Migrating Your Adobe Projects to Free Affinity: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the recent acquisition of Affinity by Canva, users now have access to professional-grade design software comparable to Adobe Creative Cloud—without the associated costs. Affinity boasts an integrated platform that combines photo editing, vector graphics, and layout design all within a single interface. However, the transition from Adobe to Affinity involves some distinct technical differences. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to smoothly migrate your projects without any loss of data.

Preparing Your Archive for Migration

Before canceling your Adobe subscription, it’s vital to prepare your archive adequately. If your Adobe plan expires, you may lose the ability to save or export files as the apps revert to a restricted mode.

Begin by compiling a list of essential files you want to retain. Open each significant file at least once in the respective Adobe application, ensuring that all fonts, links, and embedded assets load correctly. This step is crucial, as files that haven’t been accessed for a while may open in Affinity as blank or flattened.

Additionally, utilize the Package feature to organize your project folders. Missing links are a common issue during migrations, especially when transferring from Illustrator or InDesign. By navigating to Package under the File menu, you can consolidate your document and associated assets into a cohesive folder.

After packaging, make sure to re-embed or relink any absent images prior to exporting. Note that Affinity can only import assets that are properly linked or embedded; exporting in formats like PSD, AI, or IDML will not rectify any broken links.

Lastly, create fallback copies by exporting files in the following formats: PSD -> TIFF (flattened), AI -> PDF, and INDD -> IDML. Save everything within a dedicated Migration folder for seamless access.

Importing Your PSD Designs into Affinity

Affinity’s Pixel Persona effectively opens PSD files, typically without issues. My experience indicates that layers, masks, blend modes, and most adjustment layers translate nearly identically. However, one downside is that smart objects are imported as embedded layers, which strips away Adobe’s smart filter function but retains the visual outcome.

Another issue to be aware of is potential discrepancies in color profiles between applications. If colors appear inaccurate post-import, navigate to Document -> Setup -> Convert ICC Profile. Ensure you revert to the original profile (e.g., Adobe RGB or your CMYK preset).During this process, always opt for Convert rather than Assign, and activate profile warnings in preferences to prevent future inconsistencies.

Transferring Your AI Designs into Affinity

Affinity can open AI files as long as they have PDF compatibility enabled. If your AI files were saved without this option, you may need to return to Illustrator for proper reconstruction.

To confirm compatibility, check the option labeled Create PDF Compatible File in the options dialog when saving your file.

In Illustrator, select File -> Save As and choose the .AI format, ensuring that the Create PDF Compatible File checkbox is selected.

Alternatively, you can export using a pure PDF format, which is highly compatible as a vector format. Even if your AI file has compatibility issues, a well-constructed PDF almost always imports seamlessly into Affinity, preserving your vector paths.

In my tests, while shapes, curves, and basic effects transferred well, certain complications arose with deeply layered clipping masks or complex live text on intricate paths, leading to possible distortions.

Migrating Your INDD Designs to Affinity

From my experience, InDesign files necessitate the most meticulous preparation. Affinity cannot directly process INDD files, so you must export each project to IDML using InDesign.

To do this, open your project in InDesign, go to File -> Export and select InDesign Markup (IDML).

After conversion, most layouts should open seamlessly. Core elements such as pages, master pages, linked images, and threaded text frames typically transfer without significant issues. However, potential pitfalls may lurk in complex features such as intricate text wrap rules, GREP styles, and certain multi-level paragraph styles that may not translate accurately.

Evaluating the Costs of Switching: Is It Worth It?

Transitioning away from Adobe does entail some compromises, particularly the loss of the integrated functionality that their ecosystem provides. Personally, I find that I miss certain features like Color Guides and Themes, along with the fonts I’ve accumulated over the years.

Additionally, some files from Illustrator and InDesign may require further adjustments post-import, which can be a source of stress. Nevertheless, these challenges are not insurmountable but do require dedicating time to thoroughly review your files.

Ultimately, the most significant advantage lies in cost savings. Affinity offers complete ownership of your projects, allowing for local accessibility without burdensome subscription fees.

For more insight into Affinity’s parent company, Canva, explore their suite of visual tools. If you’re in search of additional options, consider checking out various alternatives to Adobe Photoshop available today.

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