Some time ago, we mentioned the Affinity software package from Serif in our magazine. It consists of three parts - image editing, graphics and layout programme - each powerful in its own right and widely praised. Instead of a subscription, as is the case with Adobe, for example, the package could be purchased for surprisingly favourable prices (€169.99 regular, offers from €99).
Last year, the company Serif was acquired by Canva; a new version of Affinity has been available completely free of charge since the end of the year. The predecessor already met professional requirements, but now the three individual programme components have been combined into a suite with greater integration.
Naturally, such programmes are quite complex and require a certain amount of familiarisation. However, anyone who has already worked with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and/or Indesign will quickly find their way around.
Anyone who takes photographs can use powerful image processing. An editorial note: If you send us pictures for possible publication, please send them to us as they come out of the camera - uncropped, unedited.
The graphics and drawing programme can be used in a variety of ways, for all kinds of labelling, model designs for lasering, illustrated system plans, such as those we show in the magazine from time to time, etc. Affinity is also used to create so-called artworks - the print templates for labelling our models at the Asian manufacturer.
