Affinity Designer 2.6 stands as a formidable vector graphics editor that fundamentally changes how creative professionals approach digital art. By seamlessly merging vector path definitions with pixel-based texturing in a single workspace, this software eliminates the need to constantly switch between different applications for layout and photo manipulation. Developed by Serif (now under Canva), it delivers a fluid, high-performance environment optimized for modern Windows hardware, allowing artists to execute complex illustrations with precision and speed.
Key Features
- Persona Switching: Instantly toggle between the Vector Persona for crisp line work and the Pixel Persona for applying raster textures and brush strokes without ever leaving the document.
- Advanced Pencil Tool: The 2025 update introduces intelligent auto-close options (Near, Far, or Always) and improved smoothing algorithms, making freehand vector sketching feel more natural and requiring less post-correction.
- AI-Powered Object Selection: New machine learning capabilities on Windows allow users to isolate subjects and complex shapes from pixel layers with a single click, significantly speeding up composite workflows.
- One Million Percent Zoom: Navigate artwork with incredible fluidity at 60fps, supporting zoom levels up to 1,000,000% for pixel-perfect accuracy on even the most intricate architectural plans or icon designs.
- Non-Destructive Operations: Apply Boolean operations, adjustments, and filter effects that remain fully editable, giving designers the freedom to experiment without permanently altering their original shapes.
- Windows Optimization: Built to utilize hardware acceleration on Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring instant rendering of massive documents containing thousands of curves and layers.
Use Cases
This application is the primary choice for UI/UX designers creating scalable interfaces, illustrators who need to blend clean lines with organic textures, and branding specialists developing logos that must work across various media formats. It specifically targets professionals who require the technical precision of engineering tools combined with the artistic freedom of a digital canvas.
With its unique ability to handle hybrid design workflows and a commitment to professional-grade performance without subscription barriers, Affinity Designer remains a superior choice for creators seeking total control over their digital output.
Version 2.6 — 2025
- Added new Pencil Tool enhancements, including a smoothness slider for real-time path simplification and configurable "Auto-Close" behavior (Near/Far) for better shape control.
- Added a Search Bar to the Brushes panel, allowing for quicker access to specific raster and vector brushes.
- Added Machine Learning Object Selection (Pixel Persona), enabling rapid isolation of subjects and objects within images.
- Improved the Color Picker Tool workflow; sampled colors are now applied immediately to the selection without requiring a secondary click.
- Improved performance of the Stroke Width Tool, offering more precise pressure profile adjustments directly on the canvas.
- Fixed an issue where the Pencil Tool would generate excessive nodes during fast strokes, ensuring cleaner vector paths.
- Fixed various stability issues related to variable font rendering and expanded canvas operations.
