible with iPadOS 18.0 or later. Affinity by Canva is available for free download on the App Store with in-app purchases.