Affinity vs SVGSketch

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.

SVGSketch is a browser-based editor for drawing and editing SVG paths, then exporting scalable vector graphics. Its path tools include anchor nodes and handles, direct editing of path data, and cubic and quadratic Bézier curves. A vectorizer traces raster images into editable SVG paths, while a keyframe timeline supports animation exports in browser-native SMIL without a JavaScript runtime. The editor imports Illustrator, EPS, and PDF files as editable vector documents. Free export formats include SVG, PNG, JPEG, WebP, ICO, and HTML; additional formats are listed for Pro. Plugins support workflows such as charts, maps, LaTeX, barcodes, flowcharts, chemistry, and music notation. Developers can use a TypeScript SDK and CLI to build, validate, render, convert, and generate code from documents. The Free plan costs nothing and includes local editing without an account, with limited cloud storage. Pro costs $9 a month and adds real-time collaboration, expanded cloud storage, document history, and priority support. When used without signing in, artwork stays in browser storage and is not uploaded to SVGSketch servers.