# Adobe Illustrator vs Affinity Photo

**Leader by vioscaleAI score:** Affinity Photo

| Attribute | Adobe Illustrator | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| **vioscaleAI score** | 34.8 (38% (low)) | 68.7 (54% (medium)) |
| content.faq | - | `[{"answer":"An image editor available at no cost, offering photo adjustment, raw file processing, and unlimited-layer composition. It imports Photoshop files with editable structure intact and supports real-time collaborative workflows. It is indexed under Design & Creative Software.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"What is Affinity Photo?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Affinity Photo offers a free tier, so you can start without paying. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"Is Affinity Photo free?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Affinity Photo supports Windows and macOS. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"What platforms does Affinity Photo support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have independently confirmed GDPR for Affinity Photo. Certifications we do not list are ones we have not been able to verify from public sources, which is not the same as Affinity Photo not holding them. Always confirm compliance directly before you rely on it.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/de/privacy/","question":"What security certifications does Affinity Photo have?","confidence":0.7},{"answer":"Affinity Photo is available worldwide. The vendor is headquartered in the United Kingdom.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"Where is Affinity Photo available?","confidence":0.75}]` |
| deployment.options | `{"cloud":true}` | - |
| description.long | - | An image editor available at no cost, offering photo adjustment, raw file processing, and unlimited-layer composition. It imports Photoshop files with editable structure intact and supports real-time collaborative workflows. Features pixel manipulation, vector design, and layout tools in one customizable application with automated batch operations. |
| features.capabilities | `{"generative_ai":true,"platform_breadth":"Part of Adobe Creative Cloud","vector_illustration":true}` | `{"dtp_layout":true,"generative_ai":true,"pricing_model":"freemium","psd_ai_import":true,"free_available":true,"raster_editing":true,"vector_editing":true,"realtime_collab":true,"digital_painting":true,"platform_breadth":"macOS, Windows, iOS","vector_illustration":true,"realtime_collaboration":true}` |
| integrations.count | - | 2 |
| integrations.list | - | `[{"name":"Photoshop","native":true,"category":"design","direction":"bidirectional"},{"name":"Canva","native":true,"category":"design","direction":"bidirectional"}]` |
| market.availability | - | `{"hqCountry":"GB","primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` |
| platform.support | - | `{"mac":true,"windows":true}` |
| pricing | `{"type":"subscription","currency":"USD","freeTier":false,"sourceUrl":"https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html","retrievedAt":"2026-08-01T14:17:53.316Z"}` | `{"type":"free","plans":[{"free":true,"name":"Affinity","summary":"Completely free with no restrictions or payment required","features":["RAW development","Photo retouching","HDR merge","Focus merge","Astrophotography stacking","Batch processing","Macros","Unlimited layers","PSD import with layer fidelity","Pixel studio","Vector studio","Layout studio","Customizable workspace","Free updates with new features"],"components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":0,"currency":"USD"}],"description":"Full photo editing suite with all tools included","contactSales":false}],"summary":"Completely free. Optional Canva AI tools available with premium Canva subscription.","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","retrievedAt":"2026-09-04T16:00:51.799Z"}` |
| pricing.free_tier | no | yes |
| pricing.model | commercial | free |
| pricing.price_level | unknown | free |
| pricing.transparent | no | yes |
| reliability.status_page | yes | - |
| security.disclosure_policy | yes | - |
| security.gdpr | - | yes |

## Capabilities (Design & Creative Software)

| Capability | Adobe Illustrator | Affinity Photo |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Discipline** |  |  |
| Raster / photo editing | - | ✓ |
| Vector illustration | ✓ | ✓ |
| DTP / page layout | - | ✓ |
| Digital painting | - | ✓ |
| **Platform** |  |  |
| Platform breadth | Part of Adobe Creative Cloud | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| **Output** |  |  |
| CMYK / print production | - | - |
| **Interoperability** |  |  |
| PSD / AI import | - | ✓ |
| **Collaboration** |  |  |
| Real-time collaboration / cloud | - | ✓ |
| **AI** |  |  |
| Generative AI features | ✓ | ✓ |
| **Extensibility** |  |  |
| Plugin / template ecosystem | - | - |
| **Pricing** |  |  |
| Pricing model | - | Freemium |
| Free / open-source available | - | ✓ |

*Source: vioscaleAI. Generated 2026-10-16T20:59:21.115Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*