Canva’s Affinity App Comes To iPad
Canva has announced that its redesigned Affinity app is coming to the iPad, bringing a range of photo editing tools to Apple’s tablets. Before Canva acquired Serif in 2024, Affinity Photo, Designer and Publisher were available as separate iPad applications. The new version combines everything into a single app, including the latest features from the desktop software. For photographers, this means access to RAW processing, advanced selections, retouching, compositing and layer-based editing without needing to switch between applications. The interface has also been redesigned specifically for touchscreens, meaning it is not just a copy of the desktop version.
One interesting addition is the new Mask Tool, which works with the Apple Pencil to make selecting difficult subjects easier. According to Canva, you can trace along complicated edges, including hair, fur and foliage, while the software helps identify the boundaries. The app also supports non-destructive editing, meaning adjustments, masks and retouching can be modified later without permanently changing the original photo. Effects such as motion blur and noise reduction can be applied directly on the iPad, while more complicated edits can be built using multiple layers. There is also support for Apple Pencil Pro features, including pressure sensitivity, tilt, barrel roll, squeeze and hover.
Beyond photography, Affinity includes vector illustration, typography and layout tools, alongside the new Sketch Studio for drawing and converting sketches into vector graphics. All core Affinity features are free for individual users, including photo editing, while certain additional AI tools require a paid Canva subscription.
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