Canva has launched Affinity for iPad, bringing photo editing, vector design, page layout and sketching into one app with free core tools for individual users.
Announced on 2 November 2026, the release expands Affinity’s unified creative software to Apple’s tablet, giving designers, photographers and illustrators a workspace built for touch and Apple Pencil. Affinity says an iPad version was its most requested addition following the launch of the revamped desktop app.
The app allows users to move between different creative tasks while keeping their work in a single project file. A designer could sketch a logo, refine it as vector artwork, edit accompanying photographs and assemble a layout without transferring the project between separate applications.
A new Sketch Studio provides a dedicated drawing space, while photo-editing capabilities include RAW processing, masks, retouching and non-destructive adjustments. Page-layout tools support projects such as brochures, lookbooks and longer publications.
The pricing model is central to the release. Individuals can access the core Sketch, Vector, Pixel and Layout tools using a free Canva account. Canva AI Studio, which includes features for tasks such as background removal and image enhancement, requires a premium Canva plan.
For independent creatives and small businesses already using an iPad, the launch could lower the software costs associated with producing promotional graphics, editing images and preparing documents for print.
Affinity also supports working on the same native files across desktop and iPad. However, the tablet edition does not include every desktop feature at launch. Among the omissions listed by the company are Data Merge, macro recording and Astrophotography Studio, with further additions planned over time.
The app supports importing formats including PSD, PDF and SVG, although some advanced elements in files from other design software may require adjustment.
Affinity for iPad is available through the App Store, with a Canva account required to sign in. The company says the app will receive free updates and additional features.
