There is a new version of Affinity which ALDC and the Campaigns and Elections team at the Liberal Democrats have moved to for creating all new literature templates. We will no longer be designing templates using “Affinity Publisher” (also known as Affinity 1).
The new version, (which we’ll refer to as Affinity by Canva or Affinity 3) is free to download and use. You can download it for both Windows and Mac here: https://www.affinity.studio
Here’s what you need to know:
- Is Affinity 3 actually free?
Yes. Affinity 3 is free to download. You will need to set up a free Canva account to gain access to it. Canva are generating revenue by offering integration between it’s namesake design and publishing tool with Affinity, offering cross-platform tools, stock imagery and AI features. In other words, if you have a Canva premium account you pay for, you’ll be able to do even more with Affinity 3. But the free version has all the capabilities you need and are familiar with. - Will I be able to open Affinity 3 files produced by ALDC on my Affinity 1 or 2 programme?
No. While Affinity 3 can open Affinity 1 and 2 files, Affinity 3 files are not compatible with either of the earlier versions of Affinity Publisher. You will not be able to open new templates that either ALDC or Lib Dem HQ produce after May 2026. - Why are ALDC moving to Affinity 3?
The two major reasons are: (a) ALDC want to be consistent with HQ to avoid confusion about the platforms and software the party’s members should be using, and (b) Affinity 1 and 2 are no longer available to purchase or download. For new local, regional or HQ/ALDC staff, it’s not possible for them to produce templates for local campaigners using Affinity 1 or 2 now.
Affinity 3 is also more advanced, with more features, like the ability to produce QR codes, insert hyperlinks and conduct mail merges, as well as access all three of Affinity’s “personas” for free (more on that later down). It’s more stable and less prone to crashing.
We avoided a wholesale move to Affinity 2 when it came out in 2022, as the party had just adopted Affinity 1 in 2020 and did not want to force our members to pay to upgrade. As Affinity 3 is free, and Affinity 1 is now 12 years old, it’s a good time for an upgrade. - How different is Affinity 3 from 1 and 2?
The user interface is generally quite similar, but the change is bigger between 2 and 3 than it was between 1 and 2. One setting you need to make sure you have selected when you first open the application is “Layout”.
“Layout” is the “persona” that is equivalent to “Publisher” in Affinity 1 and 2 which we use to design leaflets.
Affinity offer alternative personas called “Pixel” (the purple coloured persona that used to be known as “Photo”) which is used for advanced photo editing and “Vector” (the blue coloured persona that used to be known as “Designer”) which is used for creating illustrations.
Having the “Layout” setting selected means you’re experience will be as familiar to the original Affinity 1 and 2 as possible.
Will ALDC be providing training for using Affinity 3?
While there are no plans currently to provide webinars or recorded video tutorials, we will be offering regular, comprehensive training on Affinity 3 at our June Affinity Weekend training courses.
Our 2026 Affinity Weekend sign up page is here: https://www.aldc.org/2026/02/affinity-weekend-26-28-june-2026/
There are basic video tutorials/advice articles which Canva have created to help you navigate your way around the basics: https://www.affinity.studio/blog/affinity-essentials