Affinity vs Laidout

Affinity is a desktop creative app combining vector design, pixel editing and page layout in one application. Individuals can use its Pixel, Vector and Layout tools without payment or tool restrictions, and the free plan includes export tools and Canva integration. A free Canva account is required to download and use Affinity; Canva premium is needed for Canva AI tools inside the app. It runs on Windows and macOS and is optimized for Apple silicon and Intel on macOS. Imported PSD, AI, IDML and DWG files can retain their layers and structure. Finished assets can be exported to Canva for live collaboration and campaigns, while designs can be imported into Cavalry for animation. After download and license activation, Affinity can be used offline. Help, lessons, stock libraries, Canva integrations and AI tools require an internet connection. The app can be installed on as many devices as desired, and the site says it will receive free updates. An iPad version is being built, with no release date announced.

Laidout is free Linux desktop publishing software for arranging pages into folded print layouts, including book signatures, accordion folds and polyhedron nets. It also supports single pages and can help arrange posters for printers limited to small sheets. Its graphics objects include paths, ellipses, rounded rectangles, gradients, point sets, color meshes, warped images and captions. Laidout imports SVG, images, Scribus files and OFF polyhedra; PDF pages can be imported as rendered images, though PDF page import for reimposition is under development. Export options include PDF, SVG, Scribus, images, HTML galleries, Podofoimpose plan files, Page Atlas images and PostScript. Command-line use supports batch import, reimposition and export without opening a window. Laidout is released under GPL 3.0. The homepage identifies version 0.097 and says the stable release is old, suggesting a development snapshot or compiling from source where possible. Proper color management has not been a development priority; the FAQ suggests exporting to Scribus for that work.